The Steelers, with familial Irish roots, hung on to win the NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland.
After a nightmare performance against the Vikings in Europe a year ago, veteran QB Aaron Rodgers rebounded against Minnesota on Sunday.
A backup running back also made an unexpectedly huge impact for Pittsburgh.

Just when you think you can head for the gates – or submit a game story before the final gun – that apparent NFL blowout suddenly turns highly competitive.

Such was the case Sunday (morning?), when the Irish saw the “hometown” Pittsburgh Steelers, who built a 24-6 fourth-quarter lead, fend off a late raid from the Minnesota Vikings during a 24-21 victory in Dublin – site of the first NFL regular-season game to be staged in Ireland.

And what a thrill for Steelers ownership – the venerable Rooney family hailing from Ireland and late owner Dan Rooney serving as the U.S. ambassador to the ‘Emerald Isle’ during the first administration of President Barack Obama. Art Rooney II, the club’s current president, got to witness his team improve to 3-1 on his family’s native soil and continue to look like it might (finally) be geared to make a late postseason run under QB Aaron Rodgers.

But Rooney’s Steelers weren’t the only winners (or losers) from a momentous NFL contest:

WINNERS

Pittsburgh pass defense

The Vikings were able to move the ball effectively at times, especially in the game’s final stages, but too little, too late − in large part due to the Steelers’ pass D working in unison front to back. Pittsburgh sacked Minnesota QB Carson Wentz six times and picked him off twice (and nearly a third on the Vikings’ final possession). And while Vikes WR Justin Jefferson and newly reinstated Jordan Addison combined for 14 catches and 240 yards, they didn’t reach the end zone − though a little luck of the Irish on that front (keep reading).

Pick-jig

Steelers S DeShon Elliott recorded the game’s first interception and celebrated in Irish-appropriate style. Elliott also broke up Minnesota’s final pass of the day, securing a hard-fought win.

Styx

“Renegade,” the Steelers’ fourth-quarter rally anthem, made the trip from Pittsburgh to Dublin and blared through Croke Park with 11:18 to go in the game, ‘Terrible Towels’ twirling throughout … though the team nearly fell apart afterward. Styx may not have, say, U2’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bona fides – more on them later – but no Steelers “home” game is complete without their signature song.

Steelers RB2 Kenneth Gainwell

Starting in place of injured Pittsburgh starting RB Jaylen Warren, Gainwell, a fifth-year vet, responded with a career day – rushing for a personal best 99 yards and scoring multiple touchdowns in a game for the first time in his pro career. Seemed kind of odd − and was nearly disastrous − when Mike Tomlin didn’t let Gainwell try to ice the game on fourth-and-inches from the Vikings’ 40-yard line at the end of the Steelers’ penultimate drive, the coach opting for a punt that resulted in a touchback and effectively netted 20 yards.

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings’ injured second-year quarterback probably saw his QB1 status solidified on a day when his backup, Wentz, was picked off twice and couldn’t come close to delivering on an ugly last-gasp drive that included an intentional grounding infraction. Sunday was Wentz’s second start for the Vikes, and while he didn’t play terribly, this performance didn’t come close to the team’s dominant Week 3 win over Cincinnati – one that might have set the table for a QB controversy had Minnesota been able to maintain its momentum.

Mr. (Isaiah) Rodgers

The reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, the Minnesota cornerback showed up again Sunday, blocking a 30-yard field-goal attempt by Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell in the second quarter.

Mr. (Aaron) Rodgers, 2025 European edition

A year ago, the future Hall of Fame quarterback had perhaps his worst game as a New York Jet – and that’s saying something – serving up three interceptions to the Vikings in London during a 23-17 loss that led to the firing of NYJ coach Robert Saleh and effectively ended the team’s 2024 campaign. Rodgers, an avowed Guinness fan, seemed much more comfortable Sunday in Dublin – efficiently picking apart the defense that previously gave him so much trouble across the Atlantic. Rodgers completed his first 10 passes against Minnesota, including a slant to WR DK Metcalf that resulted in an 80-yard TD after the quarterback manipulated the formation, and finished with 200 yards after completing 18 of 22 passes. Rodgers, who also looked limber outside the pocket, is off to his first 3-1 start since he was with the Green Bay Packers in 2022.

LOSERS

Minnesota Vikings, 2025 European edition

Not only could they not handle Rodgers this time, there were other short- and long-term implications for Minnesota. The Vikings lost their perfect 4-0 record in NFL International Series games – previously the league’s best in terms of winning percentage – and they now have to stew in it during their extended European staycation. The first NFL team that will play consecutive games in Europe but in different cities, the Vikes will face the Cleveland Browns in London next Sunday.

Vikings RB2 Jordan Mason

Starting again in place of injured Minnesota starting RB Aaron Jones Sr., Mason, a fourth-year vet obtained from the San Francisco 49ers in an offseason trade, never really got it going – despite being saved from an apparent fumble by replay in the first quarter. Mason finished with 57 yards on 16 carries, and Minnesota wound up passing 72% of the time due to its largely absent run game.

Croke Park turf?

Looked a bit slick? A few players seemed to struggle with their footing, notably Jefferson, who seemed to be running free toward the end zone on a 29-yard catch-and-run in the final minute of the first half before suffering a wipeout. Minnesota eventually settled for a field goal on the drive.

U2 fans

No, they’re not losers, quite the opposite – amazing musical community if you’ve ever been to one of the legendary band’s concerts. But given the famed Irish quartet gave the NFL its best-ever Super Bowl halftime show, would have also been nice seeing them perform on their home field in front of their countrymen and other supporters as opposed to just hearing snippets of their hits heading into commercial breaks or from Croke Park’s sound system.

