Browns vs. Vikings in London: Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel to Debut in High-Stakes Week 5 Clash

The NFL's international showcase continues in Week 5 as the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings face off at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This non-conference game carries significant weight for both teams, who are looking to rebound from recent losses and stabilize their seasons. The contest is set for a 9:30 a.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local time) kickoff and will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network.

For the Browns, who sit at 1-3 after a 34-10 defeat by the Detroit Lions, this game marks a pivotal change. The team announced that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will make his first career start, taking over from veteran Joe Flacco in an attempt to ignite one of the league's least productive offenses. Gabriel, a third-round pick from the 2025 draft, now faces the challenge of making his NFL debut on an international stage against a formidable opponent.

The Minnesota Vikings, designated as the home team for this matchup, enter the game with a 2-2 record. They are concluding a unique two-week European tour, having spent the past week practicing in the English countryside after a narrow 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland. The Vikings are also dealing with a key injury at quarterback, as starter J.J. McCarthy has been ruled out with a high ankle sprain. Veteran Carson Wentz will start in his place, having filled in admirably over the past two games.

Minnesota hopes its historical success in London—where the franchise holds an undefeated 4-0 record—will provide an edge. This game is the first of three to be held in London during the 2025 season, highlighting the NFL's continued commitment to expanding its global reach at its purpose-built UK home, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

• How to Watch and Listen: The game will be televised nationally in the U.S. on NFL Network, with local broadcasts available on WEWS News 5 in the Cleveland market and KMSP FOX 9 in the Twin Cities. The broadcast team consists of Kenny Albert on play-by-play, Jonathan Vilma as the analyst, and Sara Walsh reporting from the sideline. Fans can also stream the game live via NFL+. Radio coverage is available on the Browns and Vikings radio networks, with a national broadcast on Westwood One.
• Browns' Quarterback Shake-up: After scoring just 14 points per game and ranking near the bottom of the league in nearly every major offensive category through four weeks, the Browns are turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel. The decision follows a lopsided loss to Detroit and struggles under 40-year-old Joe Flacco.
• Gabriel, a former standout at Oregon, was the fifth quarterback selected in the 2025 draft and now has the task of revitalizing a passing attack that has been largely ineffective.
• Vikings' International Marathon: Minnesota is the first NFL team to play regular-season games in two different European countries in back-to-back weeks. After their game in Dublin, the team remained in Europe to acclimate and prepare, a logistical choice aimed at mitigating the effects of jet lag and extensive travel.
• While this avoids a second transatlantic flight, the extended time away from home facilities presents its own set of challenges for player routine and recovery.
• Key Injuries and Matchups: Both teams are impacted by significant injuries. The Vikings will be without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and center Ryan Kelly, and are dealing with several other starters out on the offensive line.
• For the Browns, the status of star defensive end Myles Garrett is a major concern; he is listed as questionable with an ankle injury that caused him to miss practice time. A key matchup will be the Vikings' potent passing attack, led by receiver Justin Jefferson, against a stingy Browns secondary.
• Another critical battle will be Cleveland's rookie running back Quinshon Judkins against a Vikings run defense that will need to be stout.
• Historical Context and Betting Lines: The Vikings hold a 12-5 advantage in the all-time series against the Browns. This includes a previous meeting in London in 2017, where Minnesota defeated Cleveland 33-16 at Twickenham Stadium.
• The Vikings' perfect 4-0 record in London games contrasts sharply with the Browns' 0-1 record in the city. Reflecting this history and recent form, oddsmakers have made the Vikings a 3.5-point favorite for Sunday's game.
• The NFL's Global Strategy: This game is a central piece of the NFL's 2025 international schedule, which features a record seven games outside the U.S. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a partnership with the NFL through the 2029-30 season, is the only venue outside the U.S. purpose-built for American football, featuring a dedicated turf field and NFL-sized locker rooms.
• These games are crucial for growing the league's international fanbase, creating new revenue streams, and increasing global brand exposure.