NFL announces international game dates, matchups

The NFL announced the dates and matchups for five international games Wednesday.

The games in London, England, will see the New York Jets take on the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 6, the Jacksonville Jaguars battle the Chicago Bears on Oct. 13, and the New England Patriots square off against the Jaguars on Oct. 20.

Additionally, the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers will face each other Nov. 10 in Munich, Germany.

Minnesota is likely to be led by either Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy in its contest against Aaron Rodgers' Jets. Both clubs finished with 7-10 records in 2023.

The Jaguars' first international game will match them up against a Bears offense that features No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, as well as wide receivers D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and No. 9 overall pick Rome Odunze.

Jacksonville's second London contest will come against another team that selected a quarterback high in the draft with the Patriots and Drake Maye.

The Jaguars are looking to return to the playoffs after narrowly missing out in 2023. Jacksonville went 2-0 in international contests last year, with wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. Except for the 2020 campaign, the club has played an international game every season since 2013.

The Giants finished third in the NFC East with a 6-11 record last season. New York selected LSU star wide receiver Malik Nabers with its first-round pick to bolster an offense that ranked 31st in passing last season. Carolina, meanwhile, is looking to rebound from an NFL-worst 2-15 mark and improve around 2022 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.

Those four international games join the previously announced matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 6.