The Indianapolis Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL's first-ever game in Berlin on Sunday, marking a milestone in the league's international expansion. Cornerback Sauce Gardner is set to make his debut for the Colts after being traded from the New York Jets earlier in the week. The 7-2 Colts enter as 6.5-point favorites against the 3-5 Falcons.
The NFL continues its push into global markets with the inaugural Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium, pitting the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts against the struggling Atlanta Falcons. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network, the first NFL contest ever played in the German capital.
The Colts, riding a strong 7-2 record, acquired star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets in a blockbuster trade at the deadline, swapping him for a pair of first-round picks and receiver AD Mitchell. Gardner has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to bolster Indy's defense in his debut. Leading the offense is quarterback Daniel Jones, who has completed 205 of 298 passes for 2,413 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions this season. Running back Jonathan Taylor has been dominant, rushing for 895 yards and 12 touchdowns on 157 carries, including six explosive runs of 20-plus yards.
The Falcons, mired in a three-game losing streak at 3-5, turn to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has thrown for 1,630 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions in seven games. Running back Bijan Robinson provides a dual threat, with 595 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 118 carries, plus 41 receptions for 463 yards and two scores. Atlanta's most recent loss was a 24-23 defeat at New England in Week 9.
Betting odds list the Colts as 6.5-point favorites with an over/under of 48.5 points. The Colts hold a 15-3 all-time series edge, winning two of the last four meetings. This matchup highlights the NFL's growing trade activity, with 22 in-season deals this year, up significantly from prior seasons due to a later deadline after Week 9.
