The NFL’s first international game of the 2023 season involves a team with a significant history of traveling across the Atlantic. On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars will play in London for the 10th time, while their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, will be making their third appearance in London, with the second one occurring in the last three years.
Both teams aim to level their records in London. The Jaguars have a 4-5 record in such games, which includes last year’s 21-17 loss to the Broncos in Week 8. Atlanta’s most recent game in London resulted in a 27-20 victory over the Jets in Week 4 of the 2021 season. In that game, tight end Kyle Pitts played a significant role, hauling in nine passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Jacksonville enters Sunday’s game with a disappointing 1-2 record, following a loss to the Houston Texans last weekend. Despite a strong performance by running back Travis Etienne, the game’s outcome was influenced by two turnovers and the defense’s inability to apply pressure on Houston’s rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, in their 37-17 defeat.
The Falcons, on the other hand, started the season 2-0 but suffered their first loss last weekend, falling to the now 3-1 Detroit Lions. While their defense performed well, Atlanta’s offense struggled to protect quarterback Desmond Ridder, who was sacked seven times in their 20-6 loss.
Both teams are undoubtedly eager to return to the win column on Sunday in what promises to be a competitive matchup between two teams with aspirations of making the playoffs. Each squad boasts standout players, including Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville linebacker Josh Allen, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, and Atlanta rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who enters Sunday’s game with an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry.
Here’s how you can follow Sunday’s action in real time.
How to watch
- When: Sunday, Oct. 1 | 9:30 a.m. ET
- Where: Wembley Stadium (London)
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Odds: Jaguars -3; O/U 43 (via Caesars Sportsbook)