Ranking the 2026 NFL International Series games from first to worst

The Patriots remain one of the league’s strongest global brands, while the Lions have re-established themselves as legitimate contenders. Both teams could find themselves in the Super Bowl conversation deep into January.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints (France)

The Steelers bring another globally recognized brand to the international stage, while the Saints’ deep cultural ties to France make this pairing impossible to ignore. New Orleans’ unique identity carries strong French influences, making France a fitting destination for this matchup.

On the field, the Saints appear to be a team on the rise with a potential franchise quarterback leading the way. Meanwhile, the Steelers are expected to bring back Aaron Rodgers, which automatically adds intrigue.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons (Spain)

If head coach Kevin Stefanski can get the most out of his quarterbacks, this matchup could turn into one of the most entertaining games on the international slate. The Bengals always seem capable of putting up points in a hurry.

MORE: NFL likely expanding Netflix relationship with deal for marquee event

Cincinnati also made key defensive improvements this offseason. Will that be enough to slow down Atlanta’s high-powered offense, or are fans in for a fireworks show?

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

The Jaguars continue to be one of the rare teams that seems to thrive overseas, particularly in London. Matching them up against an NFC powerhouse only adds to the intrigue.

Jacksonville also enters the season as a rising contender following its 2025 playoff run, while the Eagles are focused on returning to the Super Bowl.

Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers (Mexico City)

The Vikings remain one of the biggest wild cards entering 2025. If Kyler Murray flourishes under head coach Kevin O’Connell, this could become one of the strongest matchups of the NFL International Series.

MORE: New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik already getting big win

San Francisco, meanwhile, hopes to capitalize on the offensive weapons it added this offseason against a formidable Vikings defense. The coaching chess match between Kyle Shanahan and Brian Flores could turn into football heaven for fans.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (London)

This matchup lands lower in the rankings simply because it lacks excitement compared to the rest of the slate. The Colts remain a major question mark, and the Commanders have plenty to prove as well.

Despite a surprising run in 2024, Washington regressed last season, even with quarterback Jayden Daniels missing time due to injury. The Commanders must re-establish themselves in the NFC, while the Colts are still trying to recover from their late-season collapse in 2025.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (London)

Divisional games should not be played internationally. These matchups carry too much importance to remove them from their natural environments.

MORE: NFL teams set to debut new stadiums in next 6 years

Both Houston and Jacksonville enter the season as AFC South contenders. Some may argue the Jaguars benefit from their established London presence, but the decision still feels like a miss by the NFL.

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (Australia)

What should have been a marquee matchup in an incredible location loses some of its appeal because of the stakes attached to it. Once again, the NFL made the questionable decision to send division rivals overseas.

These games belong in their home environments. The league already added a 17th regular-season game specifically to expand internationally. Those should be the games featured abroad — not pivotal divisional matchups that could ultimately decide playoff positioning or even the division title.

Plus this matchup forced the NFL Season Opener to begin on a Wednesday versus the traditional Thursday. A massive fumble by the NFL.