James Franklin was well aware of the elephant in the room when he took the podium inside Beaver Stadium following then Penn State football’s 30-24 double overtime loss to No. 5 Oregon on Saturday, Sept, 27.

The Nittany Lions had dropped yet another big game under Franklin, who has a 104-32 overall record in 12 seasons at Penn State but a 15-29 all-time record against a ranked opponent — and a 4-21 record against top-10 opponents.

‘I kind of look at the greater picture and get that narrative. It’s not really a narrative; it’s a fact. I get it,’ Franklin said. ‘I kind of look at the greater picture and what we have been able to do here. But at the end of the day, we have to find a way to win those games.’

The Nittany Lions are now 1 for 6 in their previous games against top-10 opponents under Franklin, with that lone win coming against No. 8 Boise State in the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal in December 2025.

‘I take ownership and take responsibility (of that). At the end of the day, I wanted that (win) for those kids in that locker room. … We had our opportunities,’ Franklin continued on Sept. 27.

Penn State dug itself out of a 17-3 deficit at the start of the fourth quarter with two touchdowns from Drew Allar to Devonte Ross to force overtime. The Nittany Lions scored in the first overtime period on a 4-yard rushing touchdown from Kaytron Allen.

The Nittany Lions came one interception away from pulling off their fifth win over a top-10-ranked opponent under Franklin, but Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman picked off Allar on the first play of Penn State’s second overtime period.

The Nittany Lions’ next shot at beating a top-10-ranked opponent is on Saturday, Nov. 1, when they travel to No. 1 Ohio State, a team that Franklin is 1-10 all-time against with Penn State. The Nittany Lions won’t have much time to dwell on Saturday’s loss to Oregon, as it travels to winless UCLA on Saturday, Oct. 4 for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

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It’s a bittersweet homecoming for Micah Parsons on Sunday night when the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers throw down on ‘Sunday Night Football.’

It won’t have taken long for Parsons to make his return to ‘Big D.’ The superstar pass rusher began his stellar and budding career with Dallas, but was traded to the Packers in the week leading up to the NFL season. So far, he’s made his presence felt – and the Cowboys defense has felt his lack of presence.

Parsons has accounted for 15 total pressures and two sacks across three games with the Packers, per Pro Football Focus, with his 91.5 overall edge rusher grade trailing only Myles Garrett (92.0) and Joey Bosa (91.8). Dallas has three sacks combined as a unit.

To that end, Dallas’ defense has been amongst the worst in the league through three weeks, with opposing offenses facing minimal pressure and a bad secondary to throw the ball on. Dallas ranks dead last in passing yards allowed entering Week 4 – something that may have been remedied a bit had they rostered an all-world talent like Parsons.

USA TODAY Sports will cover all things Cowboys vs. Packers on Sunday night below, with live updates from pregame to triple-zeroes.

Watch Cowboys vs. Packers live with Fubo (free trial)

What time is Cowboys vs. Packers?

Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 7:20 p.m. CT

The Cowboys and Packers matchup gets underway at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Packers travel to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the tilt.

What TV channel is Cowboys vs. Packers on?

TV channel: NBC

NBC will broadcast the Cowboys vs. Packers ‘Sunday Night Football’ matchup. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, with Melissa Stark providing updates from the sideline.

2025 Cowboys schedule

Cowboys 2025 record

The Cowboys enter their ‘Sunday Night Football’ matchup with the Packers at 1-2. They have losses in Week 1 and 3 to the Eagles and Bears, respectively, with their sole win an overtime victory against the Giants in Week 2.

Packers 2025 record

The Packers walk into AT&T Stadium at 2-1 on the season. They have wins against the Lions and Commanders, with the Browns gaining an upset win over them in Week 3.

Cowboys vs. Packers live stream

Live stream:Fubo | Peacock

Peacock, NBC’s proprietary streaming service, will carry the ‘SNF’ game.

Fubo will also carry Cowboys vs. Packers. Fubo has NBC, as well as CBS, Fox, ABC, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action all season long with the streaming service. Fubo also offers a free trial.

Watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ with Fubo (free trial)

Cowboys vs. Packers prediction

Both teams are coming off surprising Week 3 losses: The Cowboys on the road to the Bears, and the Packers on the road to the Browns. Even with Jayden Reed out, expect the Packers to have their way with Dallas’ porous secondary –and a Parsons likely hellbent on revenge probably adds a bit more fuel to the fire, too. With CeeDee Lamb out, Prescott will have to find George Pickens early and often. That’s not going to be an easy task. The Packers win by a touchdown.

Prediction: Packers 27, Cowboys 20

Cowboys vs. Packers live betting odds

The WNBA is doubling down on its officials ahead of Game 4 between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces.

On Friday, Sept. 26, Game 3 of the WNBA playoffs between the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx was not without its fair share of controversy. The Mercury would end up winning the game, 84-76, but the officiating came under question on multiple occasions in crucial moments.

In fact, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected from the game after Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas stole a ball from the Lynx late in the game. Reeve did not like the fact that no call was made. Reeve later received a one-game suspension as well after the WNBA reviewed the footage, citing Reeve for ‘aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing’ the referees, failing to leave the court in a timely manner after being ejected, ‘inappropriate’ comments made to fans while exiting the court, and remarks made during her post-game press conference.

Now, that same officiating crew will be in the building for Game 4 between the Fever and Aces.

Who are the officials for Fever-Aces Game 4?

Isaac Barnett, Randy Richardson and Jenna Reneau will be the officials for Game 4 in Indianapolis. The Las Vegas Aces lead the series 2-1.

What caused the confrontation in Mercury-Lynx Game 3?

With the Lynx trailing late in Game 3, a steal off an inbound pass from Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas led to an easy two points and a massive swing in momentum. Reeve was unhappy that the referees did not call a foul on Thomas.

