The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are set to clash on Friday night in a historic matchup, marking the NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil. As both teams kick off their 2024 seasons, the Packers are coming off a 9-8 record from last year, while the Eagles, who finished at 11-6, are looking to rebound after an early playoff exit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game is slated to begin at 8:20 PM EST at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.
Green Bay’s Path to Success
Love Leads the Charge
The Green Bay Packers emerged as a compelling narrative in the NFL last season when they overcame a rocky start to secure a playoff position, largely due to quarterback Jordan Love’s impressive performance. Their playoff journey saw them dominate the Dallas Cowboys in the first round before narrowly losing to the 49ers. Expectations are high for 2024, with Love now being considered an MVP candidate and the addition of running back Josh Jacobs promising to bolster the offense.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has emphasized the importance of fostering a winning culture within the team. “I want to develop a championship culture that’s filled with high-character people dedicated to becoming the best versions of themselves,” he stated prior to the season.
In 2024, Love will spearhead a revamped offensive lineup, featuring Jacobs as the primary running back following Aaron Jones’ departure to free agency. With AJ Dillon sidelined due to injury, Jacobs is set to take on a prominent role. Love will also benefit from a deep pool of wide receivers, including Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and slot receiver Jayden Reed, alongside promising tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. The Packers did draft Jordan Morgan from Arizona to shore up their offensive line, which has been a concern in previous seasons.
Defensively, the Packers will largely maintain their previous year’s roster with the significant addition of Jeff Hafley as the new defensive coordinator. Hafley is shifting the team’s scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3 setup, necessitating additional depth on the defensive line. Xavier McKinney has joined as the new free safety, aiming to enhance the secondary’s performance.
The Packers aspire to vie for the NFC North title and aim for a deeper playoff run. With Love returning for his second full season as starter, the team’s scoring offense ranked 8th in the NFL last year, and they hope to improve on their 14th-place rushing stats with Jacobs at the helm. Although they were 13th defensively, their struggles against the run—ranking 28th—prompted the coaching changes.
Key Injuries: RB MarShawn Lloyd is questionable, while CB LJ Davis, LB Ralen Goforth, and DT Jonathan Ford are on IR.
Eagles Seek Redemption
Hurts Aims for a Strong Comeback
After a disappointing end to the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Eagles are focused on restoring their championship aspirations. Following a narrow Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, the Eagles fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Buccaneers during Wildcard Weekend. Tensions between quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni became apparent, but both are back, eager to turn the page and make another run at the Super Bowl.
“Mistakes at practice present an opportunity to improve,” said Sirianni, emphasizing a growth mindset for the upcoming season.
The success of the Eagles hinges on Hurts’ performance. Last season, he battled leg injuries that affected his mobility and overall play. Saquon Barkley’s arrival through free agency is expected to lighten Hurts’ load in the running game. The receiving corps remains strong with AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and newcomer Jahan Dotson, while Dallas Goedert aims for a healthier season at tight end. The Eagles will need to adjust to the loss of veteran center Jason Kelce, who retired, but Kellen Moore’s hiring as offensive coordinator should help invigorate the offense.
Defensively, the Eagles have welcomed Vic Fangio as the new defensive coordinator. Despite losing key players like Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick, the defensive lineup remains strong with the additions of edge rusher Bryce Huff and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The unit still boasts defensive tackle talents like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, alongside Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.
The Eagles are determined to shake off last season’s disappointment and contend for the NFC East title. They were the 7th-highest scoring team in the NFL last year, with a balanced attack that ranked 9th in rushing and 17th in passing. A healthy Hurts and Barkley’s addition could elevate their offensive statistics, as they hope to improve upon their 30th ranking in scoring defense.
Key Injuries: CB James Bradberry is on IR, while LB Jalyx Hunt, WR Johnny Wilson, and TE Dallas Goedert are questionable.
Best Bets for Packers vs. Eagles
Both teams are making strategic adjustments this season, with the Packers shifting to a 4-3 defensive scheme and the Eagles introducing new coordinators. The Eagles appeared fatigued by the end of last season, and Hurts’ performance will be under scrutiny as he seeks consistency following injuries. This year, he will adapt to a new system with a new center.
On the defensive front, the Packers are making a significant shift in philosophy under Hafley, yet they retain most of their roster, which should facilitate the transition. Their pass defense ranked 13th last season, and the new scheme aims to bolster a run defense that struggled. Offensively, the Packers are poised for success with most key players returning, especially with Jacobs’ addition to the backfield, which could mirror the success they found against the Cowboys in the playoffs. Love’s ability to exploit the Eagles’ secondary, which ranked 29th last season, could be pivotal in this matchup.
