Power ranking the NFL teams set to play in the UK and Ireland in 2025
General admission tickets for all NFL games taking place in the UK and Ireland go on sale this week and next, offering fans on both sides of the Irish Sea the opportunity to witness American football's biggest stars in action right on their doorstep.
From Super Bowl contenders to up-and-coming sides with plenty to prove, the teams making the trip have spent the offseason reshaping their rosters and are eager to put on a show for their international fans.
Here's how DAZN News ranks the teams based on the talent on their rosters.
1. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finished 2nd in the NFC North with a 14-3 record last season before being ousted from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams, whose defense dominated Minnesota in a nine-sack performance.
With J.J. McCarthy likely taking over as quarterback in his second year, Minnesota has prioritised upgrading their offensive line - signing veteran center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, before spending a first-round draft pick on Donovan Jackson.
Despite McCarthy's inexperience, the Vikings offense remains a threat thanks to a dynamic trio of pass-catchers: superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, rising talent Jordan Addison, and dependable tight end T.J. Hockenson.
After rushing for a career-high 1,138 yards last season, veteran running back Aaron Jones will also play a crucial role, likely shouldering much of the workload early in the season as McCarthy finds his footing.
The Vikings were one of the league's stingiest defenses in 2024, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game, and much of that core remains intact heading into the new season.
Edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel combined for 23.5 sacks last year and look set to remain a disruptive force. Veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, signed in free agency, will add even more pressure on the interior.
In the secondary, Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy leads a seasoned group that includes safeties Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith, giving the defense a steady and reliable presence on the back end.
2. Denver Broncos
After years of searching, the Broncos finally found their franchise quarterback last season in Bo Nix, who stepped in and played with the poise of a seasoned veteran, finishing with 29 touchdown passes.
Heading into 2025, Nix has a few new weapons to work with. Denver brought in tight end Evan Engram through free agency and added wide receiver Pat Bryant in the draft. While Bryant may need some time to adjust to the NFL, the Broncos are deep at receiver, with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele all in the mix.
In the backfield, second-round pick R.J. Harvey is expected to make an immediate impact as Denver looks to improve its ground game, which ranked 16th in the league last season with an average of 112.2 rushing yards per game.
On the offensive line, left tackle Garrett Bolles and guard Quinn Meinerz continue to stand out as key contributors and will anchor what should be an impressive unit in 2025.
Defensively, the Broncos were one of the best in the league last year. They led the NFL with 63 sacks and gave up just 18.3 points per game. With the additions they’ve made, they might be even better in 2025.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is a big addition to a position group that desperately needed an upgrade. Rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron joins forces with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain and veteran safety Brandon Jones to form what could be one of the league’s most dangerous secondaries.
3. Los Angeles Rams
Losing a wide receiver with Cooper Kupp's talent would derail most offenses, but the Rams are in good shape after signing Davante Adams to partner with talented youngster Puka Nacua in 2025.
After months of speculation that he may leave Los Angeles, quarterback Matthew Stafford took a pay cut to remain with the team. At 37 years old, the former Super Bowl winner is no longer at his peak, but keeping him around provides the Rams the best chance of another deep playoff run.
The Rams' offensive line weathered several injuries last season and still performed reasonably well. They re-signed tackle Alaric Jackson to a new deal earlier this year, ensuring they remain on track in 2025.
Jared Verse was sensational as a rookie last season, finishing fifth among all edge rushers with 77 pressures. He is the best player in an impressive trio of young defensive linemen, which also includes Braden Fiske and Byron Young.
Los Angeles lacks elite talent at linebacker, where Troy Reeder is the favourite to lead an average group in playing time. Omar Speights may make a leap in year two, and Nate Landman joined the team in free agency, but he lacks ability in coverage.
The Rams' secondary is full of question marks. Quentin Lake will look to build on what was a career year in 2024, and Kam Curl will be relied upon to step up, but they lack the personnel to suggest they can make significant improvements after allowing over 350 yards per game in 2025.
4. New York Jets
The Jets made a major move in free agency by signing quarterback Justin Fields, whose dual-threat ability should bring a much-needed spark to the offense. If he continues to grow as a passer, New York could be a real surprise offensively.
Fields will have a reliable target in wide receiver Garrett Wilson, but the depth behind him took a hit after the departure of Davante Adams. The Jets will be hoping rookie tight end Mason Taylor can step in and contribute right away.