When do the Lynx play next?

Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals series between the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx will take play tonight, Sunday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. ET.

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve will be suspended for this game.

How to watch Fever-Aces Game 4

Date: Sunday, Sept. 28
Time: 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
TV: ABC
Stream: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

Viktor Hovland of Team Europe withdrew from his Sunday singles match due to a neck injury.
The withdrawal invoked the ‘envelope rule,’ resulting in a halved match against Harris English of the United States.
Hovland’s injury was diagnosed as a disc bulge in his neck following an MRI scan.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The final match of the 2025 Ryder Cup was scheduled to be Europe’s Viktor Hovland against Harris English of the United States.

Instead, there will be no 12th match during Ryder Cup Sunday, as Hovland was scratched with a neck injury for the second consecutive day.

That invoked the mystical Ryder Cup ‘envelope rule,’ in which each side’s captain must submit an envelope with one player’s name should the other side have a player who must withdraw due to injury or illness at the start of the week. That unlucky player is then ‘paired’ with the withdrawn opposition and the matched is halved (worth .5 points).

For the Americans, that turned out to be English, who was originally paired with Hovland and therefore won’t affect the other matchups.  

Hovland and foursome (alternate shot) partner Robert MacIntyre lost during the Friday morning session to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. But the duo rebounded with a massive victory over Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler in the Saturday morning foursome session. Hovland drained a key birdie putt on hole No. 16 to tie the hole and keep his side’s one-up advantage, which he and MacIntyre held for the full point.

With the match halved, the score entering the singles matches is 12-5.

Hovland, from Norway, has been dealing with the neck injury since June and, despite winning Saturday morning, he had to withdraw from the Saturday afternoon fourballs (best ball), with Tyrrell Hatton replacing him in the final match alongside Matt Fitzpatrick.

Hovland underwent an MRI scan Saturday night at a local hospital and woke up Sunday morning unable to move his neck, according to a Ryder Cup statement. The imaging showed a disc bulge in his neck. That didn’t stop Hovland from trying to warm up at the course, ‘but due to limited movement, he had to inform captain Luke Donald that he will be unable to play.’

‘There is nothing more I would like to do than be out there representing Team Europe and trying to help them win the Ryder Cup today,’ Hovland said in the statement. ‘Not being able to do so is pretty heartbreaking. I will be backing my team as hard as I can and rooting them on.’

Arkansas has fired sixth-year coach Sam Pittman, following a 56-13 home loss to No. 21 Notre Dame, the university announced on Sunday, Sept. 28.

The loss dropped the Razorbacks to 2-3 during the 2025 college football season. Pittman will end his six-year tenure at two games below .500 with a 32-34 record leading the program.

Pittman, 63, is the fourth college football head coach fired through the first five weeks of the season after UCLA and Virginia Tech fired DeShaun Foster and Brent Pry, respectively, on Sunday, Sept. 14. Oklahoma State parted ways with Mike Gundy on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

The blowout loss to the Fighting Irish comes a week after Arkansas blew an 18-point lead against Memphis in a 32-31 loss on Sept. 20. The week prior, the Razorbacks’ road comeback effort against Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss came up short in a 41-35 loss.

The Razorbacks finished 9-4 in the 2021 season, which earned Pittman a contract extension. However, outside of that season, Arkansas has not won more than seven games nor finished a season ranked.

Why was Sam Pittman fired at Arkansas?

In its release, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek had this to say of Arkansas’ move from Pittman:

“I want to thank Coach Pittman for his service and dedication to the University of Arkansas throughout his time as head coach,” Yurachek said in a statement. “From Day 1, you could tell how much this opportunity meant to him. At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful.

‘The goal for our football program is to be highly competitive within the Southeastern Conference and compete for a national championship. As we move forward in the process of finding our next head coach, I am certain we will be able to provide the necessary resources to our staff and team to reach our goals.

‘We will begin a national search for our next head coach immediately and that search will include Coach Petrino, who has expressed his desire to be a candidate for the full-time job.”

Sam Pittman record at Arkansas

Outside of a nine-win season in 2021, the Razorbacks have not had sustained success under Pittman. He finishes his Razorback career with a 32-34 record with the program and never finished a season with a winning record against SEC opponents.

Here’s a breakdown of Pittman’s record by year at Arkansas:

2020: 3-7 (3-7 SEC play)
2021: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)
2022: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
2023: 4-8 (1-7 SEC)
2024: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
2025: 2-3 (0-1 SEC)

Sam Pittman buyout

A clause in Pittman’s contract makes his buyout more interesting. Pittman signed his contract after the 2021 season and the clause determines how much his buyout would be.

Pittman will be owed $9.3 million, according to his contract documents obtained by the USA TODAY Network. According to the clause, if Pittman had a record below .500 since 2021 by the end of the season, he would be owed $5.7 million. However, if his record since 2021 is .500 or better at the end of the season, he would be owed $8.5 million.

With a 29-27 record since 2021, Arkansas could have waited to see if Pittman would have lost more games to pay a lower buyout. But the Razorbacks had seen enough and decided to part ways.

Earth to Kirby Smart, Nick Saban has been retired for nearly two years now. You’re allowed to beat Alabama.
Kalen DeBoer continues mastery of top coaches. Beware of Vanderbilt, though.
Penn State, LSU deliver familiar acts.

The past few seasons, programs ranging from Tennessee to Florida State to Vanderbilt have treated Alabama with as much reverence as a paper napkin, while stripping off the Crimson Tide’s cloak of invincibility and trampling the elephant.

And then there’s Georgia’s Kirby Smart. He acts if he’s still facing Nick Saban’s Alabama — and not just that, but Saban-in-his-prime Alabama.

