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NFL Power Shift: Which Teams Are Real Playoff Contenders in 2025?

Garth Kenny — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:11:45 +0000

The shifting dynamics of the 2025 NFL season are reshaping the playoff landscape.

Some franchises are building steady momentum, while others are consistently demonstrating resilience.

Across the league, contenders are emerging, redefining the balance of power as teams fight for postseason control.

For bettors and fans alike, recognizing which organizations translate potential into playoff strength is key to predicting outcomes and maximizing insight throughout the season.

Buffalo Bills: A Blueprint for Postseason Sustainability

The Buffalo Bills remain a consistent force in the AFC, demonstrating a level of stability that keeps them in the NFL playoffs conversation every year.

Their identity centers on balanced football, solid defense, disciplined execution, and relentless pace. This balance allows them to control tempo and win close games, key traits of a legitimate postseason contender.

For bettors, the Bills are often a reliable team to track at FanDuel Sportsbook, where odds movement reflects their week-to-week steadiness. Their approach to maintaining composure under pressure translates into consistent performances against both top-tier and rebuilding teams.

What sets Buffalo apart is adaptability. They transition seamlessly between game plans, proving capable of grinding out defensive battles or engaging in high-scoring matchups.

This versatility will keep them relevant deep into December and strengthen their playoff profile.

In a conference known for parity, Buffalo’s poise underlines why they remain an accurate postseason benchmark.

Philadelphia Eagles: A Franchise Built on Power and Precision

In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles continue to stand out as one of the league’s most complete teams. Their structure emphasizes control in the trenches and efficiency on both sides of the ball, a combination that defines sustained success in the NFL playoffs.

Every game showcases their ability to dictate rhythm, capitalize on field position, and exploit weaknesses with precision.

The Eagles’ methodical style converts regular-season dominance into postseason promise. Their defensive resilience complements an offense that values possession and minimizes risk, allowing them to neutralize high-scoring opponents.

For analysts and bettors, this balance signals long-term viability. Philadelphia’s capacity to stay composed in hostile environments often separates it from teams that fade late in the season.

As the 2025 campaign advances, the Eagles exemplify how structural consistency outlasts volatility. Their formula, built on preparation, efficiency, and execution, keeps them positioned among the NFC’s best, ready to capitalize when playoff opportunities emerge.

Indianapolis Colts: Rising Through Smart Rebuilding

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season as one of the most intriguing turnaround stories in the league.

After years of strategic rebuilding, they now present the poise and balance of a legitimate NFL playoff contender. The front office’s long-term commitment to sustainable roster depth is paying off, allowing the Colts to compete across all phases of the game.

What defines Indianapolis is balance. Their offense emphasizes timing and composure, while their defense thrives on discipline and containment. They rarely beat themselves, a critical trait that keeps them competitive in close games.

In a conference filled with explosive teams, the Colts succeed through calculated control and situational awareness.

For bettors tracking performance metrics, Indianapolis represents a team that consistently meets expectations against the spread. They may not dominate headlines, but their steady evolution makes them a team built for meaningful games in December and January.

The Colts are no longer rebuilding; they are quietly redefining what it means to be a contender. Bettors track their odds for very good reason; this is a team on the move.

Los Angeles Rams: Efficiency and Adaptation in the NFC Race

The Los Angeles Rams continue to demonstrate that efficient management and tactical flexibility are key to achieving postseason success.

Despite the constant evolution of their roster, the Rams maintain a competitive edge that keeps them within reach of the NFL playoffs year after year. Their strength lies in calculated execution and a system that adapts to shifting matchups with minimal disruption.

In the modern NFC landscape, this adaptability is invaluable. The Rams focus on field control, precision drives, and situational football, turning small advantages into consistent victories.

For those following betting trends, the Rams frequently outperform expectations, thanks to their ability to maintain high-efficiency football against unpredictable opponents.

The Rams’ confidence in tight games underscores their identity as a playoff-ready franchise. Even in challenging stretches, they demonstrate discipline and composure, refusing to deviate from proven strategies.

This approach keeps them in the postseason mix and reinforces their reputation as one of the most strategically consistent teams in football.

