London is calling.
The 1-3 Cleveland Browns travel to London to host the 2-2 Minnesota Vikings in what will be the teams first international game since 2017.
This will be the Browns third consecutive game against an NFC North opponent, having beaten the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 and lost to the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
After a disappointing start to the season, the Browns will be looking to turn their season around in London this week.
Any help for the defense?
Through the first four weeks of the season, the Browns have managed to have the number one ranked defense in the league, yet one of the worst offenses. A true disparity between both sides of the ball.
The defense has played incredible, ranking first it total yards allowed and boasting the leagues best run defense.
However, that has not contributed to wins with the offensive side of the ball failing to put up more than 17 points through the first four games. The offense also ranks in the bottom three in turnovers.
Special teams has also been a problem for the team, allowing multiple special teams touchdowns so far this season.
If the Browns are going to start winning games this year, including against the Vikings in London, they need their offense and special teams to perform better and help out the defense.
A new quarterback in town
In an attempt to ignite some spark on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns have made a change at quarterback.
Rookie Dillon Gabriel is set to become the first player to make their NFL debut in an international game.
The quarterback play cannot get much worse for the Browns. Joe Flacco leads the NFL in turnovers and only throwing for two touchdowns in four games.
The Browns will be hoping the switch to Gabriel will provide some life to the offense. The team is clearly confident in the player they identified as their quarterback target in the 2025 draft.
Gabriel is more athletic than a 40-year-old Flacco and should be able to better negate the problems of a bad offensive line. His ability to use his legs, get the ball out quickly and play within structure should improve a flailing Browns offense.
At least that is the expectation. The Vikings have a great record against rookie and sophomore quarterbacks.
What about the Vikings?
The Vikings come into this off a Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin last week. Back-to-back international games can be tough, but it helps when the team does not have to travel much between them.
However, the team has been decimated by injuries which has resulted to a disappointing start to 2025. They will be missing over half of their starting offensive line in this game, as well as their star pass rusher. Back-up quarterback Carson Wentz will also be starting again, with J.J. McCarthy still recovering from an injury.
What was initially viewed as a tough match-up for the Browns has suddenly become a winnable game.
A battle of two great defenses going up against two flailing offenses. A rookie quarterback against a veteran back-up.
Browns vs Vikings might not provide the flashy storylines that come with some NFL games. But there is plenty to look out for when both teams take the field in London on Sunday.
A win for British fans.
Most Browns fans did not enter 2025 with high expectations and the team was viewed as bottom five team by most analysts.
However, for British fans, the chance to see their favourite team win on home soil provides a sense of excitement that overrides any win/loss record.
That excitement has only increased as this game has appeared more winnable through the Vikings injuries and the Browns defensive capabilities.
Combine that with a rookie quarterback making his team debut, the Browns will be looking to turn their season around in London this weekend.