Kalen DeBoer owns Smart, and maybe that shouldn’t be so surprising — DeBoer does his best work in the biggest games — except that Georgia’s coach acts as if it’s no big thing. Acts as if he expects it, almost.

Alabama toppled Georgia, 24-21, to snap the Bulldogs’ 33-game home winning streak and send Smart’s career record against the Tide tumbling to 1-7.

What’s he think of that?

“I mean, what’s everybody else’s record against them?” responded Smart, who offered a similar remark after losing at Alabama last season. “… I don’t lose sleep over that, because those games have been championship-caliber games.”

Cringe.

Maybe, an opposing coach could say something like that when Saban was on the sideline and nobody would gag, but, earth to Kirby, the GOAT’s been a TV talking head for nearly two years now.

“I just saw 25 scouts out here,” Smart said, in a nod to the talent on the two rosters.

And I just saw Smart lose to Alabama again. As brilliant of a coach as he’s has been throughout his Georgia tenure, he still turtles upon the sight of crimson.

And the next time Alabama fans want to punt their coach back to Washington, remember that Smart is a Georgia Tech 2-point conversion away or a Tennessee field goal away from being DeBoer the past two seasons. There’s no monster left in the SEC, just a bunch of pretty good teams, and it’s a messy affair from Saturday to Saturday.

As for everybody else’s record against Alabama, I don’t have the full list of figures at my fingertips, but, off the top of my head, Tennessee’s Josh Heupel has two wins in his past three tries against Alabama, and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has more career victories against Alabama than any Georgia starter not named Stetson Bennett IV during Smart’s tenure.

Speaking of Pavia, the Tide lost to Vanderbilt last season, a week after Alabama beat Georgia in one of those “championship-caliber games.’ Pavia’s Commodores will roll into Bryant-Denny Stadium next weekend with an unblemished record.

Quick, DeBoer, grab a megaphone and scream, Rat poison!

What a difference a few weeks have made for Alabama’s offensive line. A unit that got battered like a screen door in a hurricane in the opener at Florida State held steady while protecting the quarterback against a Georgia defense opponents used to fear.

Credit Alabama coordinator Ryan Grubb and quarterback Ty Simpson for scheming and executing circles around Georgia, but DeBoer pulled off the same feat last season with a different coordinator and a different quarterback.

DeBoer’s living up to his reputation of saving his best work for the biggest moments. At Washington, DeBoer went 2-0 against Texas and Steve Sarkisian and 3-0 against Oregon and Dan Lanning. It’s the unranked opponents that lay in the weeds before springing up and clubbing DeBoer’s teams with a two-by-four.

Alabama’s not out of the woods yet, but it’s as much alive in the College Football Playoff hunt as any of the SEC’s one-loss teams, a list that now includes Georgia, Texas, Tennessee and LSU.

For Georgia, at least there’s no opponent left on the schedule that its coach venerates in the same way as Alabama.

Here’s what else is on my mind after Week 5:

Penn State delivers another ‘Big Game James’ Franklin special

Penn State is like one of those puzzles where you look at two similar photos and you’re supposed to find the difference between the images. Except, you stare at the images for a minute, and you realize there’s something off with this exercise: The image on the right is the exact same as the one on the left.

Seriously, try to convince me 2025 Penn State isn’t the same as 2024 Penn State.

Same coach who wilts in big games, as sure as the sun rises every morning. Same average quarterback whose special skill is bamboozling the NFL mock draft cottage industry. Same pathetic schedule that will grease the wheels for Penn State to roll back into the playoff for another also-ran finish.

Penn State rallied and came close against Oregon in a 30-24 overtime loss, but, that’s the script, isn’t it?

Same picture, different year.

“I get that narrative,” Penn State coach James Franklin said of his unflinching persistence to lose to the best teams on his schedule, “and it’s really not narrative, it’s factual. It’s the facts. I get it, but I try to look at the entire picture and what we’ve been able to do here.”

Hard to miss the picture. Looks the same as the one last year.

Speaking of losing big games … let’s go to Brian Kelly

If LSU coach Brian Kelly hadn’t been so busy berating a reporter a couple of weeks ago, he’d have noticed there was a dead canary in the Tigers coal mine.

LSU’s 24-19 loss to Mississippi was weeks in the making, the product of an offense that simply won’t ignite. The Tigers will enter October having not yet reached 24 points in any game against a Bowl Subdivision opponent.

After this one, Kelly and Garrett Nussmeier impersonated some sort of odd comedic act in which Kelly insists his quarterback is healthy, and his quarterback insists he’s not discussing his health. I’m not a doctor, and I probably shouldn’t attempt to play one in a newspaper column, so I’ll leave it at this: Nussmeier’s trademark zip is missing. Make of that what you will.

How about giving the quarterback some help, though? Nussmeier’s receivers struggled to get open, and LSU didn’t even bother attempting a ground game until the second half.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin seems like he’ll be too busy to move to Gainesville, Florida, this winter. Hands full with the College Football Playoff, and all. Kiffin’s Rebels are undefeated, with only two ranked opponents left on the schedule.

I’m not entirely convinced this Ole Miss team is as good as the one last season that squandered a playoff roster. It doesn’t have to be, though. Just don’t blow it in games against the likes of Kentucky and Florida. Kentucky already is in the rearview mirror.

And would Ole Miss fans rush the field at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium after this victory against LSU?

No. Been there, done that.

Instead, jovial Rebels fans settled for trolling LSU by singing Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge” while exiting the stadium.

“You don’t rush the field, because we did what we’re supposed to do, and that’s win the game,” Kiffin said. “And so, that makes me happy that this program’s got to that place.”

