NFL
The star performances from the 2024 NFL London games
The star performances from the 2024 NFL London games
The NFL has once again returned to London, continuing its vital role in the league’s global expansion. For years, American football has been steadily growing in popularity in the UK, with passionate fans flocking to iconic venues like Wembley and the new state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
These international games have become a fixture in the NFL calendar, not only helping to grow the sport’s fanbase in Europe but also offering British spectators a first-hand look at the thrilling, high-octane nature of American football.
London remains crucial to the NFL’s efforts to broaden its reach and bring the excitement of the game to new audiences.
Over the years, London has hosted unforgettable NFL moments, from the New York Giants’ 2007 win over the Dolphins to the Lions’ dramatic 2014 comeback against the Falcons.
These iconic games have created lasting memories, and this year’s performances have continued to add to the legacy of NFL London.
This year, there have been a number of start performances so far, as the Minnesota Vikings narrowly edged out the New York Jets 23-17, while the Chicago Bears delivered a commanding 35-16 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In this article, we take a look at the standout performances at NFL London 2024.
Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings
Even when Justin Jefferson isn’t lighting up the stat sheet, his influence on the game remains immense, and the 25-year-old is usually reliable in American Football odds as the Vikings remain unbeaten at the time of writing.
Kevin O’Connell’s star wide receiver caught six of his 14 targets for 92 yards, but it was his ability to draw attention that really made an impact.
Jefferson’s presence forced the Jets’ defence to commit multiple penalties in their attempts to slow him down, which opened up opportunities for his teammates.
His combination of speed, route running, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for defenders, and while he didn’t find the end zone this time, Jefferson’s contribution was invaluable in helping the Vikings secure their win in London.
Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams led the charge in the Bears’ comprehensive victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, putting on a clinic in quarterback play.
Williams showcased his arm strength and accuracy, delivering key passes in critical moments. His connection with Cole Kmet and Keenan Allen was on full display, with Williams throwing four touchdowns. Two of those went to Kmet, including a superb 31-yard effort, and another came on a precise nine-yard strike to Allen.
The 22-year-old kept the Jaguars’ defence guessing with a balanced attack demonstrated his growing maturity as an NFL quarterback. It was a performance that left no doubt as to why Williams is a rising star in the league, as they are 2-4 at the time of writing.
D’Andre Swift – Chicago Bears
D’Andre Swift may not have reached the 100-yard rushing mark, but his versatility and explosive playmaking ability were on full display across the Atlantic.
Swift tallied 119 total yards and found the end zone, playing a vital role in the Bears’ offensive dominance.
Whether it was powering through tackles or making defenders miss in the open field, Matt Eberflus’s tactical approach consistently gave the Jaguars’ defence problems. His contribution to the passing game, particularly in the screen game, kept drives alive and helped Chicago control the tempo.
Andrew Van Ginkel – Minnesota Vikings
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel’s first-quarter interception return for a 62-yard touchdown gave the Vikings an early lead and set the tone against the Jets. His playmaking ability swung momentum in Minnesota’s favour, proving his value on the defensive front.
The editorial unit