Denver Broncos: Reclaiming Ground Through Discipline and Identity

The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 season with renewed direction and purpose. After seasons of transition, they now project the confidence and control of a team poised to contend for the NFL playoffs. Their resurgence stems from discipline, identity, and an unwavering commitment to balanced football.

The Broncos’ greatest strength lies in their ability to dictate pace and control possession. They thrive on sustained drives and efficient execution, forcing opponents into reactive positions. This controlled approach keeps Denver competitive in every game and mirrors the traits of established playoff teams.

From a bettor’s perspective, the Broncos have become a reliable under-the-radar selection, capable of covering spreads and exceeding projections through consistency rather than volatility.

Their focus on field control and situational awareness continues to elevate their standing within a crowded AFC. Denver may not rely on flash or unpredictability, but its steady evolution ensures it remains a genuine threat in the postseason.

A Season Defined by Balance and Belief

The 2025 NFL playoff picture revolves around teams that combine structure, adaptability, and composure.

The Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles anchor the conversation with proven systems, while the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Broncos embody the league’s shifting balance of power.

Each demonstrates that sustained performance, not sudden bursts, defines genuine contenders.

For bettors, analysts, and fans, recognizing these trends provides insight into how the season unfolds. The path to the postseason favors teams that manage details, stay disciplined, and execute consistently under pressure.

In a year where power is more evenly distributed than ever, those traits determine who rises, who endures, and who truly belongs among the league’s elite.

*Content reflects information available as of 2025/11/03; subject to change.

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Colts Odds and Betting Outlook Following Their Latest Victory

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:24:24 +0000

The Indianapolis Colts are making noise in the AFC. After their latest victory, this team is beginning to shed the label of “rebuilding” and adopting the moniker of “contender.”

Behind a creative head coach in Shane Steichen and a developing young core, the Colts are proving they’re more than a mid-tier squad.

This resurgence isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of innovative coaching, improved quarterback play, and a defense that consistently delivers under pressure.

As the season progresses, the Colts are becoming one of the most intriguing teams to watch, both on the field and at the sportsbook

The Colts’ latest win highlights how well this roster is evolving under Shane Steichen’s leadership. His offensive creativity has unlocked more of the team’s potential, maximizing strengths across the board. Whether through dynamic play-calling or strategic in-game adjustments, Steichen has established an identity rooted in discipline and unpredictability.

What separates this year’s Colts from previous iterations is their ability to adapt. Injuries and roster challenges haven’t derailed progress; they’ve revealed the depth and toughness of the team.

The offensive line, once a liability, now anchors one of the most balanced attacks in the AFC. Meanwhile, the defense continues to produce key stops, forcing turnovers at crucial moments.

Bettors who once hesitated on this team are beginning to see real value. These Colts aren’t just competing, they’re thriving, particularly against the spread, where consistency and composure are starting to shine through week after week.

Building Momentum and Market Value

Momentum in the NFL is more than just wins; it’s about perception, confidence, and execution. The Colts are trending upward in all three. As they string together strong performances, oddsmakers are adjusting accordingly, but there’s still potential value for sharp bettors.

This steady improvement has made the Indianapolis Colts odds a focal point in the betting community. The team’s ability to stay competitive against top-tier opponents, especially on the road, has turned heads. Underdog lines that once seemed accurate now feel undervalued, and spreads that favored opponents are tightening quickly.

For bettors, this shift creates an opportunity. Indianapolis is not only covering but also often outperforming expectations. With a coaching staff that emphasizes preparation and a roster that’s growing more cohesive each week, the Colts are becoming one of the more trustworthy sides in both single-game wagers and futures markets.

As long as their upward trajectory continues, Indianapolis remains a team worth monitoring for favorable odds before the market fully catches up.

Shane Steichen’s Impact: Coaching Confidence into Contention

When Shane Steichen took over, expectations were tempered. Few anticipated that in such a short time, the Colts would develop a balanced identity capable of competing with playoff-caliber teams. However, it’s clear that Steichen’s offensive ingenuity and emphasis on situational football have accelerated this turnaround.

He’s instilled a culture of confidence, empowering players to execute with freedom and precision. The quarterback position, long a revolving door in Indianapolis, finally appears stable under his guidance.

Steichen’s system simplifies reads, creates space for dynamic playmakers, and minimizes the errors that plagued past seasons.

