The Greatest Matches in NFL London History
The NFL London Games have produced some unforgettable encounters since the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in the first regular-season game played at Wembley Stadium in October 2007.
Almost two decades later, London has become a regular destination on the NFL calendar, with Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium welcoming some of American football’s biggest teams and players. From dramatic last-second field goals to remarkable comebacks, British NFL fans have witnessed plenty of memorable moments.
The 2026 NFL London Games added two more outstanding contests to that history, with the Jacksonville Jaguars involved in dramatic finishes against both the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
With that in mind, we take a look back at some of the greatest NFL matches ever played in London.
The NFL London Games have produced some unforgettable encounters since the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in the first regular
Detroit Lions 22-21 Atlanta Falcons (2014)
26 October 2014 | Wembley Stadium
The Detroit Lions produced one of the greatest comebacks in NFL London history when they overturned a 21-point half-time deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley.
Atlanta dominated the opening two quarters, with quarterback Matt Ryan helping the Falcons establish a commanding 21-0 lead. However, Detroit responded after the interval, with Matthew Stafford throwing two touchdown passes as the Lions fought their way back into contention.
The decisive moment arrived in the final seconds when Detroit kicker Matt Prater missed a 43-yard field goal attempt, only for a delay-of-game penalty to give him another opportunity. Prater converted from 48 yards to complete a remarkable 22-21 victory.
The comeback remains one of the most memorable performances in the history of the London Games.
Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 Buffalo Bills (2015)
25 October 2015 | Wembley Stadium
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills produced a seven-touchdown contest at Wembley in 2015, with Jacksonville eventually securing their first NFL victory on British soil.
The Jaguars appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory after establishing a 27-3 lead during the first half, capitalising on several costly mistakes from Buffalo quarterback EJ Manuel.
However, the Bills responded with 28 unanswered points, completing an extraordinary turnaround to lead 31-27 during the final quarter.
Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles then found Allen Hurns for a touchdown with just over two minutes remaining, restoring the Jaguars’ advantage and securing a 34-31 victory.
It was one of the first London Games to feature such a dramatic series of lead changes, and helped establish Jacksonville’s reputation for producing entertaining matches in the capital.
Minnesota Vikings 34-27 Pittsburgh Steelers (2013)
29 September 2013 | Wembley Stadium
The Minnesota Vikings recorded their first victory of the 2013 NFL season with an entertaining 34-27 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Wembley.
Running back Adrian Peterson delivered one of the finest individual performances seen in London, rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 60-yard run. Wide receiver Greg Jennings also contributed two touchdowns as Minnesota established a commanding advantage.
However, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger kept the Steelers in contention, throwing for 383 yards as his side fought back to within seven points.
The Steelers reached Minnesota’s six-yard line in the closing seconds, but Everson Griffen sacked Roethlisberger and forced a fumble to secure the Vikings’ victory in front of more than 83,000 spectators.
Los Angeles Chargers 20-19 Tennessee Titans (2018)
21 October 2018 | Wembley Stadium
A dramatic final-minute decision from Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel provided one of the most memorable finishes in NFL London history.
The Los Angeles Chargers had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, with quarterback Philip Rivers producing an impressive passing performance that included a 75-yard touchdown to Tyrell Williams.
However, Tennessee refused to concede defeat, with quarterback Marcus Mariota leading an 89-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes. His one-yard pass to Luke Stocker brought the Titans within a single point with just 31 seconds remaining.
Rather than attempt the extra point to force overtime, Vrabel opted for a two-point conversion to win the match. Mariota’s pass was broken up by the Chargers’ defence, allowing Los Angeles to hold on for a narrow 20-19 victory.
Oakland Raiders 24-21 Chicago Bears (2019)
6 October 2019 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The first NFL match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium delivered a memorable contest as the Oakland Raiders defeated the Chicago Bears 24-21.
Oakland established a 17-0 half-time lead before Chicago responded with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, leaving the Raiders facing defeat in the inaugural NFL fixture at the venue.
However, quarterback Derek Carr led Oakland on a remarkable 97-yard touchdown drive during the fourth quarter. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs completed the comeback with a two-yard touchdown run to restore the Raiders’ advantage.
The victory was a fitting introduction to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s NFL facilities, which have since hosted regular-season matches involving some of the league’s biggest teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars 23-20 Miami Dolphins (2021)
17 October 2021 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Jacksonville Jaguars ended a 20-game losing streak with a dramatic 23-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins in October 2021.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had been selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was searching for his first professional victory when Jacksonville arrived in London.
Miami held a 20-17 advantage during the fourth quarter, but Jaguars kicker Matthew Wright levelled the contest with a 54-yard field goal.
With the scores tied and the game entering its final seconds, Wright stepped forward again and converted from 53 yards to secure Jacksonville’s first victory of the season.
The result also marked Lawrence’s first NFL win, making the encounter a significant moment in the quarterback’s career.
Minnesota Vikings 28-25 New Orleans Saints (2022)
2 October 2022 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Few NFL London Games have produced a finish quite like the Minnesota Vikings’ 28-25 victory over the New Orleans Saints in 2022.
The two teams exchanged scores throughout an entertaining contest, with Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing for 273 yards and Saints quarterback Andy Dalton helping New Orleans remain competitive.
Saints kicker Will Lutz converted a 60-yard field goal to bring the scores level at 25-25 late in the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota responded through Greg Joseph, whose 47-yard field goal restored the Vikings’ advantage with just 24 seconds remaining.
