{"id":30981,"date":"2026-09-26T18:04:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T18:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/chua-phan-loai\/ravens-cowboys-nfl-week-3-rio-game\/"},"modified":"2026-09-26T18:04:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T18:04:57","slug":"ravens-cowboys-nfl-week-3-rio-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nosmokesport.com\/vi\/sport-news\/ravens-cowboys-nfl-week-3-rio-game\/","title":{"rendered":"ravens and cowboys set for historic nfl week 3 rio clash september 27"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Davis Washington<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Football League (NFL) makes history this weekend as the Baltimore Ravens face the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This highly anticipated Week 3 matchup, scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, represents the league’s inaugural regular-season game in the iconic South American city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson for the Ravens and Dak Prescott for the Cowboys are set to lead their teams onto the field at the legendary Maracan\u00e3 Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First NFL Week 3 Rio Game Lands in Rio de Janeiro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football fans across the United States can tune into the action live on CBS, with kickoff slated for 4:25 p.m. ET. For those seeking comprehensive coverage and streaming flexibility, the DIRECTV MySports\u00ae Genre Pack\u00ae offers a robust viewing solution. It ensures fans don’t miss a moment of this significant international event or other NFL games throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rio de Janeiro is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host its first-ever NFL regular-season game. The selection of Maracan\u00e3 Stadium, a venue synonymous with global sporting spectacles, underscores the NFL’s strategic push into the burgeoning Brazilian market. This marks a new chapter for the league’s International Series, further cementing its commitment to expanding American football’s global footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This particular game holds added significance for the Dallas Cowboys, who haven’t played internationally since 2014. The Baltimore Ravens, meanwhile, are more recent international travelers, having last competed abroad in 2023. This contest pits two prominent franchises against each other in a pivotal early-season clash, both looking to build momentum with their 1-1 records. The league’s early season starts<\/a> often draw significant attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NFL’s Growing Brazilian Footprint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brazil has emerged as a significant market for the National Football League, boasting over 36 million fans. This makes it the second-largest international fanbase outside the United States. This substantial engagement has prompted the league to establish a dedicated office in S\u00e3o Paulo, signaling its long-term investment in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The league’s expansion efforts in Brazil aren’t entirely new. The country successfully hosted its first regular-season game in 2024, when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in S\u00e3o Paulo. This inaugural game at Corinthians Arena generated an estimated $61 million in economic impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It showcased the financial benefits of bringing the sport to new audiences. A second game followed in 2025, with the Kansas City Chiefs playing the Los Angeles Chargers, drawing 17.3 million total viewers worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi-Year Commitment to Rio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The decision to bring the NFL to Rio de Janeiro is part of a broader, multi-year agreement. Announced in September 2025, the league plans to stage a minimum of three regular-season games in the city over a five-year period. This begins with this Sunday’s Ravens-Cowboys encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed the league’s enthusiasm to play in “one of the world’s most iconic cities.” He emphasized the goal of deepening ties with fans across Brazil and South America. Local officials also anticipate significant advantages from this initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Governor Cl\u00e1udio Castro of Rio de Janeiro has highlighted the expected boost to tourism. He also noted job creation and overall economic stimulation that the NFL’s presence will bring to the city. This commitment reflects a strategic move to tap into a passionate and growing sports market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maracan\u00e3 Stadium: A Historic Backdrop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The choice of Maracan\u00e3 Stadium for the NFL Rio game adds another layer of prestige to the event. Officially known as Est\u00e1dio Jornalista M\u00e1rio Filho, the venue is steeped in sporting history. It has hosted numerous high-profile international competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constructed for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, it once stood as the world’s largest stadium. It was capable of accommodating nearly 200,000 spectators. Maracan\u00e3 has seen some of football’s most memorable moments, including the record-setting 1950 World Cup final. