London: The Indianapolis Colts head to London with their first win of the season behind them and a chance to build momentum against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Indianapolis ended its opening two-game skid with a 19-17 victory over the Houston Texans in Week Three. For Gardner, the result also ended a long wait for a win in the United States, with his previous U.S. victory coming on December 15, 2024, during his time with the New York Jets.

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Gardner was traded to the Colts in November 2025. His only win after joining Indianapolis came against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, before the Colts dropped their final seven games of that season.

Now back in Europe, Gardner said London holds a special place for him and highlighted the atmosphere surrounding international NFL games.

"I always love international games, London especially, because it's great, so it's always a special place in my heart," Gardner told Sky Sports.

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The Colts' trip also carries particular significance for offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. As a teenager, the Austrian attended his first live NFL game at Wembley Stadium in 2013. More than a decade later, he returns to London as an NFL player.

Raimann recalled watching NFL players as a young football fan and described the experience of now taking the field himself as extremely special.

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"I thought those guys on the field were like freaking superheroes," Raimann told reporters. "So yeah, so now being back here and getting to play and knowing what it means to the people here, it's just, it's extremely special for me."

Raimann also hopes his journey can inspire young fans who are watching the NFL in London.

"I really hope that some kids can see me and listen to my story or see what's possible and hopefully they can embrace their dreams and keep working every day," he said.

Colts Face a Commanders Team Coming Off an Upset

Washington enters Sunday's matchup after defeating the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Marcus Mariota is expected to start at quarterback again with Jayden Daniels injured.

The Commanders could also have Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs available, although McLaurin was listed as questionable on Friday because of a hamstring issue.

Gardner identified both receivers as players Indianapolis will need to account for, pointing to McLaurin's speed and explosiveness and Diggs' ability to create separation and make plays.

The Colts, meanwhile, avoided an 0-3 start with their victory over Houston after opening the season with losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.

For Gardner, the difference between entering this game at 1-2 rather than 0-3 is significant.

"A win can change the whole energy, everything," Gardner said. "It's a huge difference between 1-2 and 0-3."

International Football Brings Its Own Challenges

The London trip is part of a record nine international games scheduled for the NFL season, with the league also making its debut in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro.

Colts safety Cam Bynum said he enjoys playing overseas but acknowledged that international travel can disrupt the routines players normally rely on for recovery and body maintenance.

The Colts are also among the teams contributing to three consecutive London matchups in October, underlining the NFL's continued focus on expanding its international presence.

Running back Jonathan Taylor is another major attraction for Indianapolis. He arrives in London after leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns on 1,585 rushing yards.

Taylor reflected on how far his career has taken him, from playing in front of around 1,000 people during his senior year of high school to competing at the University of Wisconsin, in Indianapolis and now on an international stage.

"This game will take you places that you've never been before," Taylor said.

For the Colts, however, Sunday's matchup is about more than the experience of playing overseas. After finally securing their first victory, Indianapolis has an opportunity in London to turn that result into the start of a run rather than an isolated win.