Three and out

1. Who will Auburn blame this time, after yet another one-score loss served by embattled coach Hugh Freeze, this one against Texas A&M? Is this result on the officials, too? Auburn doesn’t have it so bad as Arkansas and Florida. Those teams are led by fired-coaches-in-waiting, but the season’s young yet, and there’s still pink slips to be written. Let’s check back on Freeze after games against Georgia and Missouri.

2. Ohio State is surrendering just 5.5 points per game after a 24-6 win at Washington. Oh, and quarterback Julian Sayin will take a 78.8% completion rate into October. Who’s the national championship frontrunner? Don’t overthink this. It’s Ryan Day’s team with the No. 1 by its name.

3. Has anyone checked to see whether Florida State wide receiver Squirrel White remains embedded into the turf in Charlottesville, Virginia, after Cavaliers fans stampeded onto the field and engulfed White and anyone around him, milliseconds after the conclusion of an overtime takedown of the Seminoles?

My first thought as the field-storming unfolded: I hope the players make it out of there OK.

My second thought: That’s one heck of a lot of boat shoes on a football field.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed a dub in Dublin over the Minnesota Vikings.

The surgically efficient Aaron Rodgers has continued to develop chemistry with new No. 1 target DK Metcalf on Sunday. The pair linked up for five receptions and 126 yards, with an 80-yard chunk TD play accounting for most of that.

The Vikings made it a game in the second half, especially late. A touchdown-saving tackle from linebacker Payton Wilson may have proven to be the difference; the tackle would shave about a minute off of game clock late, which was sorely needed.

The Vikings would get another chance to possess the ball after the Steelers would punt on a fourth-and-short. A few questionable calls and officiating decisions later, the Vikings would have an opportunity to tie or take the lead, but a Carson Wentz attempt to Jordan Addison on fourth-and-18 was broken up by safety DeShon Elliott, giving the Steelers the 24-21 win.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates, highlights and more from the Dublin game below.

Watch 2025 NFL action with Fubo (free trial)

Steelers vs. Vikings instant takeaways

The Rodgers-Metcalf Connection: Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf cooked in the first half with five catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. Entering the game, Metcalf had 135 receiving yards total. That should portend good things to come,as long as the chemistry keeps growing as the season rolls along.
Carson Winz?: Yeah, Wentz threw two picks (and almost a third) in this matchup. But he looked largely sharp throughout the matchup, and having Jordan Addison back in the fold should help him and the Vikings offense stay afloat in the absence of J.J. McCarthy – no matter how long that may be.
Sacks, sacks and more sacks: The Vikings gave up seven sacks on the day, and most were of the instant-pressure variety. That won’t bode well for whoever’s under center moving forward.

Vikings vs. Steelers highlights

Vikings fail to convert fourth-and-long, Steelers win

The Vikings made it interesting, but ultimately the Steelers came out on top. A fourth-and-long Carson Wentz pass attempt to Jordan Addison was broken up by DeShon Elliott. A kneel would seal the game for Pittsburgh in Ireland.

Carson Wentz called for intentional grounding

A sack from Nate Herbig, Pittsburgh’s seventh on the day, leads to a Carson Wentz intentional grounding call. There’s 28 seconds left and the Vikings need about 35 yards to get to into field goal range.

James Pierre interception overturned after review

James Pierre looked to seal the game with an interception, but after review, it was overturned to an incomplete pass. Pierre looked to bobble the ball while heading out of bounds.

Steelers stopped on third down, opt not to go for it on fourth down

Rather than going for it on fourth-and-short, the Steelers decided to take a delay of game and punt late. There’s 1:02 left in the game and the Vikings will take over with no timeouts, down by three points.

Vikings fail to recover onside kick, Steelers take over

The Vikings can stop the clock twice, once via timeout and once via 2-minute warning with 2:07 left.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Jalen Nailor grabs TD pass

The Vikings have brought it back to within a field goal with 2:08 left after Nailor grabbed a short touchdown pass on fourth down. The Vikings will attempt an onside kick, and they have just one timeout remaining.

Carson Wentz finds Jordan Addison for big gain after blown coverage

The Vikings are showing signs of life late. A blown coverage led to Jordan Addison taking the ball down to the 1-yard line.

Payton Wilson made a touchdown-saving tackle on Addison to put the ball down at the 1-yard line.

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers fail to convert fourth-and-goal

It’s still a 10-point game with 4:09 after the Steelers failed to convert a fourth-and-goal. There was some back-and-forth between Rodgers and the Steelers coaching staff, before deciding to go for it.

The Vikings are down 10 points with 4:05 left in the game.

Dallas Turner flagged for 15-yard penalty

Some post-whistle activities led to a 15-yard penalty for Dallas Turner, after he slapped D.K. Metcalf in the facemask. Metcalf was grabbing Turner, which led to the flag.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Carson Wentz finds Xavier Scott for TD

Carson Wentz escaped the pressure and found running back Xavier Scott at the back of the end zone, who made a toe-tap touchdown grab for six points. The Vikings would successfully convert the 2-point conversion to make it a 10-point game with 7:50 left in the fourth quarter.

Steelers 24, Vikings 14

Jalen Ramsey injury update: Steelers CB back in

Ramsey had a small bit of an injury scare after the cornerback limped off the field and went directly to the bench. He reentered the game on the following Steelers defensive drive.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Another Pittsburgh field goal lengthens lead

The Steelers are putting some more distance between themselves and the Vikings, with another Chris Boswell kick giving the Steelers another three points.

Steelers 24, Vikings 6

Minnesota Vikings QBs

Entering Sunday, the Vikings had a few healthy passers on the roster:

Carson Wentz
Max Brosmer
J.J. McCarthy (injured)

Calvin Austin injury update: Steelers WR heads to locker room

The Steelers wide receiver snagged a pass at the end of the third quarter, then was down on a knee for a brief period. He walked to the medical tent and then to the locker room. It’s unclear what was injured on the tackle.

