ClutchPoints
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make history at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday, September 28, facing the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL’s first regular-season game on Irish soil. Both teams enter this landmark matchup at 2-1, with the Steelers riding momentum from a 21-14 victory over the Patriots and the Vikings coming off a dominant 48-10 win against the Bengals. As 2.5-point underdogs in this neutral-site contest, the Steelers have everything to prove on the international stage. Here are three bold predictions for Pittsburgh’s performance in Dublin.
Despite early-season struggles that have seen Aaron Rodgers grade out poorly with Pro Football Focus, ranking 35th among 36 qualifying quarterbacks, the Dublin stage presents the perfect opportunity for the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer to silence his critics. Rodgers has already thrown for seven touchdowns against three interceptions through three games, but his yards per pass attempt (6.8) ranks just 16th in the NFL.
The Vikings defense, while formidable with playmakers like Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner leading their pass rush, may struggle with the emotional weight of playing in Ireland. Rodgers thrives on big stages and has recorded 224+ passing yards in 10 of his last 11 Week 4 appearances. With DK Metcalf finally finding chemistry with his new quarterback—having caught 10 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns through three games—and tight end Jonnu Smith providing consistent underneath options, Rodgers will exploit the Vikings’ secondary for his best performance as a Steeler.
The historic atmosphere at Croke Park, combined with Pittsburgh being designated as the “home” team, will energize Rodgers to deliver a vintage performance that reminds everyone why the Steelers made this quarterback gamble.
T.J. Watt enters the Dublin game with modest numbers—two sacks and one forced fumble through three contests—but the Vikings’ offensive line struggles present a golden opportunity for the Steelers’ defensive superstar to dominate. With Carson Wentz under center due to J.J. McCarthy’s ankle injury, the Vikings quarterback will be operating behind a line that has shown vulnerability to elite pass rushers.
“THE FUMBLES CONTINUE! TJ WATT POUNCES ON IT”
– Ian Eagle as the @steelers take the ball back in the 4th pic.twitter.com/DXsyxhFwzA
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 21, 2025
Watt has historically elevated his play in marquee matchups, and this international showcase represents the biggest stage he’s played on since the playoffs. His teammate Cam Heyward praised Watt’s leadership and expects big things from the defense after their rocky start. The 30-year-old edge rusher, who led the NFL with six forced fumbles last season, will feast on Wentz’s tendency to hold the ball too long and create multiple turnover opportunities.
Brian Flores’ defensive scheme for Minnesota relies heavily on blitzing, which could leave Wentz exposed to Watt’s pass rush when Pittsburgh has the ball. However, when Minnesota is on offense,...