On defense, his complementary approach, leaning on clock control and field position, has given coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit a chance to shine. As a result, the Colts have emerged as one of the league’s most disciplined and opportunistic defenses.

This level of balance is what sustains long-term success, and it’s what gives Indianapolis bettors the reassurance that this isn’t luck, it’s down to coaching and structure.

Offensive Growth: Emerging Playmakers Stepping Up

The Colts’ offense has taken a significant step forward thanks to the emergence of key contributors. A revitalized running game has restored balance, while dynamic young receivers continue to develop into reliable targets. Each week, the offense appears more fluid and confident, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.

Play-action passing, motion pre-snap, and creative formations have allowed Indianapolis to stay unpredictable. This unpredictability is critical for bettors assessing totals and props. The Colts can grind out low-scoring affairs or light up the scoreboard with big-play bursts.

Perhaps most impressively, the team’s execution in the red zone is improving, turning drives into points at a higher rate. For a franchise that once struggled to finish drives, this progress signals sustainable success.

Consistency on offense is now the expectation, not the exception, giving Indianapolis legitimate postseason aspirations.

Defensive Strength: The Underrated Backbone

While the offense garners headlines, the Colts’ defense quietly fuels their resurgence. This unit thrives on aggression, pressuring quarterbacks, forcing turnovers, and playing physical football from snap to whistle.

Led by an imposing front seven and an opportunistic secondary, Indianapolis disrupts rhythm and limits explosive plays. The defense’s ability to generate takeaways has been a game-changer, flipping field position and energizing the entire roster.

This balance between offense and defense gives the Colts a playoff-ready profile. They’re not overly reliant on one phase; instead, they win through complementary football, a key trait for bettors looking to back consistent, disciplined teams.

In a conference loaded with offensive powerhouses, Indianapolis’s defensive tenacity provides a critical edge. Teams that can force stops in key moments often outperform expectations, and the Colts are proving just that.

Bettors’ Takeaway: Tracking Value in a Rising Team

For bettors, understanding the Colts’ trajectory is essential. As the team continues to exceed expectations, oddsmakers are adjusting, but there’s still room for value if you act early.

Watching trends around Indianapolis Colts odds, from point spreads to futures, can reveal advantageous entry points before the market fully prices in their improvement.

The Colts’ steady mix of offensive creativity, defensive toughness, and elite coaching makes them an attractive option in various betting formats. Whether you’re targeting weekly spreads, over/under totals, or playoff futures, Indianapolis offers one of the most balanced betting profiles in the league.

Savvy bettors should also pay attention to injury reports and matchup data. The Colts tend to thrive against offenses that rely on timing and precision, making them a strong underdog pick in those scenarios. With composure and momentum on their side, Indianapolis is a team that rewards well-timed wagers.

A Team to Watch

The Colts are no longer a rebuilding project; they’re a team on the rise, playing with purpose and proving they belong in postseason conversations. Behind Shane Steichen’s innovative leadership and a balanced roster, Indianapolis is building something sustainable and exciting.

For fans, this is a season of renewed optimism. For bettors, it’s an evolving opportunity, one defined by value, adaptability, and steady growth.

*Content reflects information available as of 2025/10/08; subject to change.

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NFL Week 6 Previews, Key Games & Stats

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:48:49 +0000

Exciting finishes and thrilling comebacks have been the norm so far this season in the NFL as we hope for more of the same in Week 6.

There have been 24 games to feature a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime in the opening five weeks of the regular season.

Seven teams – Carolina, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New England, San Francisco, Tampa Bay and Tennessee – accomplished the feat last week.

During week 5, four teams – Tennessee (18 points), Carolina (17), Denver (14) and Jacksonville (14) – completed comebacks of at least 14 points to win.

Denver Broncos (3-2) at New York Jets (0-5)

The second of three straight weeks with a London game features the Denver Broncos and New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Denver leads the league with 21 sacks this season and ranks second in scoring defence, allowing 16.8 points per game. Linebacker Nik Bonitto leads the NFL with seven sacks and can become the first player since 2013 to record at least 1.5 sacks in four consecutive games.

