Well if that wasn’t a nice surprise, as the NFL announced some of the teams that we can expect in London in 2022.
The New Orleans Saints will come marching back this fall, the Jaguars will once again host a London game, and the Green Bay Packers finally make a much awaited visit to Blighty in 2022.
When and where do all of these games take place?
No idea.
But we do have some ideas, so let’s break them down.
International Games
We know that every team will have to play at least once every 8 years in an international home game either in the UK, Germany, Mexico or Canada.
While the exact number of games each year is up in the air, we know that in 2022 England will get 3 games, Germany 1, Mexico 1, and Canada can suck it.
We also know that the general rule is that AFC teams will be playing NFC teams, so that the games don’t affect their divisional standings as much.
Mexico
Who can forget the Mexico City game a few years back when thousands of laser pointers found Tom Brady’s eyes in Patriots beat down.
This time fans will struggle with their pointers, as the QB coming this year is the diminutive Kyler Murray.
Fresh off a disappointing 2021 season, Kyler and the Arizona Cardinals will be saying ‘Ola’ to Mexico City in one of the shortest international trips for a team.
While no team has been submitted as the opponent of the Cards, we would like to think that it will be a garbage team with a minuscule Latino connection.
Their home opponents for 2022 include: Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, Chiefs, Chargers, Buccaneers, Saints, Eagles and Patriots.
Given that the Patriots and Saints are already playing internationally, we are predicting their 2022 Mexico opponent will be the LA Chargers.
Germany
As the biggest NFL fanbase in Europe, Germany is finally due to host its first international game in Munich 2022.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be heading to Germany in 2022, without Tom Brady and many of the stellar stars who won the SuperBowl last year.
Despite not having the marquee line-up of years past, German fans will be in for a real treat as the Florida men make an international trek to Bavaria.
Looking at the Bucs 2022 home opponents, there are several teams that can be discounted as potential rivals.
The Packers, Saints, Rams and Bengals all seem unlikely given their own schedules, leaving a few options as to their German counterparts.
If the format does indeed favour cross-conference play, then the most likely opponent for the Bucs would be the Baltimore Ravens.
London Games
We have three big games in London for 2022!
What games will we get?
Here we make our predictions.
Jaguars
Like a faithful old dog, the Jaguars are back at our side for the 2022 season in a Wembley Stadium contest.
Fans who were hoping to get a taste of that Urban Meyer wiener will be sadly disappointed, as the Jags will once again attempt to provide us with a ‘new look.’
The Jaguars line-up of home competitors is a lack lustre as one would think, with the Giants, Broncos, Texans, Colts, and Raiders in the mix.
Given the woes of the G-Men the past several years, the New York Giants would be out pick as the Jaguars 2022 opponents.
Saints
The New Orleans Saints were last in London in 2017, when Drew Brees was the gunslinger, and the team felt like it had a chance.
With Taysom Hill under centre, and Alvin Kamara under fire, this is not the same Saints team of years past.
Looking at the Saints home opponents for 2022, including the Bucs, Bengals, Rams, and Seahawks, the one team that sticks out is the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fresh off their own hellish season in 2021, the Raiders could probably use a trip away, to get their players to start using taxis.
So at this juncture, we think that the Saints will be playing the Las Vegas Raiders.
Packers
The latest big news to hit the Uk, is that the Green Bay Packers will finally be making the trek across the pond, making them the 32nd team to do so.
With Drama Mama Aaron Rodgers still on the team, one wonders if a London trip that he would make.
Many players are quite vocal of their disdain for jaunting across the Atlantic, and Aa-Ron has never been one to mince words.
Having Green Bay come to London is obviously a HUGE boost, and will be the most sought after of all the games.
Given that the Packers have home opponents including the Bears, Rams, Lions and Patriots…the most likely of all to return to London, would be the Tennessee Titans.
The New York Jets played here last year, so they might be given a break after their years of hustling to the UK under the Woody Johnson years.
Of course it’s too early to tell, but we will let you know as we know more.
It’s going to be a great season of the NFL in London for 2022!
