For the first time in NFL history, fans will witness a regular-season game unfold on South American soil. The Philadelphia Eagles are set to square off against the Green Bay Packers at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena, marking an exciting chapter in the league's global expansion. This historic matchup is scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, September 6.
The Philadelphia Eagles come into this game as slight favorites, with a 1.5-point advantage according to oddsmakers. The over/under for total points in the game has been set at 48.5, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair. Philadelphia, however, will need to address some glaring weaknesses from last season if they hope to secure victory.
Eagles' New Additions
The Eagles made significant moves in the offseason, most notably adding star running back Saquon Barkley to their roster. Barkley’s arrival comes as a much-needed boost for the team, which struggled mightily in the defensive backfield last season. Philadelphia ranked 31st in both passing yards allowed and passing touchdowns conceded, a dismal performance that necessitated immediate action.
In response, the Eagles have focused on bolstering their defense, selecting cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with their first-round draft pick and defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round. These young additions are expected to shore up the secondary and provide much-needed support against the passing game.
Packers' End of Season Surge
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers ended last season on a high note, finishing with a 6-2 record over their final eight games. Jordan Love, who took over the reins as quarterback, demonstrated impressive poise and accuracy. In those last eight games, Love completed 70.3% of his passes for 2,150 yards, amassing 20 touchdowns against just one interception.
Adding to their offensive arsenal, the Packers acquired running back Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing champion in 2022. Jacobs' presence in the backfield is expected to make a substantial impact, giving Green Bay a dual-threat capability that could prove troublesome for the Eagles' defense.
Betting Insights
Bettors will find this game particularly intriguing, as Green Bay has been a reliable option against the spread, going 4-1 over their last five games, including the postseason. For those following top-rated NFL picks, the game offers a substantial financial incentive: the predictive model indicates there's more than $7,000 on the line for $100 players who have tracked these picks since the model's inception.
The predictive model, boasting a 181-129 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2017, has been on an even hotter streak lately. Since Week 7 of the 2022 season, the model has achieved a 35-21 roll on top-rated picks, demonstrating a remarkable level of accuracy and insight.
Green Bay's Strategic Adjustments
Further enhancing their roster, the Packers used their first-round pick to draft guard Jordan Morgan. This move aims to fortify their offensive line, providing additional protection for Jordan Love and opening up more lanes for Josh Jacobs. These strategic adjustments underscore Green Bay's intent to build on their strong finish last season and mount a serious challenge in this historic game.
As these two storied franchises prepare to make history in Sao Paulo, football fans worldwide will be eager to see how the Eagles' newly reinforced defense handles Green Bay's potent offense. With both teams making significant offseason moves, this game promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the best of the NFL on an international stage.