The New England Patriots visit the Detroit Lions Sunday in Munich’s Allianz Arena, a game billed as part of the NFL’s continued expansion in Germany. Lions Patriots Munich is the subject of extensive local and international coverage ahead of the matchup.
Lions Patriots Munich: international stakes and local interest
The game is part of the NFL’s push into Germany, with local and international attention surrounding the matchup, the Chicago Tribune noted. Yahoo Sports reported that Bayern executive Kasper called hosting the NFL game at Allianz Arena “important” for Bayern’s global growth. DAZN reported that traveling supporters — described as the Tartan Army — have turned out in Bavaria to back the Patriots.
What’s on the line
According to ProFootballTalk, Detroit enters the game 6-2 and is tied in a cluster of NFC North teams that each have six or more wins. The Patriots sit at 5-4 and, PFT added, are slipping in the AFC East and could find themselves scrambling for a wild-card berth if results go poorly.
Jared Goff’s history vs. New England
ProFootballTalk detailed Goff’s career numbers and his record against New England. As a starter, Goff is 101-67-1 overall, a 59.7 percent win rate, but is 1-3 against the Patriots. In those four games he has thrown two touchdown passes and five interceptions. PFT noted this Munich matchup will be Goff’s first game against New England with a coach other than Bill Belichick and that Goff has never faced current Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.
PFT recounted the four previous meetings: a 26-10 loss in Goff’s third career start in 2016; New England’s 13-3 win over the Rams in the 2018 Super Bowl; a 24-3 Patriots victory in 2020; and a 29-0 Patriots win over Goff and the Lions in 2022.
Team coverage and local angles
ESPN highlighted player features including Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s German upbringing, and the Detroit Free Press published a Lions scouting report focused on New England ahead of the trip. The matchup in Munich brings both competitive and cultural storylines as the league continues staging regular-season games overseas.
Sources: ProFootballTalk