Ranking NFL international series by game: Pats-Lions, divisional showdowns highlight record slate

Since head coaches Sean McVay (Rams) and Kyle Shanahan (49ers) were both hired in 2017, San Francisco leads the series 10-7, with Los Angeles winning the lone playoff meeting and four of the past five in the regular season. Both teams have also performed well in international games, with the Rams winning three consecutive and averaging 30.7 points per game during the span. The Niners, meanwhile, are 3-0 all-time, putting both streaks on the line.

3. Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 6 • Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network - London)

Another game pitting divisional foes who made the postseason last season, this could have an early playoff atmosphere considering its potential importance to the AFC South standings. The Jaguars have made London something of a second home over the years. 

They will begin a two-week UK home stand against the Texans, who used a thrilling come-from-behind 2025 Week 10 win over Jacksonville to kick-start a 10-game win streak, reaching the AFC divisional round after beginning the season 0-3. One can only hope the upcoming Week 6 game resembles that more than Houston's most recent London game, when it blew out Jacksonville, 26-3, in 2019.

4. Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys (Week 3 • Sept. 27, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS - Brazil)

After two games in Sao Paulo, the NFL's Brazil series shifts to Rio de Janeiro, where two of last year's most disappointing teams look to capture an early statement win. While the Ravens and Cowboys failed to make the playoffs in 2025, both have the talent to be factors in the hunt this year. Per ESPN, Baltimore is even favored to win the AFC.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn't lost to Dallas in two previous games, with the most recent in 2024, when Baltimore raced out to a 28-6 road lead before holding on for a 28-25 win. The Cowboys and Ravens don't often play abroad, combining for three international games heading into this season, making this a treat for the Brazilian audience.

5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 5 • Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network - London)

Another quality matchup, Eagles-Jaguars (colloquially known as the Doug Pederson Bowl), is a third international series game pitting two 2025 playoff teams against each other. Both teams have questions entering 2026; however, with Philadelphia's offense a curiosity, with wide receiver A.J. Brown's trade situation unresolved. 

How will the Eagles look if he is ultimately dealt? What does the inconsistent unit do under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion, the team's fifth in as many seasons?

The Jags lost key contributors on offense (running back Travis Etienne Jr.) and defense (cornerback Greg Newsome II, linebacker Devin Lloyd) in free agency, and how quickly they fill those holes will be key to their AFC South repeat bid. This game will provide an early status report.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 7 • Oct. 25, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network - France)

This game could be lower if Aaron Rodgers retires, but both teams could find themselves in the playoff hunt. Pittsburgh won the AFC North last year, while the Saints are trending up under second-year coach Kellen Moore, who ranks fourth in Coach of the Year odds. 

They play in the winnable NFC South, which sent the 8-9 Carolina Panthers to the playoffs in 2025 (h/t ESPN). Moore also served as Steelers coach Mike McCarthy's offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys for three seasons before being fired in 2023, adding fuel to the midseason tilt.

7. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons (Week 9 • Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network - Spain)

The offensive firepower when the Bengals and Falcons meet will be a sight to behold. From Bengals wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to Falcons wideout Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson, this could certainly turn into a track meet. 

But fewer teams have been less than the sum of their parts than the Bengals and Falcons in recent years, giving us trepidation that this game will be as good as it looks on paper.

8. Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (Week 4 • Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network - London)

The Colts and Commanders were surprise stories the past two seasons, as Washington made an unexpected run to the NFC Championship Game in 2024 and Indianapolis played like the best team in the AFC for more than half of 2025 before ending the year on a seven-game losing streak.

Indy's uncertain quarterback situation — Daniel Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles — makes the early season game less enticing, as does Jayden Daniels' durability concerns after missing 10 games due to multiple injuries last year.

9. Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers (Week 11 • Nov. 22, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC - Mexico)

The 49ers get a long break between international games, with their last also the final of the 2026 slate. The Vikings are a much less compelling opponent than the Rams, however, after a disappointing 2025 and offseason roster teardown. Perhaps free-agent quarterback Kyler Murray will surprise and have Minnesota in the playoff hunt, but that's not a bet we'd be comfortable making.