Nine International Games Are Happening and Roger Goodell's 16-Game Goal Just Got Very Real

Alright, listen up, Emerald City! You thought your Sundays were packed? The NFL just dropped a bombshell that's gonna turn your entire week into a global football fiesta. We're talking a *record-breaking NINE international games* this season. Seriously, this isn't some quiet rollout. Commissioner Roger Goodell, that dude is not messing around. He's got his eyes set on 16 international games a season, and with this latest schedule reveal, that vision feels less like a pipe dream and more like a looming reality. Oh, and get this: the first game in Paris is happening, and Aaron Rodgers might be part of it!

From Paris to Melbourne: The Global Gridiron Takes Off

So, let's dive into the absolute madness. The league announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers are heading to Paris, France, to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. Stade de France is gonna be rocking, and guess who *could* be under center for the Steelers? None other than 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. The man still hasn't told Pittsburgh if he's lacing up his cleats for a second season there, but the team's feeling pretty confident he'll be back. You gotta wonder if new coach Mike McCarthy, Rodgers' old boss for 13 seasons in Green Bay, is gonna get a definitive answer when organized team activities kick off next week. But Paris isn't the only exotic locale. We already knew about a few of these international showdowns, like the San Francisco 49ers squaring off against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, during Week 1. That's a Thursday night game on September 10th for us, which means it's Friday morning down under at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Ravens and Cowboys are heading to Rio de Janeiro in Week 3, and the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid in Week 9. Talk about a global footprint!

London Stays King, Mexico City Gets More Love

Beyond those previously announced matchups, Wednesday brought the rest of the international slate into focus, and London is still the undisputed champ, hosting three games. The Washington Commanders are playing host to the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 4 on October 4th. Then, for the first time ever, the Jacksonville Jaguars are playing consecutive home games abroad, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 at Tottenham on October 11th, and then the Houston Texans in Week 6 at Wembley Stadium on October 18th. That's a huge commitment from the Jags! And the rest of the schedule? The Saints are the home team for that Week 7 Paris game on October 25th. The Detroit Lions are hosting the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany, at FC Bayern Munich Arena in Week 10 on November 15th. Finally, the 49ers are the home team for a Sunday night game against the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City at Estadio Banorte in Week 11 on November 22nd. This is more than just travel logistics for these teams, folks. It's a clear signal that the NFL is going full throttle on its global ambitions. With nine games set for this season, Goodell's goal of 16 doesn't seem so crazy anymore. Get ready to adjust your weekend viewing habits, because the world is about to get a whole lot more football! The next big international clash to mark on your calendar is that 49ers-Rams showdown in Melbourne, Week 1. You don't wanna miss what's coming!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.