Vikings vs. Browns in London: Dillon Gabriel Starts as Joe Flacco Benched

The NFL returned to London on Sunday, October 5, 2025, as the Minnesota Vikings faced the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game made headlines after the Browns officially benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and handed the starting role to rookie Dillon Gabriel for the first time in his NFL career.

The early Week 5 matchup kicked off at 9:15 a.m. ET on NFL Network and NFL+. Both teams entered the game looking to bounce back from disappointing Week 4 losses, with Cleveland at 1–3 and Minnesota at 2–2. The quarterback shake-up added intrigue to one of the league’s most closely watched international contests.

Dillon Gabriel’s First NFL Start Headlines Browns’ Offensive Reset

Cleveland’s decision to turn to Gabriel came after weeks of offensive struggles under Flacco. Through four games, the Browns averaged just 14 points per game — the second-worst mark in the NFL, ahead of only the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the change midweek, saying it was time to “spark the offense and find a rhythm.” Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders stayed in the QB3 role.

Gabriel, a third-round pick, said he approached the opportunity with confidence. A friend encouraged him before the game with a symbolic text message showing a fire station with its doors open — a reminder that “it’s time to respond when the call comes.”

While the Browns’ offense has been a concern, their defense remains elite. Led by Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Cleveland entered Week 5 ranked No. 1 in total yards allowed at 222.5 per game, more than 20 yards ahead of the next team. The defensive unit has kept the Browns competitive despite offensive struggles.

Minnesota, meanwhile, stuck with Carson Wentz at quarterback for a third straight week while J.J. McCarthy recovers. Wentz threw for 350 yards in a Week 4 loss to Pittsburgh but faced relentless pressure, taking six sacks and throwing two interceptions. The Vikings were flagged eight times and rushed for only 70 yards in that game, issues they hoped to correct in London.

Key Inactives and Pre-Game Moves

Both teams announced notable inactives before kickoff. The Vikings ruled out quarterback J.J. McCarthy, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, center Micheal Jurgens, guard Donovan Jackson, tackle Brian O’Neill, tight end Ben Yurosek, and defensive tackle Elijah Williams. For Cleveland, Shedeur Sanders was the emergency QB3, with safety Damontae Kazee, running back Raheim Sanders, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr., guard Zak Zinter, and offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas also inactive.

Minnesota made additional roster adjustments ahead of the matchup to shore up their offensive line and run game. Jordan Mason continued to fill in as RB1 with Aaron Jones on injured reserve.

International Series Energy and Game-Day Storylines

This game marked Minnesota’s second and final international trip of the season after last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin. For Cleveland, the matchup offered a chance to reset the offense with a promising rookie at the helm, while leaning on their top-ranked defense to stay in the AFC North race.

Fans watched closely to see if Gabriel could inject life into a stagnant Browns attack and whether Wentz and the Vikings could overcome injuries and penalties to rebound. The game also carried historical echoes: the last time these two franchises met in England, back in 2017, Minnesota secured a win behind Case Keenum after benching Sam Bradford — a script the Browns hope to reverse in 2025.

The Vikings vs. Browns in London matchup combined high-stakes roster changes, elite defensive play, and the NFL’s growing international presence. Cleveland’s quarterback gamble and Minnesota’s effort to stabilize under Wentz turned this early Sunday game into a storyline-rich event for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is starting at quarterback for the Browns in London?

Rookie Dillon Gabriel is making his first career NFL start for the Cleveland Browns, replacing veteran Joe Flacco.

Q2: What time did the Vikings vs. Browns game start?

The game kicked off at 9:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Q3: Why was Joe Flacco benched?

Flacco struggled through four games, with the Browns averaging just 14 points per game, prompting a switch to Dillon Gabriel.

Q4: Where was the Vikings vs. Browns game played?

The game was held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as part of the NFL International Series.

Q5: Who are the key players missing for both teams?

Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O’Neill, Aaron Jones (IR). Browns: Shedeur Sanders (emergency QB), Damontae Kazee, Raheim Sanders.