The NFL’s first international game will be held between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil. These are two postseason hopefuls squaring off in Game 1, so we asked the AI Model for its opinion on this potentially epic game. Here are a couple of wagers you’ll want to consider at top-rated sportsbooks.
NFL Picks
- Packers +2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Over 48.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Friday, September 06, 2024 – 08:15 PM ET at Corinthians Arena
The Philadelphia Eagles started the season red-hot last year. They started 10-1 and eventually fell to 11-6. From there, the Eagles lost in the first round of the playoffs and had one of the largest collapses in recent memory.
Meanwhile, the Packers didn’t have nearly as high of expectations as the Eagles heading into last season. But after seven wins in their previous ten games, the Packers made the playoffs and defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. Ultimately, the Packers were eliminated in the Divisional Round against the 49ers. However, Green Bay gave San Francisco all it could handle, losing that game by only three points.
This was Green Bay QB Jordan Love’s first chance as a starter with the Packers. He had been waiting for his opportunity behind Aaron Rodgers a couple of years after he was drafted. That seemed to work out well for him. Not only did the Packers make the playoffs, but Love also received a four-year extension worth $220 million.
New Dynamic Duo
The Packers made Love their franchise quarterback. But while they didn’t make any additions to the wide receiver room, they added Josh Jacobs as running back. Jacobs was only a year removed from a career season with the Raiders when he accumulated more than 1,600 yards rushing in a single season.
His presence should help the Packers this year. Meanwhile, the Eagles improved their running back room by signing Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal. The Eagles have successfully rushed the football with many different running backs over the last few seasons. However, nobody will have more potential than Barkley when he takes the field with Philadelphia. The Eagles’ run game will be lethal, with Jalen Hurts and Barkley earning carries.
With that said, let’s discuss the matchups for both teams heading into this game in Brazil.
Philadelphia’s Secondary
The Eagles will be fine offensively. With Hurts at quarterback, Barkley at running back, and a three-man receiver core of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson, Philadelphia should have no problems scoring points this season.
However, the defense could still struggle. The secondary was so bad last season that the Eagles needed to draft two rookie players, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean. While those two have incredible potential, the Packers could undoubtedly pick on those guys when they’re on the field.
Romeo Doubs is questionable. However, the Packers still have Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Bo Melton to run routes and catch passes. All four of these guys have shown flashes of excellence as receivers for the Packers.
Green Bay’s Sneaky Run Game
The Packers always ran the ball well last season. In reality, the Packers faced an Aaron Jones injury that derailed the beginning of the season.
Once he was healthy, the run game performed well. While the run block needs to improve, the Packers will likely get more production out of Jacobs than they did with Jones. Maybe Jacobs can’t be much of a pass-catcher like Jones, but he’ll find open holes and gain more yardage per rush with this Packers offense.
Meanwhile, the Eagles were good up front last season. Yet, they still struggled to tackle opponents consistently. The big question is, which Eagles team will we get? Is it the team that dominated early last year or that that collapsed the previous season?
I’ll go with the team that finished last season with a loss to the Buccaneers in the playoffs.
The Picks
Let’s back the Packers +2.5 at Bet365. The AI Model thinks the Packers will win this game, 26-23, meaning Green Bay has a high potential of covering this game.
Meanwhile, the Over 48.5 looks more likely now that the AI Model projects the score to finish with 49 points. The Packers and Eagles should do their part in scoring. After all, most athletes will prepare for the game without enjoying the nightlife in Brazil. That favors the Over.
NFL Pick: Packers +2.5 (-110) at Bet365
NFL Pick: Over 48.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
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