The Jets, who played Minnesota last season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will become the seventh team to play in London in consecutive seasons, joining Detroit (2014-15), Jacksonville (2013-19, 2021-25), the Los Angeles Rams (2016-17), Miami (2014-15), Minnesota (2024-25) and the Raiders (2018-19).

Detroit Lions (4-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

The two clubs will be meeting for the first time since Detroit’s 21-20 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs in the league’s 2023 Kick-off Game.

Detroit leads the NFL in scoring offence and have scored at least 34 points in each of their past four games. A win today can see them become the fifth team in the Super Bowl era to record at least 34 points in five games within a single season.

Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each scored a touchdown last week. It marked the 14th game in which they each have scored a touchdown.

Including the postseason, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has 299 touchdown passes in 138 career games. With a touchdown pass on Sunday night, he will surpass Aaron Rodgers (147 games) as the fastest player to 300 career touchdown passes, including the postseason, in NFL history.

Seattle Seahawks (3-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

Two of the top intercepting defences from the first five weeks of the season will be in action, as Jacksonville leads the league with 10 interceptions and Seattle ranks tied for second with seven.

Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd leads the NFL with four interceptions this season. Last week, he had a 99-yard interception-return for a touchdown against Kansas City, marking the longest regular-season interception-return touchdown by a linebacker in NFL history.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald is one of five head coaches all time to win nine of his first 10 road games.

San Francisco 49ers (4-1) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

The 49ers and Buccaneers will meet in Tampa for a fourth straight season.

Eddie Pineiro converted a 41-yard field goal in overtime to lift San Francisco over the Rams, 26-23, while Chase McLaughlin connected on a 39-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to help Tampa Bay win in Seattle, 38-35.

The Buccaneers are looking to begin a season 5-1 or better for the third time in 20 years (2021, 2005), while the 49ers can reach the mark for the third time under head coach Kyle Shanahan (2023, 2019).

In the win over Seattle, quarterback Baker Mayfield became the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 375 yards (379) in a game, with four-or-fewer incompletions (four).

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey is the only player with at least 100 scrimmage yards in five games this season. He can become the first running back with least 100 scrimmage yards in each of his team’s first six games of a season since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

Buffalo Bills (4-1) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

The Bills seek to win five of their first six games of a season for the third time under head coach Sean McDermott (2022, 2019), while the Falcons have won seven of their past eight games.

Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson leads the NFL with 146 scrimmage yards per game and Buffalo running back James Cook ranks four among running backs with 107.8 scrimmage yards per game.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is the fifth player in NFL history with a completion percentage of 70-or-higher and multiple touchdown passes in four of his team’s first five games of a season.

Chicago Bears (2-2) at Washington Commanders (3-2)

Quarterbacks Caleb Williams, the Bears’ No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ No. 2 pick in 2024, are set to meet for the second consecutive season.

Last season, in Week 8, Daniels threw a 52-yard game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Noah Brown as time expired in the fourth quarter to give Washington an 18-15 victory.

Daniels has 4,232 passing yards and 1,015 rushing yards in 20 career games and is the first player in NFL history with at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first 20 career games.

Chicago wide receiver Rome Odunze was the only player in the NFL with a touchdown reception in each of the first four weeks of the season and can become the first player since Mike Evans in 2020 to record a touchdown reception in each of his team’s first five games of a season.

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NFL Week 5 Previews, Key Games & Stats

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:38:19 +0000

When the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon [live on Virgin Media 2], it begins three consecutive weeks with an international game in Britain.

The Vikings, who appeared in the first regular-season game in Ireland against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, are the first team to play consecutive international games in different cities.

In Week 6, the Denver Broncos and New York Jets meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and in Week 7, the Los Angeles Rams take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium.

Two undefeated teams remain in the NFL: the Philadelphia Eagles are 4-0 for the third time in the past four seasons while the Buffalo Bills improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2020.

Denver (2-2) at Philadelphia (4-0)

The Eagles can become the first team to begin 5-0 three times in a four-year span since the Indianapolis Colts (2006-07, 2009) while head coach Nick Sirianni can become the second coach ever to begin 5-0 in three of his first five seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Brown.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is the first quarterback in NFL history with five touchdown passes, four rushing touchdowns and no interceptions in his team’s first four games of a season.

