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The Miami Dolphins are set to become the first (of two) teams to play a divisional game in London in 2015.
On Thursday, the NFL announced its trio of games that are played annually across the pond, and the Dolphins are included in that batch.
The slight difference this time around is that Miami will be facing off against AFC East rival New York Jets. Typically games played in England have featured nonconference matchups.
The unusual move has been met by scorn by some, since the Dolphins — who are set to be the “host” team — are essentially losing a home game, to a division rival, no less.
For the most part, fans seem to be upset about losing a chance to see the Fins play against their most hated rival at home. Others are miffed about the Dolphins losing home-field advantage in a key divisional matchup.
It could be that owner Stephen Ross agreed to “hosting” the divisional game as part of a deal that the NFL announced recently that any team interested in hosting a Super Bowl must agree to “host” a game in London within the next five seasons.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Ross agreed it would be the Jets game because he didn’t want to sacrifice games against the Cowboys, Giants, or Colts — all teams the Dolphins will play at Sun Life Stadium next season.
Moreover, the stadium itself is undergoing renovations, and the Dolphins consider next season a transitional period as they get the stadium fixed up with modern amenities.
As for the possibility of losing money in an always-popular Fins-Jets matchup, the NFL reimburses teams that lose money by going to London $1 million.
Either way, the NFL is committed to growing its global brand, and now the Miami Dolphins are a part of that history.
The game against the Jets next year is scheduled for October 4, which will be the fifth week of the season. The Dolphins and Jets will then be given byes the following week.
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