NFL Germany game 2022: Patriots, Chiefs, Bucs, Panthers likely to be one of teams in first regular-season game in Munich; Packers may finally play overseas
The NFL will expand its regular-season schedule to Germany starting next season.
On Wednesday ahead of Super Bowl 56, the NFL announced that it will play five international games next regular season: three in London, one in Mexico and a first-ever regular-season game in Germany, specifically Munich. While we won't officially know the teams for several weeks, expect the Patriots, Chiefs, Buccaneers or Panthers to be (at least) one of them.
In December, the NFL announced that 18 teams had been granted access to 26 international markets for the purpose of "marketing, fan engagement and commercialization." Home marketing area rights in Germany were granted to Kansas City, New England, Tampa Bay and Carolina. The NFL said in a statement that it would ensure franchises play in their designated international markets "where possible." Of course, the Bucs and Panthers play each other twice every season, so that could be the easiest solution is shipping one of those games to Munich.
There are a few German players currently in the NFL, including Patriots fullback Jakob Johnson, although his contract is up. Prior to signing Johnson, the Patriots employed German-born Sebastian Vollmer from 2009-16.
The NFL had been deciding between Munich, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf for its first German and mainland Europe regular-season matchup. Allianz Arena in Munich, home of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, will host in 2022 and Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt will in 2023. Germany did host five preseason games between 1990-1994 and also had teams in the World League of American Football, NFL Europe and NFL Europa.
The Chiefs also got rights in Mexico so they could perhaps play in that game instead – no team is going to be forced to play two international games. Then again, eight other clubs were given marketing rights in Mexico as well.
It is known the Jaguars will host another game in London as they always do, and it will be at Wembley Stadium. Jacksonville played a game at Wembley for seven straight seasons from 2013-2019. There were no international games in 2020 due to the pandemic and the Jags played Miami at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this past season.
The NFL International Series was launched in 2007 and has since included 30 games in London and three in Mexico City. The Packers are the only team to have never played an international game but there is widespread speculation they will this season because all NFC teams have a ninth home game.
The Packers have refused to give up a home game because of the disproportionate economic impact giving one up would have on Green Bay, easily the smallest market in the NFL. The impact of a regular-season game at Lambeau Field is estimated at $15 million.
NFC teams will be hosts of all international games except for Jacksonville's matchup in London because NFC clubs have that additional home game in 2022.
The action is just getting started at SportsLine. See what we have planned for NBA, college basketball, golf, horse racing and more this spring.
Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total, and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on the Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short, sweet and to put some green in your pocket. Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss the Early Edge specials and live shows!