Denver quarterback Bo Nix totalled three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in the team’s Week 4 win over Cincinnati. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Nix is one of three quarterbacks, along with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, with at least 35 touchdown passes (36) and five rushing touchdowns (five).

New England (2-2) at Buffalo (4-0)

The Bills have started a season with five straight wins in three previous seasons: 1964, 1980 and 1991.

Buffalo, from Week 11 of the 2023 season through Week 4 of the 2025 season, are the fourth team ever to win 14 consecutive home regular-season games and score at least 24 points in each game.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen has 45 career regular-season games with both a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, tied with Cam Newton for the most such games in NFL history.

New England quarterback Drake Maye, from Weeks 2-4, became the first player ever under the age of 24 with at least two touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 75-or-higher in three consecutive games, minimum 15 pass attempts in each game.

Tampa Bay (3-1) at Seattle (3-1)

Both the Buccaneers and Seahawks are celebrating their 50th anniversary seasons after joining the NFL in 1976 and each club will be wearing throwback uniforms for this Sunday’s matchup.

Since joining Tampa Bay in 2023, quarterback Baker Mayfield leads the NFL with 77 touchdown passes and ranks second with 9,448 passing yards.

Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka leads all rookies with 282 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions this season and has recorded a touchdown catch in three of his first four games.

Seattle leads the NFC in scoring defence (16.8 points per game allowed) and have recorded seven interceptions this season, tied for the second-most in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) [Monday night]

Jacksonville is the fifth team since 2002 with at least three takeaways in each of its first four games of a season.

Last week, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had four touchdown passes and reached 250 touchdown passes in his 116th career game, surpassing Aaron Rodgers (121 games) for the fastest player in NFL history to reach 250 career touchdown passes. Mahomes has 43 career games with at least three touchdowns and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (42 games) for the second-most by a player in his first nine seasons in NFL history, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (46 games).

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Pittsburgh Steelers beat Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Croke Park

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:52:43 +0000

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon in the first regular season NFL game played in Ireland.

Two touchdowns from the Steelers’ running back Kenneth Gainwell, and another from wide receiver DK Metcalf, helped their side to a victory to move their current season record to 3-1.

Despite late touchdowns for the Vikings’ Scott and Nailor, the Pittsburgh side held on for a win.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, the designated ‘home’ team for the opening game in Week 4 of the 2025 regular season, came into the game on the back of two wins and a loss, the same record as today’s rivals, the Minnesota Vikings.

First Quarter

When Jordan Mason’s fumble recovered by Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey, the latter raced 62 yards, for what he thought was his side’s first score of the fixture. The Replay Official reviewed the ball was inbounds, and the play was reversed.

Minutes later, Will Reichard gave the Vikings a 3-0 advantage with 6:24 to play in the opening quarter. His side opted to kick for a field goal from 41 yards, when quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked on the previous down.

The Pittsburgh outfit claimed their first score of this regular season fixture when Kenneth Gainwell ran in from one yard. With the extra point added, the ‘home’ side went into a 7-3 lead with 55 seconds on the clock at the end of the opening quarter.

Kenneth Gainwell scores the first NFL touchdown in Dublin

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Meltcalf receives 80-yard Rodgers pass

The Steelers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers found DK Metcalf with an 80-yard pass down the Croke Park touchline to claim his side’s second touchdown of the afternoon. With Chris Boswell successful with his second kick at the posts, the Steelers stretched their lead to 14-3 with 12:16 to play to the half.

RODGERS TO METCALF. 80 YARD TOUCHDOWN.

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— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Though it looked as though that score line would remain until the half-way period of the game, the Vikings’ Will Reichard narrowed his side’s deficit to 6-16 in the dying second of the second quarter. The Steelers’ Jalem Ramsey, who incurred a 5-yard penalty, made the task easier for the Vikings’ kicker.

As the sides left the field after the second quarter, the Pittsburgh Steelers held a 14-6 advantage over the Minnesota Vikings.

Second Touchdown for Gainwell

With 2:23 to play in the third quarter, Kenneth Gainwell ran in for his second six-pointer of the game. The score was the end result of an earlier T.J. Watt interception when he gained possession for his side.

The running back Gainwell had failed narrowly to made the end zone on his side’s previous down. From four yards out this time there wasn’t any stopping him as he achieved his brace of touchdowns. Boswell was accurate for the third time in the game as he kicked the extra point, pushing his side into a 21-6 lead.

