NFL schedule today: What to know about Packers vs. Eagles on Friday
The NFL kicks off its first game in Brazil tonight featuring two promising NFC teams.
Tonight, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles will take on Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers at the Corinthians Arena in São Paulo.
The Eagles are looking to bounce back after a disappointing end to last season, where they exited the playoffs early despite having reached the Super Bowl in the previous year.
The Packers made a significant mark in the playoffs last year, defeating the Dallas Cowboys before losing to the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.
Both teams are expected to contend for playoff spots this season, making for an intriguing matchup to kick off the 2024 NFL season in South America.
How to watch the Packers vs. Eagles game on Friday night?
The game between the Packers and Eagles starts at 8:15 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on Peacock.
Betting odds for Packers vs. Eagles
The Eagles are favored on the moneyline at -150, while the Packers are the underdogs with a line of +125. The total points for the game is set at 48.5, and the Eagles are favored by 3 points, according to BETMGM.
The NFL’s inaugural game in Brazil
This Friday marks the NFL’s first-ever game in Brazil as it expands its global presence. Brazil is a crucial market for the NFL, which has already staged games in England, Germany, and Mexico. Additionally, a matchup is scheduled for Madrid in 2025.
“Extending the NFL’s reach to new continents, countries, and cities is vital for our growth strategy,” stated NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell when the game was announced last December.
“Brazil has become an important territory for the NFL, and we are thrilled to play in São Paulo for the first time in 2024. We are eager to collaborate with the city of São Paulo, SP Turis, and Corinthians Arena to provide a top-notch game day experience for our passionate and growing fan base.”
Quarterback spotlight: Jordan Love vs. Jalen Hurts
Hurts is entering his fifth NFL season as the Eagles’ $51 million starting quarterback. Since the start of the 2021 season, only Patrick Mahomes (36) and Josh Allen (35) have more wins than Hurts (33). Expect Hurts to step up his leadership this season following the retirement of long-time center Jason Kelce. A return to the playoffs is crucial for Philadelphia this year.
On the other side, Love starts his second season as a starter for the Packers (fifth overall) after signing a record-breaking four-year, $220 million contract this offseason. Love’s salary this year will be a league-high $55 million, with high expectations following an impressive playoff run last season where the Packers topped the Cowboys 48-32 but fell short against the 49ers 24-21.
Player to keep an eye on: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
Running back Saquon Barkley, once the star of the New York Giants, has now joined the Eagles after signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal this offseason. He adds depth to the offense, teaming up with dynamic receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles might rely on their running game led by Hurts and Barkley to keep the Packers’ offense off the field during the opener.
Predictions for the Eagles-Packers game on Friday
Here’s what the staff at YSL News Sports predicts for Friday’s game in Brazil:
- Jarrett Bell: Packers 27-24
- Chris Bumbaca: Packers 30-27
- Nate Davis: Packers 27-23
- Safid Deen: Eagles 27-23
- Tyler Dragon: Eagles 26-21
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Packers
- Lorenzo Reyes: Packers 24-20