Steelers-Vikings attendance: Nearly 75K show up for NFL football

Early in the fourth quarter, attendance for the international game was announced as 74,512 at Croke Park.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Pittsburgh up 21-6 entering fourth

While the stats have been pretty evenly matched, the Steelers hold a 15-point advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Jalen Ramsey injury update: Steelers CB limps to sideline

After Ramsey faked a hamstring injury earlier in the game on his nullified scoop-n-score touchdown, the Steelers cornerback was seen hobbling to the bench. He was seen with a massage gun, massaging the back of his left leg.

Myles Price big kickoff return nullified by flag

The rookie appeared to give the Vikings a big spark, but the 54-yard kick return was called back on a holding call. The Vikings drive will start at the 18-yard line.

Steelers vs Vikings score: Kenneth Gainwell scores second TD of day

No Jaylen Warren, no problem: Kenneth Gainwell notched his first career multi-TD game on Sunday when he hit pay dirt for the second time in the third quarter. A Chris Boswell XP makes this a 15-point game with the fourth quarter around the corner.

Steelers 21, Vikings 6

Who is No. 80 on the Steelers?

The Steelers’ No. 80 is tight end Darnell Washington. His a big, big target: The tight end is 6-7 and tips the scale at 264 pounds. He is a product of Georia.

TJ Watt picks off Carson Wentz, Steelers defense locking in

Pass rusher T.J. Watt found himself picking off a Wentz pass after a batted ball, with a modest return to set up the Steelers offense in plus territory.

With two sacks and a pick on this set of downs for the Vikings, the Steelers defense looks to be bearing down as the game inches closer to the fourth quarter.

Carson Wentz still mobile, shows off wheels on third down

The Vikings quarterback still has wheels. The passer just picked up 12 yards for a first down, showcasing his athletic ability.

Vikings QB coach: Josh McCown in Year 2

Former QBs apparently are all the rage on the Vikings coaching staff. Josh McCown is in Year 2 as the Vikings QB coach after spending a season in Carolina in 2023. McCown has been a hot commodity amongst NFL teams, even interviewing for a head coaching job with the Texans earlier in his coaching career.

Carson Wentz sacked, ends first drive of first half

The Vikings have struggled on third down this season, a trend that continued in their first drive coming out of the tunnel. Wentz was sacked on third down to end the Vikings drive.

Carson Wentz poked in the eye near end of first half

NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl reports that the Vikings quarterback was poked in the eye near the end of the first half. The passer received treatment, but he’s good to go for the second half.

Who is Myles Smith?

Smith (b. June 3, 1998) is a British singer-songwriter. He is known for his hits ‘Stargazing,’ ‘River,’ ‘My Home’ and ‘Nice to Meet You.’

Smith performed during the halftime show of the Steelers-Vikings Dublin game.

Aaron Rodgers stats today

Rodgers is 12-of-14 passing for 165 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Rodgers was mostly living underneath, with DK Metcalf securing almost half of his passing yards on an 80-yard touchdown catch and run. Rodgers has an 139.6 passer rating at half.

End of first half: Steelers lead 14-6

The Steelers got a stellar first-half performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who found DK Metcalf early and often in the first half. That led to a 14-6 led to end the half. The Vikings get the ball coming out of break.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Promising Minnesota drive leads to field goal

The Vikings were putting together a very fruitful drive, but it resulted in just three points, not six, as they had to settle for a Will Reichard field goal with 12 seconds left in the half.

Steelers 14, Vikings 6

Justin Jefferson stats today

Jefferson and Wentz seem to have a nice thing going: The superstar wideout has eight receptions for 97 yards in the first half.

Carson Wentz finds Xavier Scott, Steelers flagged for roughing the passer

The Minnesota drive is off to a decent start: After being backed up on their own 9-yard line, Wentz finds Xavier Scott for a short pass. On top of that, Derrick Harmon was flagged for roughing the passer after a blow to Wentz’s helmet. That all combines to put the Vikings on their 35-yard line.

Vikings block Steelers field goal attempt

There goes Isaiah Rodgers again. Fresh off of PFF’s highest-ever performance by grade, the Steelers cornerback flew in to block a Chris Boswell field goal attempt.

The Vikings will take over on their own 9-yard line with 1:38 left in the half.

Jalen Redmond notches second sack on Aaron Rodgers

The Oklahoma product is having a nice day for Brian Flores’ defensive line. The interior defensive lineman came up with a crucial sack to push the Steelers further from the goal line.

Aaron Rodgers height

For those curious how tall Rodgers is, he is listed at 6-foot-2. That’s certainly not tall by NFL passer standards, but it gets the job done.

Aaron Rodgers takes off, fumbles, Steelers recover

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers showed off the 41-year-old wheels trying to escape the Vikings pass rush. He did get away for the first down, but the ball was knocked loose, but offensive lineman was in a fortuitous position to recover the loose ball. The Steelers are again threatening to score with under two minutes left in the first half.

Aaron Rodgers stats today: QB throws first incompletion of the game

It took nearly two quarters and multiple drives, but Steelers passer Aaron Rodgers was ifnally off target with time ticking down in the second quarter. Rodgers is now 10-of-11 passing for 152 yards and a touchdown on the day.

Carson Wentz throws interception to DeShon Elliott

The Vikings backup was looking sharp on the day, until an untimely pick thrown to DeShon Elliott. Steelers rookie Derrick Harmon may have gotten a hand on the ball at the line of scrimmage to change the ball’s trajectory enough to force the pick.

Jordan Mason converts fourth down

One play after being stopped nine inches short of a first down, Mason bursts through a hole to give the Vikings a fresh set of downs in Steelers territory.

