The way the Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2023 NFL season, it was almost as if they needed an escape, drained of both energy and enthusiasm. The way the Green Bay Packers finished, it was almost as if they were too big for the American stage, primed for an even grander spotlight.
Now, as the 2024 NFL campaign begins, both the Eagles and Packers are getting what they need. And they come together, opening the new season in none other than São Paulo, Brazil. Facing off in a potential NFC playoff preview, the two sides aren’t just treading new water with the league’s first South American showdown, but with a fresh chance to climb to the NFL mountaintop.
One side has a recent MVP candidate in Jalen Hurts. The other has a current MVP pick in Jordan Love. And both have dreams of fighting for the NFC crown, the Eagles two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance and the Packers fresh off a surprising push to reach last year’s conference title game.
How can you tune in when they clash on the global stage? Which players could be X-factors? And who will win? Here’s our preview and prediction:
Where to look
- Date: Friday, September 6 | Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Location: Corinthians Arena (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Stream: Peacock, NFL+
- Television: NBC10 (Philadelphia), NBC26 (Green Bay/Milwaukee)
Key matches
SATISFACTION
- RB Josh Jacobs (GB) vs LB Nakobe Dean (PHI): Jacobs is the new, bruising headliner of a remade backfield in Green Bay, and his punishing style should be an immediate test for Philly’s shuffled front seven, now under the direction of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. With Devin White sidelined by injury, Dean could be the top inside linebacker for the Eagles, though he is largely unproven.
- WR Christian Watson (GB) vs. CB Darius Slay Jr. (PHI): One of the best parts of the Packers’ offense, aside from Love’s electric arm, is the depth of the young receiving corps. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks can all explode. Watson is arguably the most explosive downfield threat, however, while Slay is the leader of the Birds’ restocked secondary at 33.
- C Cam Jurgens (PHI) vs. DT Kenny Clark (GB): No more Jason Kelce at the heart of the Eagles’ line after the all-time great retired this offseason, so it’s up to Jurgens to line up against one of the best interior linebackers in the game. He’ll have help, of course, from top laners like Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson. But the trench battle may not be easy.
Burning questions
- Eagles: Can Kellen Moore smooth out the offense? The new coordinator will be tasked with maximizing the talent around Hurts, including new standout running back Saquon Barkley and perhaps the best wide receiver group in the NFL, thanks to AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith.
- Packers: Can Jordan Love build on his tight end? We have to remember that this quarterback is only entering his second full season as a starter. And he’s only really elevated his game to a Pro Bowl level down the stretch in 2023. Can he keep the gun going?
Series history
The Eagles and Packers have met just five times in the last 10 years, with Green Bay owning a 3-2 edge during that time. Their last game came in 2022, when the Eagles won a 40-33 matchup in which Jalen Hurts set a team record for rushing yards and Jordan Love briefly filled in for an injured Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction
SATISFACTION
The neutral site is nothing, considering both Philly and Green Bay tend to enjoy a vibrant home field advantage. The impact of a long trip to Brazil is another unpredictable variable. On the field, however, this could be an even more difficult projection. Love and Hurts both flashed MVP-level stuff; the former has the more dynamic playmaker in head coach Matt LaFleur, while Hurts has some of the game’s best playmakers around him. Both defenses, meanwhile, are transitioning under new leaders.
Overall, the Eagles probably have the advantage in personnel, and it’s very possible they’ll revive title hopes right out of the gate. Hurts, for one, seems especially determined to restore his trajectory. But coaching is the X-factor for them, and LaFleur has been the steadier hand on the other side. With another full offseason to craft for Love and his young receivers, the bet here is that his group will be a little too swingy and quick for a Philly defense rounded into shape. Call it a shootout, and give the slight advantage to the Pack.
Projected score: Packers 27, Eagles 26
Cody likes the Packers to upset the Eagles in Brazil, but what do the SportsLine Projection Model — more than $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception — thinking about the historic showdown? Check out that prediction, as well as picks for all Week 1 games, right here.
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