On a chilly Sunday in Berlin, Jonathan Taylor didn’t just run the ball—he rewrote history. With 32 carries for 244 yards and three touchdowns, the Indianapolis Colts running back tied Edgerrin James’ franchise record in a 31-25 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons at Olympic Stadium. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement—delivered on international soil, in front of a crowd that had never seen NFL football live before. The game, broadcast globally on NFL Network and streamed via NFL+, became the most-watched international regular-season game in league history. And yet, for all the spotlight on Taylor, the real story was the chaos, the grit, and the sheer improbability of what unfolded across the league that day.
Berlin’s Unexpected Stage
The Colts-Falcons matchup Berlin wasn’t just a novelty. It was a calculated gamble by the NFL to expand its global footprint. And it paid off—in spades. Davis Jones, the Colts’ quarterback, was calm under pressure, completing 19 of 26 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. But it was Taylor who turned every carry into a highlight reel. His 68-yard burst in the third quarter broke open a 17-17 tie. Falcons defensive back Nafton Brooks made a desperate, game-saving tackle on running back Abdullah late in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough. In overtime, Taylor bulldozed through three defenders for the final touchdown, sending the German crowd into stunned applause.For Atlanta, Drake London was the lone bright spot with six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. But the Falcons’ offense stalled when it mattered most. A botched snap on a field goal attempt in the final minute of regulation—saved only by Tanner Bordellini’s quick hands—was the turning point. "We had chances," said Falcons head coach Arthur Smith afterward. "But Taylor? He was just unstoppable."
The Great Comeback: Houston’s Miracle
While Berlin dazzled, something even more improbable was happening in Houston. Down 29-10 with 10:42 left in the fourth quarter, the Houston Texans were dead. Fans were leaving. Analysts were writing obituaries. Then, Davis Mills, the backup quarterback who’d been benched just three weeks prior, took the field.What followed was football’s most stunning fourth-quarter reversal since the 2022 Bills’ 35-3 comeback against the Patriots. Mills threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard dart to Nico Collins with 1:18 left to tie the game. The final drive? A 12-play, 78-yard march that consumed 4:32. Warrick Marks punched in the game-winner on a 1-yard plunge. "We watched a video Saturday night," head coach DeMeco Ryans revealed. "It was from 2017. The Falcons did this to the Saints. We told the guys: ‘If they can do it, so can we.’"
Dolphins Shock Bills, Chargers Keep Rolling
The Miami Dolphins didn’t just beat the Buffalo Bills—they dismantled them. 30-13. The Bills, who entered the game as AFC East favorites, looked lost. Quarterback Josh Allen threw two interceptions, and the defense gave up 213 rushing yards. Jaylen Waddle had 112 receiving yards, while rookie linebacker Jaelan Phillips (no relation to the Eagles’ Jaelan Phillips) forced a fumble that led to a touchdown.Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers continued their quiet resurgence. Despite missing three starters on the offensive line, Justin Herbert carved up the Pittsburgh Steelers for 220 yards and a touchdown. The 25-10 win marked their third straight victory—a streak that now includes wins over the Chiefs and Ravens. "They’re not flashy," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "But they’re relentless. And Herbert? He’s playing like he’s got something to prove."
Other Games, Other Stories
The New York Jets made history in Cleveland, returning both a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns within 36 seconds—the first time in franchise history. Davis Gabriel, the Browns’ QB, threw two costly picks, and the offense managed just 177 total yards.The Chicago Bears held off the New York Giants 24-20 in a gritty, turnover-filled battle. Rookie running back Jaylen Johnson rushed for 118 yards, and kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 53-yarder with 1:12 left. And in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Eagles edged the Green Bay Packers 10-7, thanks to a suffocating defense led by Jaelan Phillips, who had two sacks and forced a fumble in his first start since returning from injury.
Who’s Sitting Out? The Bye Week Roster
The Cincinnati Bengals (4-8), Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1), Kansas City Chiefs (6-6), and Tennessee Titans (1-10) all had the week off. For the Bengals and Titans, it was a chance to heal. For the Chiefs? A pause before the real grind begins. Patrick Mahomes, who missed last week’s game with a high ankle sprain, is expected to return in Week 11.Week 11 kicks off November 12, with the Colts traveling to face the Ravens, and the Texans hosting the Chiefs in a potential playoff preview. The league’s international push? It’s no longer a sideshow. Berlin proved it. The crowds were electric. The TV ratings? Up 41% from last year’s London game. The NFL isn’t just playing games abroad anymore—it’s building a global fanbase, one Taylor-esque run at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Jonathan Taylor’s 244-yard performance in NFL history?
Taylor’s 244 rushing yards rank as the 12th-highest single-game total in NFL history and the most by any player since Derrick Henry’s 250-yard game in 2022. It’s also the highest by a Colt since Edgerrin James’ 216-yard effort in 2004. His three touchdowns tied his career best, and the 32 carries are the most since Dalvin Cook had 33 in 2022. This was the first 200-yard game in an international NFL game since 2019.
Why was the Colts-Falcons game played in Berlin?
The NFL has been hosting regular-season games in Europe since 2007, with London as the primary host. Berlin was selected for 2025 after a successful fan engagement campaign and infrastructure upgrades at Olympic Stadium. The league aims to grow its European audience, and this game drew over 60,000 attendees—including 22,000 from outside Germany. Broadcasts reached 14 million viewers across 12 European countries.
What made the Texans’ 19-point comeback so rare?
It was the largest fourth-quarter comeback in NFL history since the 2022 Bills’ 32-point rally. Only five teams in NFL history have overcome a 19-point deficit in the final 15 minutes. The Texans are now the first team to do it with a backup QB who had been benched the previous month. Their win also marked the first time a team won after trailing by 19+ points in the fourth quarter since the 2020 Titans beat the Jaguars.
How did the Dolphins’ win impact the AFC playoff race?
The Dolphins’ 30-13 win over the Bills moved them to 7-3, tying them with the Bills for the AFC East lead. Buffalo’s loss dropped them to 7-3 as well, but Miami now holds the tiebreaker after defeating them head-to-head. The win also ended Buffalo’s 10-game winning streak against Miami, dating back to 2021. With the Patriots and Jets struggling, Miami is now the clear favorite to win the division.
What’s next for the NFL’s international series?
The NFL has confirmed two more international games for 2026: one in Munich, Germany, and another in Mexico City. Talks are underway for a potential game in London in 2027, and possibly a regular-season game in Brazil by 2028. The league’s goal is to have at least three international games annually, with Berlin becoming a permanent fixture. Commissioner Roger Goodell called Berlin’s success "a game-changer for global growth."
