For over a decade now, there has been talk about potential international expansion within the NFL, with the UK, Canada, and Mexico touted as potential destinations for a new franchise. The trigger has yet to be pulled on any such deal and the logistics make it hard to imagine that it will ever happen. That said, the continuation of the NFL International Series suggests that the possibility is not totally dead. Last season, it was no real surprise to see international games taken off the table, but this season they are back, with a pair of games set to go in London. The Jacksonville Jaguars will be there, as part of their deal to play at least one home game in London every year, as will the Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, all teams that have previously played in London. Let’s take a look at the dates of these games and how they might play out so you can start planning your bets against their NFL odds.
2021 NFL Games at London Analysis
New York Jets Vs Atlanta Falcons
The first of the two London games will take place in Week 5 of the NFL season, which is October 10. The Jets last played across the pond in 2015, picking up a 27-14 win over the Miami Dolphins. This season, they will be heading into this game with a shiny new QB in Zach Wilson and the hope that they are ready to turn the corner after a run that has seen them become a bit of a laughingstock in the league.
The Falcons made their lone appearance in London in 2014, losing 22-21 to the Detroit Lions. While the Falcons are not in a position as dire as that of the Jets, they have been slumping in recent years and have not looked good since blowing a huge lead to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. A new head coach means a bit of a rebuild, so we are not really sure what to expect from them.
Neither of these teams look ready to set the world on fire, but a win in a game that is always a popular draw could give them a nice boost to build on.
Miami Dolphins Vs Jacksonville Jaguars
This is not a matchup that sets hearts afire, but this season might be different. We have a pair of exciting young QBs set to start in Week 6 of the season. The Dolphins will be hoping that Tua Tagovailoa can recapture some of what he showed when he led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a National Championship. He has had some nice moments with the Dolphins, but he is still a work in progress. The Dolphins are 1-3 in international games.
Everyone assumed that top pick Trevor Lawrence would be the starter for the Jaguars this season, but he only just landed that spot after delivering a magnificent performance in the final preseason game of the year. This is a kid with a ton of upside, and while he won’t make the Jags a competitor right now, he is the foundation that they can build on. The Jaguars have gone 3-4 in their 7 international appearances.
If the Dolphins are to challenge for a playoff spot this season, this is a game that they really need to win.
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