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stadium also hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final and played a central role in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It featured both the opening and closing ceremonies. Its current capacity stands at 78,838 seats, following extensive renovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosting American football in such a hallowed venue provides a unique intersection of cultures and sports. It introduces the fast-paced, strategic game of the NFL to an audience more accustomed to the global phenomenon of soccer. This could potentially convert new fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Players Set to Electrify Rio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The matchup features two of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys. Both players come into Week 3 with their teams holding identical 1-1 records. This makes the international contest particularly crucial for early-season standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamar Jackson, at 29 years old, is in his ninth season with the Ravens. He remains a dual-threat sensation, having amassed 23,167 passing yards and 189 touchdowns in his career. Jackson is a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player (2019, 2023) and a four-time Pro Bowl selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through two games in the 2026 season, Jackson boasts an 86.4 overall PFF grade, ranking fifth among qualified quarterbacks. He has 559 passing yards and two touchdowns from 68 dropbacks. These performances often fuel MVP race discussions<\/a> in the league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opposing him, 33-year-old Dak Prescott leads the Cowboys in his eleventh NFL season. Prescott has thrown for 36,164 yards and 245 touchdowns. He has earned four Pro Bowl selections (2016, 2018, 2023, 2025) and the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescott also received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2022, highlighting his contributions both on and off the field. This season, Prescott has a 90.0 overall PFF grade, placing him third among quarterbacks. He has 454 passing yards and six touchdowns through 72 dropbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Halftime Entertainment: Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the gridiron action, the NFL Rio game will feature a star-studded halftime show. It blends global pop appeal with local Brazilian talent. Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin, widely known as the “King of Latin Pop,” will headline the entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born in 1971, Martin rose to international fame after his time with the boy band Menudo. He delivered chart-topping hits like “Livin’ la Vida Loca.” He has sold over 70 million records worldwide, collecting two Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joining Martin is Brazilian musician Pedro Sampaio, born in 1997. Sampaio is a celebrated singer, music producer, and DJ. He is recognized for his innovative fusion of funk and reggaeton. His popular tracks include “Sentad\u00e3o” and “ESCADA DO PR\u00c9DIO.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sampaio has graced stages at major Brazilian music festivals, including Rock in Rio. The inclusion of both international and local artists for the halftime show celebrates the cultural exchange inherent in bringing the NFL to Brazil. It will provide an unforgettable spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Viewing Options for NFL Week 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For fans in the United States eager to catch the Ravens-Cowboys game and other Week 3 action, several viewing avenues are available. The primary broadcast of the Rio game is on CBS. Fans looking to follow all Week 3 action<\/a> have various streaming options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DIRECTV MySports\u00ae Genre Pack\u00ae stands out as a strong option for dedicated football enthusiasts. Currently, the service is available at a promotional rate of $44.99 per month for the first six months. This is a significant saving from its regular price of $64.99 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This package provides access to essential channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. It covers the vast majority of NFL broadcasts. An added benefit of the MySports\u00ae Genre Pack\u00ae is the inclusion of an ESPN Unlimited Plan. This independently costs $31.99 per month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This inclusion gives subscribers access to every ESPN channel, enhancing the value proposition for sports fans. While DIRECTV aims to be a central hub, some exclusive NFL games, such as Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, specific holiday games on Netflix, and select Peacock matchups, will still require separate subscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, for watching the bulk of the NFL season, DIRECTV offers extensive coverage. New users can also explore the service with a five-day free trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic Impact and Global Strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The NFL’s continued investment in international games, particularly in a high-growth market like Brazil, extends beyond just fan engagement. It carries substantial economic implications. Hosting games like the Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys fixture generates significant revenue through ticket sales, tourism, and local spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2024 S\u00e3o Paulo game’s $61 million economic impact serves as a powerful testament to this potential. This strategy aligns with the NFL’s broader Global Markets Program. This program grants specific teams marketing rights in various international territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teams such as the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles hold marketing rights in Brazil. This allows them to cultivate fan relationships year-round through diverse initiatives. These include fan festivals, training camps, merchandise sales, and grassroots programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these initiatives are designed to deepen the connection between the league and its overseas audience. The long-term vision is to transform these emerging markets into consistent revenue streams and expand the NFL’s global brand equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n