New England Patriots Seek Fresh Start In Germany: What To Expect

In the world of sports, playing at home is generally seen as an advantage. For the New England Patriots, though, a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered. The AFC East club has found itself in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the standings; at 2-7, Bill Belichick's squad is last in the entire conference. This drastic situation has prompted the team to consider new avenues to revitalize their performance.

In that vein, perhaps there's no better time to head abroad. Where better to get a fresh start than in Germany? Yes, you read that correctly. In Week 10, the Patriots' matchup against the Indianapolis Colts will take place in Frankfurt, rather than Foxborough or Indy. This unique opportunity presents a chance for the team to reconnect with their fanbase and possibly turn their season around.

What’s behind that scheduling quirk? And how can you watch the game? With the NFL making strides to expand its reach, particularly in markets like Germany, this game represents not just a strategic move for the Patriots but also a broader vision for the league. Let’s break it down and see what this international matchup means for the team and its fans.

Germany Is on the NFL's Radar

Last week, we explored why the Chiefs and Dolphins played an early morning game (at least by American time zones) rather than kicking off during a more conventional prime-time window. While this weekend's game is a bit less high-profile, the underlying logic is largely the same. The NFL has been playing international games for more than a decade now in an attempt to expand its fanbase, and by European standards, Germany is a logical place to play.

The country’s NFL Europe teams drew well during that league’s existence, and the modern European League of Football boasts multiple teams in Germany. This reality sets the stage for the NFL to bring some of those fans into the fold. As Alexander Steinforth, the NFL's general manager for Germany, explained, “Most Germans don’t have a team yet. We are reaching that state of maturity where you see fans are actively seeking out teams and are looking for teams that they can follow.”

How to Watch Colts vs. Patriots From Germany

For many football fans, gridiron action occupies most of Sunday. Having a game in Europe, however, makes the NFL even more of an all-day affair. On Sunday, the Colts and Patriots will take the field in Frankfurt, Germany. The game will kick off on the NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. ET; Rich Eisen, Jason McCourty, Stacey Dales, and Sara Walsh will be on hand to talk you through the contest.

Beyond NFL Network, the game will also stream on a variety of services, including NFL+ and NFL Sunday Ticket. As of Tuesday, FanDuel Sportsbook listed the Colts as a narrow 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 43.5 points. This match holds potential excitement for fans both in the U.S. and abroad, promising a thrilling display of American football in a new setting.