Carson Wentz stats today

Nearing midway through the second quarter, Wentz looks sharp and has yet to fire an incompletion.

Wentz is 10 for 10 with 90 yards.

Darius Slay injury update: Steelers CB returns

After an injury scare, the Steelers CB is back in the game.

DK Metcalf stats today

The Steelers wide receiver already has 122 yards on four catches, with an 80-yard touchdown to go with it. All has happened in the first half.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Rodgers finds Metcalf for 80 yards

Yes, the Rodgers-Metcalf connection is alive and well, indeed.

Rodgers found Metcalf for an 80-yard touchdown grab. Rodgers found Metcalf over the middle, and the receiver took it the rest of the way for the score.

Steelers 14, Vikings 3

Darius Slay injury update: Steelers CB heads to locker room

The NFL Network broadcast said that Slay made a slow walk to the locker room and seemed to be holding his side while doing so.

The Steelers entered the day without Joey Porter Jr., and are now without their No. 2 CB for the time being.

Jordan Addison ends first quarter with contested catch

Carson Wentz found Jordan Addison for his first catch of the 2025 season with a 22-yard back-shoulder throw down the right sideline. The Vikings are driving with the second quarter coming up.

Brian O’Neill injury update: Vikings OT questionable to return

Brian O’Neill was injured on the Vikings field goal attempt, and he’s now questionable to return with a knee injury. The NFL Network broadcast said O’Neill ‘hobbled’ to the locker room.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Kenneth Gainwell scores first TD in Ireland

The Steelers capped off a pretty scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run up the gut. Steelers take the early lead over the Vikings.

Steelers 7, Vikings 3

Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf connection alive and well

Rodgers has found his No. 1 target a few times on this drive. Metcalf has 34 yards on three receptions, including a pretty back-shoulder catch down the left sideline.

Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf connect for first completion

Rodgers has largely been living underneath early in this game, and that was the same on his first throw to wideout DK Metcalf. Rodgers found Metcalf for a short throw, and the wideout gained some yards after the reception for 15 yards.

Brian O’Neill injury update: Vikings OT in medical tent

Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill was seen writhing in pain after the Vikings field goal attempt. He walked gingerly to the medical tent.

Steelers vs. Vikings score: Will Reichard field goal gives Vikings lead

After the sack, the Vikings notched a field goal courtesy of Will Reichard, who just squeezed the ball inside of the right upright.

Vikings 3, Steelers 0

Patrick Queen sacks Carson Wentz, forces field goal attempt

The Vikings offense looked to score, but linebacker Patrick Queen screamed through the right side of the Vikings line to sack Wentz to force a field goal attempt.

Jordan Mason fumbles, Jalen Ramsey touchdown overturned

It looked like Jalen Ramsey had the first score of the game, a 60-yard scoop-n-score fumble recovery. However, video review indicated that Mason had touched the ball with a leg out of bounds, so the ball was ruled dead and possession returned to the Vikings.

Jordan Mason takes hand off for five yards

Jordan Mason gets the first run play of the game for five yards to give the Vikings a first down.

Steelers have ugly first drive, punt

After the Rodgers sack, two short dump offs led to a Steelers punt. The Vikings take over on their own 25-yard line.

Aaron Rodgers sacked on first dropback

It didn’t take long for the Vikings defense to make an impact: Jalen Redmond sacked Rodgers for a loss of eight yards.

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers offense take field

A Trey Sermon kick return to the 35-yard line sets up the Steelers to open shop vs. the Vikings.

What channel is Steelers vs. Vikings on today?

TV channel: NFL Network
Local (Minnesota market): Fox 9
Local (Pittsburgh market): ABC 4

NFL Network will broadcast the Dublin game. Joe Davis will be on the call alongside Greg Olsen.

For viewers in the Vikings’ TV market, the game will be broadcast on Fox 9. In Pittsburgh, the game will be broadcast on ABC 4.

Where to stream Steelers vs. Vikings

Live stream:Fubo

Cord-cutters looking to live stream the Steelers-Vikings matchup can sign up for Fubo. The streaming service carries NFL Network, as well as CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you’ll be able to catch NFL games all season long.

Watch 2025 NFL action with Fubo (free trial)

Steelers’ Skylar Thompson robbed in Dublin

Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson was robbed on Friday night in Dublin. Thompson, who is on injured reserve, suffered minor injuries and is with the team.

“We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin,’ the Steelers said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. ‘We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.”

Adam Thielen stats

The Vikings wide receiver is back home in Minnesota and provides a decent bit of depth to an already loaded wide receiver room.

That said, Thielen only has two catches for 26 yards this season through three games.

Steelers backup RB

With Warren out vs. the Vikings, the team may turn to Kenneth Gainwell out of the backfield. Rookie Kaleb Johnson and fifth-year back Trey Sermon are behind him.

Steelers inactives today vs. Vikings

Jaylen Warren will not play today after previously labeled as expected to play. Instead, the running back will be inactive.

Here’s the Steelers active list for their matchup vs. the Vikings:

No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr.
No. 30 RB Jaylen Warren
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith
No. 71 G Andrus Peat
No. 93 DE Esezi Otomewo

Jaylen Warren injury update: Steelers RB will not play vs. Vikings

Warren popped up on the injury report this week with a knee injury, and the running back will not play vs. the Vikings.

Warren tried to give it a go in pregame warmups, but ultimately is inactive today.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB depth chart

With Warren out, Kenneth Gainwell may be in line to get the next most snaps. Here’s how the Steelers running backs line up:

Kenneth Gainwell
Kaleb Johnson
Trey Sermon

When do the Vikings, Steelers play today?

Start time: 8:30 a.m. CT | 9:30 a.m. ET | 2:30 p.m. IST

Vikings inactives vs. Steelers

No surprises on the inactives list for the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy headlines as the passer continues to nurse an ankle injury.