New Orleans managed to move into position for one final opportunity, leaving Lutz with a 61-yard attempt to send the match into overtime.
His kick struck the upright before bouncing against the crossbar and falling short, producing the famous double-doink finish that secured Minnesota’s victory.
New York Giants 27-22 Green Bay Packers (2022)
9 October 2022 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Green Bay Packers made their long-awaited NFL London debut in October 2022, but Aaron Rodgers and his teammates suffered a surprise 27-22 defeat against the New York Giants.
Green Bay established a 20-10 half-time advantage, with Rodgers throwing two touchdown passes to put the Packers in control.
However, New York quarterback Daniel Jones helped inspire a second-half comeback despite playing with an ankle injury. The Giants scored 17 unanswered second-half points, with Saquon Barkley running in the decisive touchdown during the fourth quarter.
Rodgers had an opportunity to rescue the game, but the Giants’ defence stopped Green Bay near the goal line to complete an impressive victory.
It was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the London Games, particularly given Rodgers’ reputation as one of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks.
Minnesota Vikings 21-17 Cleveland Browns (2025)
5 October 2025 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Minnesota Vikings continued their impressive record in London with a last-minute victory over the Cleveland Browns in October 2025.
Cleveland looked set to secure the win after establishing a 17-14 lead, with rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel making his first NFL start and delivering two touchdown passes.
However, Minnesota quarterback Carson Wentz led an 80-yard drive in the closing three minutes, completing nine consecutive passes during the decisive possession.
Wentz eventually found wide receiver Jordan Addison for a 12-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds remaining, securing a 21-17 victory for the Vikings.
Addison’s winning contribution was particularly notable after he had been benched for the opening quarter following a missed team walk-through earlier in the week.
Jacksonville Jaguars 19-17 Philadelphia Eagles (2026)
11 October 2026 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The 2026 NFL London Games produced another extraordinary finish as the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 19-17 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Jaguars appeared to have secured victory when Trevor Lawrence connected with Parker Washington for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
However, Philadelphia responded through kicker Jake Elliott, whose 48-yard field goal put the Eagles ahead 17-16 with just eight seconds remaining.
Jacksonville still had time for one final opportunity. Ameer Abdullah returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards, leaving one second on the clock and giving kicker Cam Little a chance to win the match.
Little converted a remarkable 57-yard field goal to secure a 19-17 victory, completing one of the most dramatic finishes in NFL London history.
The match also made NFL history as the first game of the Super Bowl era in which both teams recorded go-ahead scores during the final ten seconds of the fourth quarter.
Houston Texans 34-31 Jacksonville Jaguars (2026)
18 October 2026 | Wembley Stadium
Just seven days after their extraordinary victory over Philadelphia, the Jacksonville Jaguars were involved in another thrilling contest as the Houston Texans secured a 34-31 win at Wembley.
Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdown passes, while Houston’s C.J. Stroud recorded three of his own in an entertaining AFC South divisional encounter.
The Jaguars trailed late in the fourth quarter before Travis Hunter intercepted Stroud in the end zone. Jacksonville kicker Cam Little then converted an impressive 60-yard field goal to level the scores at 31-31 with less than two minutes remaining.
However, Houston responded with a final scoring drive that allowed Ka’imi Fairbairn to attempt a 49-yard field goal as time expired.
Fairbairn made no mistake, securing a 34-31 victory for the Texans and delivering another memorable conclusion to an NFL London fixture.
The contest completed an outstanding fortnight of NFL action in the capital, with Jacksonville having been involved in two particularly entertaining matches in consecutive weeks.
The Future of the NFL London Games
Since the inaugural fixture in 2007, the NFL London Games have developed into an established part of the league’s international calendar.
Wembley has welcomed regular-season NFL games for almost two decades, while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become another major venue for American football in the capital since hosting its first fixture in 2019.
Both stadiums have witnessed historic individual performances, remarkable comebacks and numerous matches decided in the closing seconds.
With interest in American football continuing across the United Kingdom, future London fixtures will offer further opportunities for supporters to watch some of the NFL’s leading teams and players.
For fans looking to experience the action in premium surroundings, Eventmasters offers exclusive NFL London hospitality experiences, with access to premium seating and hospitality facilities at some of the capital’s leading sporting venues.
Supporters can explore the latest NFL London hospitality opportunities and enquire about future events with Eventmasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first NFL London Game played?
The first regular-season NFL London Game took place on 28 October 2007, when the New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10 at Wembley Stadium.
Which stadiums have hosted NFL games in London?
Three stadiums have hosted NFL regular-season games in London: Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Wembley hosted the first fixture in 2007, Twickenham staged its first game in 2016 and Tottenham welcomed the NFL for the first time in 2019.
What is the greatest comeback in NFL London history?
One of the most impressive comebacks occurred in 2014 when the Detroit Lions overturned a 21-0 half-time deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 at Wembley, thanks to Matt Prater’s last-second field goal.
Which NFL team has played the most games in London?
The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the record for the most regular-season NFL games played in London. The franchise has regularly featured in the International Series, including playing consecutive matches in the capital during several seasons.
Will the NFL return to London in 2027?
The NFL has a long-term presence in London, with Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium established as major venues for its international fixtures. The exact 2027 London matchups and dates are subject to official announcement.
