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NFL explodes onto the Irish stage with Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park, Dublin
Croke Park has been the stage for countless unforgettable sporting occasions, but this one stands apart. For the first time, the NFL is planting its flag in Ireland, with the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers set to bring all the spectacle and raw energy of American football to Dublin.
For supporters, it’s about the experience, being part of something unique, standing in the heart of the capital on the night the league finally arrived on the Emerald Isle. For the Vikings and Steelers, it’s an opportunity to make history as the first teams to showcase their talent in an NFL regular-season game on Irish soil.
Every NFL game carries weight, and Ireland’s debut is no exception. The Steelers, designated as hosts, share a unique bond with Ireland through the family roots of founder Art Rooney Sr., while both teams arrive at 2-1 and firmly in the playoff hunt.
Make no mistake about it. This game, the first of four hosted on this side of the Atlantic as the NFL International Series , promises to be a momentous occasion.
Below, we examine what's at stake for both teams in this matchup, highlight some key players to watch, and make a prediction for the outcome.
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Game preview
Steelers offense vs Vikings defense
The Steelers arrive fresh off a 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots, a game in which future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers climbed to fourth all-time in passing touchdowns. The man he surpassed? Brett Favre, the player he backed up for the Green Bay Packers for the first three years of his career.
At 41 years old, the legendary Rodgers still has what it takes to win, and he has plenty of help at his disposal. Pittsburgh acquired dominant wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in an offseason trade, providing the Steelers' offense with a game-changing talent.
Ascending wideout Calvin Austin, elusive running back Jaylen Warren, and tight end Jonnu Smith - who arrived in a blockbuster trade via the Miami Dolphins - provide Pittsburgh's offense with a dangerous group who should keep the Croke Park fans on the edge of their seats.
The Steelers rank a lowly 30th in total offense through three games. However, while not prolific, Pittsburgh's offense is efficient. With 72 points scored, they rank 12th among all teams.
The Vikings' defense is dominant, and it all starts with their defensive line. Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner provide a three-headed pass rush monster that can disrupt opposition quarterbacks and take over a game. How well the Steelers' offensive line protects Rodgers will be key to the outcome of this matchup.
Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy, and cornerback Isaiah Rodgers - one of our five featured star players from Week 3 after scoring two defensive touchdowns against the Patriots in Week 3 - should provide a stern test for Rodgers and Co.
Vikings offense vs Steelers defense
Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss the game with a high ankle injury sustained in Week 2, meaning veteran Carson Wentz is likely to lead Minnesota's offense. Wentz played well last week and should keep the potent Vikings' offense on track.
Wentz will lean heavily on elite wideout Justin Jefferson, who will undoubtedly be one of the stars of the show in Dublin, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Wide receiver Jordan Addison also returns from suspension to help elevate Minnesota's aerial attack to new heights.
Aaron Jones, the team's usual lead back, will miss the game after landing on IR with a thigh injury, but Jordan Mason - who erupted for 116 yards and two touchdowns last week - is a more than capable replacement.
The key components of the Steelers' defense are aging, but they're still playing at an elite level. Edge rusher T.J. Watt, DT Cam Heyward, and cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay could provide fireworks for the Croke Park crowd.
Series record
The Vikings lead the series 10-9, but the Steelers have won two of the last three meetings.
Kickoff date and time
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Kick-off: 2:30 pm BST / 9:30 am ET / 6:30 am PT
My prediction
Vikings 27 - 17 Steelers
The Vikings are favourites in this game, but if T.J. Watt is at his best, he could win this game almost single-handedly. And even if he doesn't, we must not overlook the fact that Rodgers shines brightest on big stages like these.
With that said, the Vikings match up favourably with their hosts, and it's difficult to envision how Pittsburgh's offensive line, specifically Broderick Jones, can contain the fearsome pass rush of the Purple People Eaters.
If this prediction proves accurate, the setback will hit hard for the Steelers, who would fall to a 2-2 record and surrender ground in a division unusually open after the Baltimore Ravens' poor start.
Regardless of the final score, the occasion will be remembered as a victory for Ireland, the NFL, and its fans.
