LONDON — The first NFL International Series game of 2026 kicks off early Sunday morning as the Indianapolis Colts face the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kickoff is 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. The Colts are favorites around 4.5 points with a total near 46.5–47.5.
Both teams enter at 1-2 after earning their first wins of the season last week. The early London slot and cross-Atlantic travel add an extra layer of unpredictability.
Key Context for the London Game
Marcus Mariota starts again for Washington with Jayden Daniels still sidelined by an elbow injury. The Commanders stunned the defending champion Seahawks last week, giving them belief heading into this trip.
Indianapolis leaned on Jonathan Taylor in a narrow win over Houston. Taylor already has four touchdowns this season and remains the centerpiece of the Colts offense. Daniel Jones continues to manage the game rather than dominate it.
Both defenses rank near the bottom of the league in points and yards allowed. That combination usually points to points, but London games historically lean under.
Injury Notes
Washington is without Jayden Daniels and running back Rachaad White. Terry McLaurin is questionable with a hamstring issue. Indianapolis is missing wide receiver Keenan Allen and has other depth concerns at the position.
Betting Angle
The line opened with Washington as a slight favorite and has swung all the way to Colts -4.5. That is significant movement. Public money has followed the Colts, but London underdogs have covered more often than not in recent years.
My lean: Commanders +4.5. The under also carries appeal given the travel, the early kickoff and the tendency for international games to stay lower-scoring.
Factors That Will Decide the Game
- Can Jonathan Taylor find running room against a Commanders front that has been solid against the run at times?
- Does Marcus Mariota protect the ball and take what the defense gives him?
- Will the early kickoff and jet lag affect either side more?
- How many big plays can each offense create against leaky secondaries?
This is a classic early-window international game where the underdog often stays competitive longer than expected.
Final Prediction
Expect a close, physical contest decided late. Indianapolis has the better running game, but Washington’s recent win and the London factor keep this within a field goal.
Prediction: Colts 24, Commanders 21
Best bet: Commanders +4.5 / Under 46.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Colts vs Commanders in London?
9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game is on NFL Network.
What are the current odds?
Colts are favored by roughly 4.5 points. The total is near 46.5–47.5. Always check a licensed sportsbook for the latest numbers.
Who is starting at quarterback for the Commanders?
Marcus Mariota starts again with Jayden Daniels still recovering from an elbow injury.
Why has the line moved so much?
The line opened with Washington as a slight favorite and swung heavily toward Indianapolis after betting action and injury news.
Do London games tend to go over or under?
Recent international games have leaned under more often than over, especially in the early window.
Always bet responsibly. This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute gambling advice.