What time is the Cleveland Browns vs Minnesota Vikings game today? Preview, key matchups, prediction, and how to watch NFL London

Still stinging from a heartbreaking 24–21 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dublin’s Croke Park, the Minnesota Vikings now march into London for Week 5, where the Cleveland Browns await this afternoon in London.

At 2-2, Minnesota is desperate to steady the ship and return to the U.S. with at least one overseas win. The Browns, sitting at 1-3 after a rough loss to the Detroit Lions, are just as hungry and hoping their rookie quarterback can bring a spark to their struggling offense.

It’s the perfect setup for a marquee, high-stakes showdown as London opens its stretch of three straight NFL games.

Here’s everything you need to know, from the players to watch, key matchups, my prediction, and the kickoff date and time.

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Kickoff date and time

• Date: Sunday, October 5
• Time: 2:30pm BST / 6:30am PT / 9:30am ET

Location

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

The Browns players to watch

It hasn’t exactly been pretty for Cleveland. The Browns brought in Joe Flacco, hoping his veteran calm would bring stability to the offense, but at 40, the arm just doesn’t fire like it used to.

Enter Dillon Gabriel, the fifth quarterback taken in the 2025 draft, who was announced as the new starter this week. London crowds love a debut, and the 24-year-old’s first NFL snaps on foreign soil will make this game even more exciting. Maybe, just maybe, he can jolt some life into what’s been a stale passing game.

Jerry Jeudy remains the primary target in the passing game, even if the numbers don’t indicate otherwise. He hasn’t put together a statement game yet, but his footwork and ability to separate make him dangerous every time he lines up. Trouble is, the Vikings’ secondary has been stingy — 151.5 passing yards allowed per game, third-best in the league. Jeudy will need one of those “route clinic” afternoons to give the Browns a chance.

The bright spark on offense has been rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. He missed the opener but has made up for lost time, already grinding out 237 rushing yards and two touchdowns. At just 21, he looks like someone who doesn’t know he’s supposed to need time to adjust. If Cleveland is going to put up enough points to win, Judkins is the guy who must deliver the most.

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Defensively, Myles Garrett has been the headline act. He’s tied for sixth in the league in sacks and looks like a man on a mission. At 29, he’s in that sweet spot of peak physical prime and veteran savvy. The Browns know that if he gets rolling, he will be a one-man wrecking crew.

Garrett’s biggest challenge in this one may not be the Vikings' offensive tackles; it’s a concerning ankle injury. The veteran didn't practice on Wednesday and is currently listed as questionable.

We tabbed linebacker Carson Schwesinger as one to watch before the season started, and he has exceeded even our expectations. With 31 tackles, tied for the team lead, he’s everywhere the ball goes. There’s already Defensive Rookie of the Year talk surrounding him, and while that’s still early, he’s earned the attention with his energy and instincts.

The Vikings players to watch

Carson Wentz isn’t fooling anyone into thinking he’s back to MVP form, but he doesn’t need to. His job is relatively straightforward: don’t turn it over, and get the ball into Jefferson's hands. He seems more likely to start than not, even with J.J. McCarthy returning to practice this week.

Jefferson has only topped 100 yards once this season, but he's coming off his best game of the season. He’s open more often than not, and if Wentz is giving a clean pocket, Jefferson’s going to make plays. If defenses smother him, that’s when Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson get to shine.

On the ground, Jordan Mason is the hammer. With 271 rushing yards, he’s not flashy, but he’ll lower his shoulder and make defenses feel him. His biggest problem is that several of Minnesota's offensive linemen are currently injured.

Defensively, the Vikings should bring heat. Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and rookie Dallas Turner are the trio tasked with collapsing pockets, and Van Ginkel showed against Pittsburgh that he’s still a problem, registering two sacks in that game alone.

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At linebacker, Ivan Pace Jr. has been productive. He cuts a diminutive figure at only 5'10", but with 33 tackles already, he’s been the glue of this defense.

Minnesota’s secondary has been quietly impressive. They’re not racking up interceptions, but have surrendered only three passing touchdowns - the second-fewest in the league. Credit goes to safeties Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus, paired with corners Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy, who’ve proven a tough unit to crack.

Key matchups that could determine the outcome

Myles Garrett vs. the Vikings’ offensive line

The Vikings' offensive line is banged up. That’s a dream setup for Garrett. If the ankle injury doesn't bother him too much, he could feast.

Justin Jefferson vs. the Browns’ secondary

Cleveland’s pass defense has been solid, but Jefferson is one of the rare receivers who makes even great coverage look bad. One slip, one misread, and he can flip the scoreboard instantly.

Jordan Mason vs. the Browns’ front seven

Cleveland is giving up the third-fewest rushing yards in the league. Mason struggled to find space last week against Pittsburgh, and this week doesn’t look any easier. If he’s bottled up again, Wentz will have to throw more than Kevin O’Connell would like.

Gabriel vs. the pressure of the occasion

The rookie carries the weight of expectations in a prime-time matchup. Most rookies have a relatively long leash, as their teams know it takes time for them to adjust to the pro level. Gabriel may not have that luxury, with another high-profile rookie, Shedeur Sanders, waiting in the wings.

All-time series record

Cleveland has won two of the last three, but Minnesota still holds the all-time edge, dominating the series 12–5–0.

Prediction

The Vikings enter the game as favourites. They’ve got Jefferson, they’ve got more balance, and they’ve got the better record. But that offensive line is struggling with injuries, and when Garrett smells blood, games swing fast.

Expect O’Connell to call quick throws and lean heavily on Mason early. If it clicks, Minnesota controls this. If not, London might get a much closer game than the odds suggest.

The Browns are technically the home team, but in London, they won't benefit from the same advantage they would in Ohio. Gabriel may struggle in his debut.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Browns 13

Fan events

London will be buzzing long before kickoff, with the city packed full of NFL flavour. There are pre-game parties, pub quizzes, pep rallies, themed bus tours, and watch parties all over the city.

Browns fans get their Dawg Pound takeover in Shoreditch, while the Vikings are throwing a full-on fan festival down by the river at Battersea.

Click here for more info.

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