Kenneth Gainwell gets his second TD of the day

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Boswell also claimed the next score of the game. With 11:18 remaining in the game as the kicker added a field goal from 33 yards out – the successful end of a 4:17 drive.

Scott TD reduces the deficit

A Carson Wentz pass to the deep right found Zavier Scott for a 16-yard touchdown just as the game seemed to be slipping away from the Vikings.

.@cj_wentz steps up in the pocket and throws a touchdown in the back of the end zone.

10-point game in Dublin.

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A two-point conversion was successfully completed from Wentz to Jalen Nailor, leaving 10 points between the sides entering the last eight minutes.

With Minnesota getting the next score, the result of the game was still uncertain as the clock approached two minutes.

A two-yard touchdown pass from Vikings’ quarterback Wentz to Nailor was followed by a successful kick by Reichardt leaving only a field goal between the teams; Steelers 24 Vikings 21.

Wentz finds Nailor for the touchdown.

One score game in Dublin.

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There was late drama when the Steelers thought they had intercepted the Vikings’ ball. A review deemed it an incomplete pass, allowing Minnesota remain possession with less than one minute to play.

Despite their best efforts, the Vikings’ failed to reach the red zone, as the Pittsburgh Steelers held on for a 24-21 victory.

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Croke Park hosts Vikings v Steelers at 2.30pm today

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:40:32 +0000

Croke Park hosts the first regular season NFL game in Ireland this afternoon as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Viking meet at the Jones’ Road venue.

The game, which begins at 2.30pm, is the first of the European NFL games this season, with clashes to follow in London, Berlin and Madrid in the coming weeks.

Both sides come to Dublin with two wins and a loss in their three games so far this season.

Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steels opened their season with a narrow 34-32 victory against the Jets. They lost their game against the Seattle Seahawks on a score line of 31-17. Last weekend, they got back on the winning trail with success against the Patriots.

In Week 3, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most regular-season touchdown passes in NFL history. He also passed Philip Rivers (63,440 passing yards) for the sixth-most regular-season passing yards all-time.

Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings opened their campaign with a three-point win over the Chicago Bears, before losing to the Atlanta Falcons in week two.

They were easy 48-10 winners over the Bengals in their most recent game, and come into this afternoon’s clash in good form.

Last week, Minnesota cornerback Isaiah Rodgers recorded two forced fumbles, an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 66-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Vikings’ 48-10 win over Cincinnati. He became the first player in NFL history with an interception return touchdown of 85-or-more yards and a fumble return touchdown of 65-or-more yards in the same game.

Live on Virgin Media

Croke Park previously hosted an American Football game when the Steelers and the Chicago Bears played a pre-season game at GAA HQ in 1997. The Pittsburgh outfit won 30-17 on that occasion.

The game is live on Virgin Media 1 television this afternoon. The channel will also broadcast the other European NFL games this season.

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NFL Week 4 Previews, Key Games & Stats

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 09:49:17 +0000

Six teams – Buffalo, Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Tampa Bay – have begun the season with three consecutive wins.

New Orleans (0-3) at Buffalo (3-0)

Buffalo can begin 4-0 for the fifth time since 1990 and the first since 2020. The Bills, since Week 11 of the 2023 season, have won 13 consecutive regular season home games and have scored at least 24 points in each game.

Last week, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen recorded his 86th career win (including the postseason) since entering the NFL in 2018 and surpassed Joe Flacco (85 wins) for the fifth most wins by a quarterback in his first eight seasons, including the playoffs, in NFL history.

L.A. Chargers (3-0) at N.Y. Giants (0-3)

The Chargers can win each of their first four games of a season for the sixth time in franchise history and the first since 2002. Los Angeles, with divisional wins over Kansas City (Week 1), Las Vegas (Week 2) and Denver (Week 3), became the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.

Philadelphia (3-0) at Tampa Bay (3-0)

Philadelphia can start 4-0 for the third time in the past four seasons (2022-23) while Tampa Bay can begin 4-0 for the fourth time in franchise history and the first since 2005. Since 2015, the reigning Super Bowl champion has begun the following season with four consecutive wins five times.

