What's Happening?
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings are set to make history by playing the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Dublin, Ireland. The game is scheduled for Sunday and will be broadcast on the NFL Network with a kickoff time of 9:30 a.m. ET. Joe Davis will provide the play-by-play commentary, while Greg Olsen will serve as the game analyst. Both teams enter the game with identical 2-1 records, having won their first and third games of the season and lost their second. This game marks the beginning of a two-game international stint for the Vikings, who will face the Cleveland Browns in London the following week. Aaron Rodgers, in his first season with the Steelers, is familiar with the Vikings from his time with the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Vikings will start Carson Wentz at quarterback due to an injury to J.J. McCarthy.
Why It's Important?
This game represents a significant milestone for the NFL as it continues to expand its international presence. By hosting a regular-season game in Dublin, the league is tapping into a new market and potentially broadening its fan base in Europe. For the teams involved, it offers a unique opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage, which could lead to increased global recognition and support. The game also highlights the NFL's strategy of growing the sport beyond traditional American borders, which could have long-term implications for the league's global reach and revenue streams.
What's Next?
Following the game in Dublin, the Minnesota Vikings will continue their international tour by playing against the Cleveland Browns in London. The NFL's international series is expected to continue expanding, with more games likely to be scheduled in various countries in the coming years. This could lead to increased opportunities for teams to engage with international fans and for the league to explore new markets. The success of these games could influence future decisions regarding the locations and frequency of international NFL games.