What time is the Steelers game in Ireland?

Start time: 9:30 a.m. ET | 8:30 a.m. CT | 2:30 p.m. IST

The Steelers and Vikings are set to kick of at 9:30 a.m. ET. Locally, the game is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. Irish Standard Time.

Is Jordan Addison playing today?

The Vikings receiver is set to play after serving a three-game suspension to start the season. Addison returned to practice this week and will add another weapon for Carson Wentz to utilize.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings injury report

Vikings schedule 2025

Below is a complete look at Minnesota’s 2025 slate of games:

Steelers vs Vikings history

The Steelers have an 8-10 overall record vs. the Vikings in their history. The odds may tip in their favor, however: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a 17-12-1 record in his career vs. the Vikings.

Vikings defense rank

Minnesota’s defensive unit is one of the better ones in the NFL. Entering Week 4’s Sunday games, they rank ninth in points allowed and sixth in yards allowed. Their passing defense is among the best in the NFL, ranking first in touchdowns allowed and third in yards allowed.

NFL games today: Week 4 Sunday schedule

Fans tuning in for the international tilt between the Steelers and Vikings can prep themselves for a full day of football. Here’s the complete schedule for Week 4 (all times are Eastern):

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers, 9:30 a.m.
Washington Commanders at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans, 1 p.m.
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots, 1 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m.
Chicago Bears at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m.
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m.

Steelers record in 2025

The Steelers enter their Dublin matchup at 2-1 on the season. They hold wins over the Jets and Patriots, with their sole loss coming to the Seahawks in Week 2.

Jaylen Warren stats

Through three games, Warren has 43 carries for 132 yards and no touchdowns.

Is JJ McCarthy playing today?

No, the Vikings quarterback will not suit up against the Steelers as he recovers from an ankle injury. McCarthy may play in Week 5, but an update will provide clarity on his status later this week.

Kenneth Gainwell stats

Through three games, Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has 55 yards on 16 rushing attempts and one touchdown. He’s also caught seven passes for 30 yards.

Where is Steelers-Vikings being played?

Venue: Croke Park
Location: Dublin, Ireland

The Steelers-Vikings matchup is the first NFL game to be played in Ireland.

Has the NFL ever had a game in Ireland?

Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Vikings in Week 4 will be the first time an NFL game takes place in Ireland.

Vikings 2025 record

The Vikings enter their Week 4 international matchup vs. the Steelers with a 2-1 record. They dispatched the Bears in Week 1 and the Bengals in Week 3. They were handed a 22-6 loss to the Falcons in Week 2.

Steelers vs. Vikings prediction

Despite the addition of Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers offense hasn’t exactly played up to snuff through three weeks. While a Week 1 explosion seemed to portend things to come, the results have been the opposite: Pittsburgh notched just 203 yards of total offense in Week 3, a step down from the 267 yards of total offense they had in Week 2. Expect the Vikings’ defense – which is among the best in the NFL through the first three weeks – to stifle the Steelers offense once again.

Prediction: Vikings 21, Steelers 17

Pittsburgh Steelers defense ranking

Overall, the Steelers are firmly middle of the pack in the NFL, according to PFF, with a 66.2 overall defensive grade. good for 15th in the league entering Sunday’s games.

They rank 22nd in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed this season, overall.

Highest-paid NFL defenders: T.J. Watt ranks high

Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons is the highest-paid NFL defender in both AAV and total contract value. Watt ranks second in AAV, but fifth in total value. Here’s a look at the top 10 defenders in each category:

AAV

Micah Parsons, edge, Packers: $46.5million
T.J. Watt, edge, Steelers: $41 million
Myles Garrett, edge, Browns: $40 million
Danielle Hunter, edge, Texans: $35.6 million
Maxx Crosby, edge, Raiders: $35.5 million
Nick Bosa, edge, 49ers: $34 million
Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs: $31.75 million
Sauce Gardner, CB, Jets: $30.1 million
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Texans: $30 million
Nik Bonitto, edge, Broncos: $26.5 million

Total contract value

Micah Parsons, edge, Packers: $186 million
Nick Bosa, edge, 49ers: $170 million
Myles Garrett, edge, Browns: $160 million
Chris Jones, DL, Chiefs: $158.75 million
T.J. Watt, edge, Steelers: $123 million
Sauce Gardner, CB, Jets: $120.4 million
Maxx Crosby, edge, Raiders: $106.5 million
Nik Bonitto, edge, Broncos: $106 million
Milton Williams, DL, Patriots: $104 million
Zach Allen, DL, Broncos: $102 million

While Parsons tops defensive players in AAV and total contract value, he ranks just 12th and 15th across the two categories league-wide, behind a plethora of

Steelers vs. Vikings live betting odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers thought they sealed the deal.

With a minute to go in regulation, the Minnesota Vikings were looking for a game-tying, or potentially game-winning, drive. Facing a three-point deficit, Vikings QB Carson Wentz loaded up for a pass on first down before the ball fell into the arms of Steelers CB James Pierre.

The cornerback undercut the route, seemingly ending the game in Dublin.

After review, however, the ruling on the field was overturned and the pass was ruled incomplete.

It initially appeared that there wasn’t an angle to overturn the call, but another view emerged from the sideline – showing that Pierre bobbled the ball and didn’t get two feet in bounds.

Wentz would struggle to get anything going on the drive as a shorthanded Minnesota offensive line couldn’t contain the Pittsburgh pass rush.

Luckily for Pierre and the Steelers, it didn’t come back to haunt them. The Vikings couldn’t march into field goal range and Pittsburgh held on for the 24-21 victory in the NFL’s first Dublin game.