Indianapolis (3-0) at L.A Rams (2-1)

Indianapolis can begin 4-0 for the first time since 2009. In five of the past 10 seasons (2015-24), a team has begun 4-0 the season after missing the playoffs. The Colts have punted once this season, the fewest punts by a team in its first three games of a season since at least 1940. Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor leads the league with 338 rushing yards and 431 scrimmage yards entering Week 4.

Jacksonville (2-1) at San Francisco (3-0)

San Francisco can start 4-0 for the third time (2019 and 2023) since head coach Kyle Shanahan was hired in 2017. San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey recorded his 12th career game with 10 receptions last week, most by a running back in NFL history.

McCaffrey has 33 career games with at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, the second-most by a running back all-time, including in each of the first three weeks this season.

Jacksonville leads the NFL with seven interceptions and nine takeaways through the first three weeks, including multiple interceptions in each game. Since 2000, only five previous teams have recorded two-or-more interceptions in each of their first four games of a season: 2021 Dallas Cowboys (first five games), 2018 Miami Dolphins (first four), 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (first four), 2007 Oakland Raiders (first four) and 2003 Kansas City Chiefs (first four).

Baltimore Ravens (1-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

These sides meet for the seventh time in the past eight seasons, including playoffs.

Five of the previous six meetings have all been decided by seven-or-fewer points. Since 2018, when both Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took over as their teams’ starting quarterback, Kansas City and Baltimore rank first and second in the NFL in points per game and total yards of offense per game, respectively.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Green Bay defensive lineman Micah Parsons is set to play his first game in Dallas being acquired by the Packers from the Cowboys in August. During his four seasons with Dallas (2021-24), Parsons ranked fifth in the NFL in sacks (52.5) and tackles for loss (64) and became the second player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four career seasons, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White.

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Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys have players’ names in Irish

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:00:49 +0000

History Made: NFL Regular Season Comes to Croke Park This Sunday

The NFL is set to make history this Sunday as Croke Park hosts its first-ever regular season game, with the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the Minnesota Vikings. This landmark clash marks the start of an exciting new era, bringing American football to Ireland on the biggest stage possible.

In a unique collaboration, Munster GAA and the Pittsburgh Steelers have created exclusive jerseys with players’ names in Irish to celebrate the occasion. Aaron Mac Ruairí will lead the Steelers as quarterback, joined by stars such as linebacker TJ Mac Uait and placekicker Chris Mac an Bhoscaire. Fans will see the team don the special jerseys during their practice session ahead of the big game.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the Carton House preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the Carton House preparing for a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 in Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)

The GAA has always been proud to promote the Irish language, and this initiative highlights its cultural significance while showcasing Irish heritage to a global audience.

The NFL has also confirmed that Irish singer Lyra will perform the national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, before kickoff, making Irish culture a central part of the gameday experience.

“The NFL is synonymous with world-class sport and entertainment, and there’s no better stage in Ireland than Croke Park,” said Henry Hodgson, NFL U.K. & Ireland General Manager. “We’re excited to make Irish talent and traditions central to an unforgettable gameday experience for fans in the stadium and watching around the world.”

“Bringing the very first NFL regular season game to Ireland is a huge moment for the league, and there’s no better setting than the legendary Croke Park,” added Tim Tubito, Senior Director of Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL.

This Sunday’s clash promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture. Beidh lá den scoth againn!

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NFL Week 3 Preview – Key Games & Stats

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:56:12 +0000

Close, high-scoring games have been the norm in the new 2025 NFL season so far as we enter Week 3.

Seventeen games have been decided by a touchdown or less, the most at this point in 12 years, and second-most all-time.

Ten teams have begun the season 2-0 (with at least one undefeated team in each division for the third time since 2002).

L.A. Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0)

In last season’s NFC Divisional playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Rams, 28-22, as running back Saquon Barkley became the sixth player ever with at least 200 rushing yards (205) and two rushing touchdowns in a postseason game.

Los Angeles can begin 3-0 for the fourth time since head coach Sean McVay was hired in 2017 (2018-19, 2021) while Philadelphia can begin the season with three consecutive victories for the third time in five seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni (2022-23).

