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The NFL makes history this weekend as the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers face off in the league’s first-ever regular season game in Ireland. Both teams enter Croke Park with identical 2-1 records after bouncing back from Week 2 losses. The Vikings exploded for 48 points against Cincinnati last week with Carson Wentz at quarterback: Meanwhile, the Steelers squeaked by the Patriots 21-14 despite being outgained for the third straight game. Read on for an expert NFL Dublin game preview and explore stats to make your best Vikings vs Steelers bets.
- National Football League
- Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- September 28, 2025
- 9:30 AM EST
- Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
- NFL Network
NFL Dublin Game Betting Odds
The Vikings opened as 1.5-point favorites, but sharp money has pushed the line to -2.5 at most sportsbooks. Minnesota is priced at -140 on the moneyline while Pittsburgh sits at +120. The total has settled at 41.5 points, reflecting oddsmakers’ expectations of a defensive battle.
NFL 
Minnesota Vikings -140 -140 -135 Pittsburgh Steelers +120 +120 +115
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Vikings Playing Two Consecutive Games in the British Isles
The Vikings’ offense didn’t miss a beat with Carson Wentz stepping in for injured rookie J.J. McCarthy last week. Wentz completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win over Cincinnati. His veteran presence provides stability for an offense loaded with playmakers like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson. The potential return of offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw and Ryan Kelly would provide a massive boost against Pittsburgh’s formidable front seven.
Jordan Mason has emerged as a capable replacement for the injured Aaron Jones in Minnesota’s backfield. Mason exploded for 116 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals last week. The Vikings also welcome back wide receiver Jordan Addison from suspension, giving Wentz another dangerous weapon. Kevin O’Connell’s offense ranks 12th in scoring through three weeks despite the quarterback change.
Minnesota’s defense has been among the league’s best units through three weeks. The Vikings lead the NFL in running Cover-4 zone coverage and have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards in the league. Their defensive line rotation featuring Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner has been terrorizing opposing quarterbacks all season.
The secondary received a boost from cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who scored two defensive touchdowns against New England in Week 3. Former Steeler Javon Hargrave anchors the interior defensive line alongside Jonathan Allen, creating a formidable front. Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme has produced multiple turnovers in each game this season.
Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ third-year defensive coordinator, will face his former team when the Vikings play the Steelers in Dublin. Under Flores’ leadership, the Vikings defense has become one of the NFL’s most formidable units, ranking highly in multiple statistical categories including sixth in yards allowed per game and third in takeaways. Flores has also significantly influenced Minnesota’s personnel decisions, advocating for successful free agent signings like Isaiah Rodgers, who recently set a franchise record by returning both an interception and a fumble for touchdowns in a single game.
Steelers Off to Winning Start Despite Poor Underlying Metrics
Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled to find consistency despite Aaron Rodgers’ presence under center. The Steelers rank 30th in total offense through three games, relying heavily on running back Jaylen Warren. Warren leads the team in both rushing and receiving, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry behind an inconsistent offensive line.
Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf was acquired in an offseason trade to provide a downfield threat. Calvin Austin and tight end Jonnu Smith round out the receiving corps for a unit that has been efficient in the red zone but struggles between the 20s. The Steelers will need to establish a more balanced attack against Minnesota’s stingy defense.
Pittsburgh’s defense remains the team’s strength despite some aging stars. T.J. Watt continues to wreak havoc off the edge, while veterans Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay provide leadership in the secondary. The unit has kept the Steelers competitive despite being on the field for long stretches.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith’s absence will be felt against Minnesota’s balanced attack. Joey Porter Jr. is questionable, potentially leaving the secondary vulnerable against Jefferson and Addison. The Steelers’ defense has been bend-but-don’t-break through three weeks, but faces its toughest test yet.
NFL Dublin Game Prediction: Expert NFL Betting Pick
The betting market is telling us something important with the line movement toward Minnesota. Sharp money has pushed this spread from -1.5 to -2.5 despite public perception favoring Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ 2-1 record masks serious deficiencies that show up in the box score, where they’ve been outgained in all three games.
Kevin O’Connell has a perfect 2-0 record both straight up and against the spread in international games. The potential return of Darrisaw and Kelly would solidify Minnesota’s offensive line against Pittsburgh’s pass rush. Wentz showed last week he can effectively distribute the ball to Minnesota’s playmakers when given time. The Vikings’ defensive front should disrupt Rodgers’ timing and force Pittsburgh into becoming one-dimensional.
Take the Vikings -2 (-115) at Bovada as they continue their international success in this historic Dublin matchup. Minnesota’s superior offensive firepower and defensive playmaking ability will be the difference in a game that means more than just another regular season contest.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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