The Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as the NFL begins a run of three consecutive regular-season games in London.
Both teams arrive with 1-2 records after securing their first wins of the season in Week 3. Indianapolis beat the Houston Texans 19-17, while Washington edged the Seattle Seahawks 33-31. That gives Sunday’s cross-conference meeting added importance before both schedules move deeper into October.
The schedule lists Kick-off for 2.30 pm BST on Sunday, 4 October. The Commanders are the designated home team, despite the game taking place at Tottenham rather than Northwest Stadium. It is the first of three London games on the 2026 NFL international schedule.
For readers following the season, World in Sport’s NFL coverage includes the latest previews, results and league developments.
Embed from Getty ImagesColts and Commanders enter London at 1-2
Neither side has enjoyed a straightforward opening three weeks.
Indianapolis started with a 41-23 home defeat against the Baltimore Ravens before losing 33-30 in overtime at the Kansas City Chiefs. Shane Steichen’s side then responded against Houston.
The 19-17 victory ended a nine-game Colts losing run stretching back into last season. Spencer Shrader kicked the decisive 53-yard field goal after Houston had taken a late lead.
The result offered encouragement for a defence that had struggled badly through the opening fortnight. Indianapolis allowed only 223 total yards against Houston after conceding 1,029 across the first two matches.
However, the Colts still gave the ball away three times. Daniel Jones committed all three turnovers as Indianapolis became the first Colts team since 1999 to win despite finishing at least minus-three in turnover differential.
Washington also needed Week 3 to move into the win column.
The Commanders beat Seattle 33-31 with Marcus Mariota starting at quarterback in place of the injured Jayden Daniels. Mariota completed 19 of 31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
That victory relieved some of the early pressure on Dan Quinn’s team and ensured both sides travel into Sunday’s fixture with identical records.
Jayden Daniels’ fitness remains a major question
Washington’s quarterback situation is one of the most important issues ahead of kick-off.
Daniels returned to practice on Wednesday but was limited because of a left elbow injury. His availability for Sunday had not been confirmed at the time of writing.
That distinction matters. Mariota showed against Seattle that Washington can operate effectively with him behind centre, but the Commanders would have to adjust again if Daniels receives clearance to return.
The official Commanders injury report listed Daniels as limited on Wednesday. Guard Sam Cosmi and safety Nick Cross did not participate, while several other Washington players were also restricted.
Indianapolis therefore have to prepare for more than one possibility at quarterback rather than building their defensive plan around a confirmed starter.
For newer NFL followers, World in Sport’s guide to NFL positions and player roles explains how quarterback responsibilities fit into an offence.
Embed from Getty ImagesIndianapolis need to protect the football
The clearest concern for the Colts remains turnovers.
Jones helped Indianapolis move the ball against Houston, but his three giveaways repeatedly placed pressure on the defence. He has committed five turnovers through the opening three games.
Indianapolis cannot assume they will overcome the same problem in London.
Washington punished Seattle mistakes in Week 3. The Commanders scored 10 points after receiving short fields from turnovers, while linebacker Kain Medrano returned a fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown.
That creates a straightforward contest within the wider game. Indianapolis need to sustain drives without giving Washington favourable field position.
Jonathan Taylor remains central to that approach. Houston limited him to 68 yards from 23 carries last weekend, but an effective running game would ease the burden on Jones and help Indianapolis manage possession.
Taylor was limited at Wednesday’s practice, although the Colts listed that restriction as a veteran rest day rather than an injury concern. Keenan Allen and Charvarius Ward were limited for the same reason.
Kicker Shrader, who dealt with a groin issue before making all four of his field-goal attempts against Houston, participated fully on Wednesday.
Colts defence face another test after Houston improvement
Indianapolis produced their best defensive performance of the young season against Houston.
The difference from the first two weeks was considerable. The Texans managed just 67 yards in the opening half and finished with 223. C.J. Stroud threw for 167 yards.
Sunday will show whether that improvement can carry across the Atlantic.
Washington demonstrated against Seattle that they can find points without producing huge passing numbers. They also benefited from field position and defensive scoring.
The Colts therefore need to limit explosive plays while also avoiding the sudden-change situations that followed offensive turnovers against Houston.
Fans unfamiliar with concepts such as turnovers, downs and field position can find them explained in World in Sport’s NFL rules guide.
London begins three-week NFL run
Sunday’s game opens the NFL’s three-week stay in London.
Philadelphia Eagles face Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 October before Jacksonville meet Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium on 18 October. The schedule lists all three games for 2.30 pm local kick-offs.
The Colts and Commanders both played in Europe last season. Indianapolis beat Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, while Washington lost to Miami Dolphins in Madrid.
Washington have also previously played a regular-season game in London, appearing in the city in 2016.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become one of the NFL’s main European venues. Its purpose-built retractable football pitch allows NFL games to be staged on a separate artificial surface underneath.
Embed from Getty ImagesColts vs Commanders key details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders |
| Date | Sunday, 4 October 2026 |
| Kick-off | 2.30pm BST |
| Venue | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London |
| Week | NFL Week 4 |
| Colts record | 1-2 |
| Commanders record | 1-2 |
| Designated home team | Washington Commanders |
The Colts lead the regular-season series between the teams 21-11. Washington won their most recent meeting 17-16 in Indianapolis in October 2022.
This meeting arrives with both teams trying to turn one victory into momentum. Indianapolis have just produced a much-needed defensive response, while Washington have shown they can win with Mariota if Daniels is unavailable.
The final quarterback decision for the Commanders and each team’s ability to protect possession should shape much of Sunday’s contest at Tottenham.
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