Arizona (2-0) at San Francisco (2-0)

Since 1970, the Cardinals have begun 3-0 on five previous occasions (1974, 2012, 2014-15 and 2021). San Francisco has begun a season with three straight wins five times since 1990 (1990, 1995, 1998, 2019 and 2023).

Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell, appearing for Arizona for the first time since 2016, had two sacks in the team’s Week 2 win and became the fourth player age 39-or-older since 1982 to record multiple sacks in a game

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, with a touchdown reception in Week 2, became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions.

Green Bay (2-0) at Cleveland (0-2)

Green Bay can begin 3-0 for the third time (2019-20) since head coach Matt LaFleur was hired in 2019.

Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs has a rushing touchdown in 11 consecutive games (including the playoffs) since Week 11 of the 2024 season. On Sunday, he can become the fifth player all-time with a rushing touchdown in 12 straight games.

Cincinnati (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1)

Cincinnati can begin a season with three consecutive wins for the first time since 2015. Among players with at least 50 career games played, Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have the two highest receiving yards per game averages in NFL history.

Jefferson recorded his 500th career reception last week and Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ Week 2 win and became the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games.

N.Y. Jets (0-2) at Tampa Bay (2-0)

Tampa Bay, who began 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season, look to win their first three games of a season for the first time since 2005. The Buccaneers are the first team since the 1970 merger to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of each of their first two games of a season.

Indianapolis (2-0) at Tennessee (0-2)

Indianapolis looks to start 3-0 for the first time since 2009. In the first two weeks, the Colts became the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of a season and the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt in either of their first two games in a season.

Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones is one of four players in NFL history with at least 270 passing yards, a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first two games of a season.

Denver (1-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

The Los Angeles Chargers can begin the season with three straight wins for the first time since 2002. With divisional wins over Kansas City and Las Vegas in the first two weeks, the Chargers can become the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1) [Monday]

The two highest scoring teams from Week 2 and two of the most consistently prolific offenses will take the field in Monday night’s game.

Last season, Detroit and Baltimore had the top-two offenses in yards per game while the Lions ranked first and the Ravens ranked third in scoring average.

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NFL – Week 2 Review

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:58:08 +0000

Four teams – Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and San Francisco – have begun the season 2-0 after missing the postseason last year, making it the second consecutive season that at least four teams started 2-0 the season after missing the postseason.

The Indianapolis Colts, who scored on each of their seven offensive possessions in Week 1 and their first three offensive possessions in Week 2. They become the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of the season.

Cowboys overcome 10-point deficit v Giants

The Dallas Cowboys overcame a 10-point deficit and defeated the New York Giants, 40-37, in overtime in Week 2. There were six lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey converted the third-longest field goal in NFL history, from 64-yard, to tie the game with no time remaining in the fourth quarter. He then scored a 46-yard field goal to win with no time remaining in overtime.

Lions 52-21 winners over the Bears

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff passed for 334 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each rushed for a touchdown in the Lions’ 52-21 win over Chicago.

Four TD passes for Baltimore’s Jackson

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, in his 96th career start, had four touchdown passes with no interceptions in the Ravens’ 41-17 win over Cleveland.

Jackson has 11 career games with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, surpassing Patrick Mahomes (10 games) and Aaron Rodgers (10) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first 100 career starts in NFL history.

WR Chase stars in Bengals Win

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ 31-27 win against Jacksonville.

Chase is the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games, and has six career games with at least 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

49ers Win at New Orleans

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey had six receptions, 107 scrimmage yards (55 rushing, 52 receiving) and a touchdown reception in the 49ers’ 26-21 win at New Orleans.

McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions.

Rams 33-19 Winners at Tennessee

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had six receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown and wide receiver Puka Nacua, in his 30th career game, had eight receptions for 91 yards and a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the team’s 33-19 win at Tennessee.

Nacua has 202 career receptions and became the second player in NFL history with at least 200 receptions in his first 30 games.

Rodgers records 508th TD Pass

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 508th career regular-season touchdown pass, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (649 touchdown passes), Drew Brees (571) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (539) have more.

Eagles Edge Super Bowl LIX Rematch

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown in the Eagles’ 20-17 win at Kansas City in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. Hurts has 45 career games with a rushing touchdown, including the playoffs, for the third-most such games by a quarterback in NFL history.

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