Recapping the 2024 NFL London games
Another year of NFL London has come and gone, with plenty of action unfolding across the pond in the UK.
The NFL’s 2024 return to London marked another step in its global expansion, continuing a tradition that began in 2007. Since then, the popularity of these London games has surged, with UK fans eager to experience American football live.
For UK fans, the London games are an invaluable chance to watch some of the NFL’s best players and most storied franchises in action without crossing the Atlantic.
Wembley Stadium and the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have become the prime venues for hosting these thrilling games, attracting crowds of enthusiastic fans and newcomers to the sport alike, with the atmosphere replicating the best American football crowds, and NFL betting odds just as unpredictable.
This season’s three exciting matchups showcased the growing importance of international fixtures as the league eyes further European locations, while also making its debut in the likes of Brazil this season. Here, we recap the events of last month’s NFL London games.
New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings edged out the New York Jets in a nail-biting 23-17 victory, denying Aaron Rodgers a comeback win in front of 60,000 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Vikings entered the game undefeated and immediately showed their intent, surging to a 17-0 lead and putting Rodgers and the Jets’ offence under immense pressure.
Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, connected with Garrett Wilson just before halftime, sparking hope of a revival as the rain poured over London.
In the fourth quarter, Rodgers again threw a touchdown to Wilson, narrowing the deficit to 20-17 with six minutes on the clock. However, Minnesota responded with a crucial field goal, forcing the Jets to chase a touchdown in the dying moments.
With less than a minute left, the Vikings’ defence thwarted Rodgers’ final push, intercepting him in the red zone for the third time that day. Minnesota’s unbeaten streak continued, lifting them to 5-0, while the Jets fell to 2-3.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears
In the second London game, Chicago’s rookie quarterback Caleb Williams dazzled fans with a stellar performance, leading the Chicago Bears to a 35-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Williams, the top draft pick this year, threw four touchdown passes, outshining Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence.
Williams connected twice with tight end Cole Kmet in the first half, building a 14-3 halftime lead, and added two more touchdown passes to Keenan Allen in the second half.
Lawrence managed two touchdowns to Gabe Davis, but the Jaguars couldn’t catch up. The Bears improved their season record to 4-2, while Jacksonville fell to 1-5.
New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The final game of the 2024 London series saw the Jaguars return to action on British soil, mounting a remarkable comeback to secure a 32-16 victory over the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium.
Entering the game in disappointing form under Dough Pederson, the Jaguars had already endured a tough loss in London but were determined to put things right.
The Patriots, also struggling with a 1-5 record, initially took a 10-0 lead. However, Lawrence orchestrated a spirited comeback with touchdowns from Brian Thomas Jr. and Tank Bigsby, putting the Jaguars ahead.
Parker Washington’s stunning 96-yard punt return just before halftime further extended Jacksonville’s lead, capped by a two-point conversion.
Although the Patriots added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Jacksonville’s win helped ease the pressure and left fans hopeful that the team’s season might still turn around in the AFC, currently 2-8 at the time of writing.
