The 2023 NFL season left the Philadelphia Eagles looking drained, needing a fresh start after a tough finish. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers seemed poised for something bigger, their performance suggesting they were ready for a stage beyond the NFL’s usual scope.
Now, with the 2024 NFL season kicking off, both teams are getting their wish—opening the season in São Paulo, Brazil. This historic South American showdown sets the stage for a potential NFC playoff preview, as two of the league's top contender's clash.
On one side, the Eagles boast recent MVP candidate Jalen Hurts, while the Packers feature rising star Jordan Love. Both teams have their eyes on the NFC crown—the Eagles aiming for redemption after their Super Bowl run two years ago, and the Packers looking to build on a surprise appearance in last year's NFC Championship.
Where to Watch:
- Date: Friday, Sept. 6 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Corinthians Arena (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Stream: Peacock, NFL+
- TV: NBC10 (Philadelphia), NBC26 (Green Bay/Milwaukee)
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Josh Jacobs (GB) vs. Nakobe Dean (PHI): Jacobs, the Packers' new feature back, will test a revamped Eagles defense. Dean, though unproven, could be key to stopping the ground game.
- Christian Watson (GB) vs. Darius Slay Jr. (PHI): Watson, Green Bay’s explosive receiver, faces off against Philly’s veteran cornerback, Slay, in a battle that could shift momentum.
- Cam Jurgens (PHI) vs. Kenny Clark (GB): Jurgens, stepping in after Jason Kelce’s retirement, has a huge task in handling Green Bay’s dominant defensive tackle, Kenny Clark.
Burning Questions:
- For the Eagles: Can new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore elevate Jalen Hurts and maximize stars like Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith?
- For the Packers: Will Jordan Love continue his rise after a breakout 2023? He’s entering only his second full season as a starter, and his development will be crucial.
Series History: The Eagles and Packers have met five times in the last decade, with Green Bay holding a 3-2 edge. Their last encounter was in 2022, when the Eagles won a thrilling 40-33 game, with Hurts setting a team rushing record and Love stepping in for an injured Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction:
While both teams have the talent to take control, the Eagles likely have the edge on paper. Hurts is hungry to restore his MVP trajectory, but Packers coach Matt LaFleur has been a steady hand, and his offensive creativity could be the X-factor. In what should be a tight, high-scoring affair, expect a close battle in Brazil, with the Packers narrowly pulling off an upset.
Projected Score: Packers 27, Eagles 26
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