Up front, New York may now boast the best offensive line in the league after a string of smart roster moves. First-round pick Armond Membou could be the final piece to the puzzle.
Breece Hall remains one of the league’s most explosive backs, both as a runner and a receiver. If he stays healthy, he's a strong candidate to top 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
The Jets' defensive line has the personnel to cause problems for opposing offenses. Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald, and Jermaine Johnson form a disruptive trio up front capable of creating consistent pressure.
At linebacker, Jamien Sherwood stepped out of C.J. Mosley’s shadow in a big way last season, leading the team with 158 tackles. He and Quincy Williams now form one of the most effective off-ball linebacker duos in the league.
Their secondary, however, enters 2025 with something to prove. Sauce Gardner is still among the NFL’s elite corners, but his play dipped slightly last season compared to his previous two years. Behind him, depth is a concern at corner, and safety remains a weak spot.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leaving in free agency, questions at quarterback have loomed large over the Steelers' offseason. They remain the frontrunners to land Aaron Rodgers, but there are real concerns about how much the veteran has left in the tank.
The signing of D.K. Metcalf was a major win, but after moving on from George Pickens, the Steelers have done little else to strengthen their receiving corps.
Pittsburgh’s decision to draft running back Kaleb Johnson was smart, especially for a team that may lean more heavily on the run. He’ll pair with Jaylen Warren to form an above-average backfield.
On the offensive line, center Zach Frazier had a promising rookie season, but the Steelers need former first-round pick Broderick Jones to take a big step forward in his third year to solidify the unit.
The true strength of this roster lies in its defense. Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt are still among the league’s elite and were joined by rookie Derrick Harmon, one of the top interior pass rushers in this year’s draft class.
At linebacker, Patrick Queen led the group throughout 2024, but he’ll need to raise his game to stay ahead of ascending talent Payton Wilson, who is pushing for a larger role.
In the secondary, Pittsburgh will be looking for more from Joey Porter Jr. after an underwhelming second season. With that said, the addition of veteran cornerback Darius Slay, along with the continued presence of star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, should provide stability and leadership in the secondary.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars avoid the bottom spot on this list because, unlike the Browns, they have an established, capable starter at quarterback. Trevor Lawrence missed the second half of the 2024 season with an injury, but he could be on the verge of his best season, considering the offensive talent at his disposal.
Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was sensational in his rookie season and will benefit from playing alongside new addition Travis Hunter, arguably the most talented player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
If anything holds the Jaguars' offense back, it will be their offensive line. Walker Little played better in the second half of 2024, and adding Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey should help, but this unit has a point to prove.
Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker are dangerous edge rushers capable of making some noise, but there are no real difference-makers on the interior.
Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd have been incredibly productive for many years, but they conceded snaps to others in 2025. New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile needs to get the best out of both veterans this year.
There are several question marks in the secondary. Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray were brought in to shore up the unit, but opposing offenses could still pick this unit apart. Unless several players have career years, the Jaguars may once again be on the wrong side of some lopsided scores.
7. Cleveland Browns
The Browns' outlook in 2025 will be contingent on how their four-way quarterback competition shakes out. Unfortunately, they'll either rely on the shaky performances of veterans Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett or endure the inconsistencies that come with the rookie play of Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
The situation at running back is more rosy, where talented rookie Quinshon Judkins joins forces with Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson to form the makings of what could be an effective ground game.
Jerry Jeudy gives the Browns an elite route runner at wide receiver, but the team needs someone else to step up behind him. Cedric Tillman could be that man if he remains healthy.
David Njoku is an extremely talented tight end capable of stretching the field. The Browns invested in record-breaking rookie Harold Fannin, who can serve as insurance while he adjusts to the speed of the NFL game.
Cleveland's once excellent offensive line is no longer playing at the same level. The performances of Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin have deteriorated with age. Last season, Conklin allowed seven sacks in his final nine games.
Myles Garrett signed an extension to remain with the team, and will once again be one of the best edge rushers in the league. He'll have a little more help in 2025, as the Browns added Mason Graham, arguably the best defensive tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was one of the most underrated players in the draft, but for now, capable veteran Jordan Hicks stands in his way to playing time.
Cleveland's secondary is a weakness. Cornerback Denzel Ward flashed moments of brilliance in 2024 but was inconsistent at times. At safety, Grant Delpit is an asset, but he must prove last year's struggles in coverage were an anomaly.