Friday Night Lights, Brazil Style — Eagles Face Packers in Week 1
Photo by Vinicius Alves/ Agência Corinthians
The NFL is back and Philadelphia is subject to its 2nd game played outside the US in team history. Friday night’s game is the first NFL game ever played in South America.
This game between Green Bay and Philadelphia hasn’t come without controversy, despite the game yet to happen. Corinthians Arena’s soccer team’s rival wears green, unofficially banning the color from the arena. It’s similar to Ohio State crossing out the M in all phrases when they play Michigan. The NFL made an interesting decision by choosing two of the very few green-colored teams to play in a stadium where green is banned.
The last time Green Bay took on the Eagles, Philly won it 40-33 in 2022. However, the Packers have a history of beating Philadelphia. They have won 28 out of 46 matchups and have won 3 out of the past 5 games.
Devin White (ankle) and Isaiah Rodgers (hand) are the only guys on the Birds that will be out for Friday Night’s game. White was acquired in free agency after his tenure with Tampa Bay. Nakone Dean will start in his place at middle linebacker, although Dean is supposed to be there anyway. Now there is obviously no question. Rodgers on the other hand is coming off a year away from football, due to violating the league’s gambling policy. Rodgers being out will likely give Kelee Ringo the start.
The Packers offense isn’t going to be easy for this Philadelphia defense. Jordan Love has surprised the NFL and has shown that he is a serviceable starting quarterback. Josh Jacobs is an improvement at the running back position for the Packers, but they lost depth and have to resort to Marshawn Lloyd as the backup back. Romeo Doubs is a decent receiver and if Christian Watson can show shades of his 2022 self, then Love could have a field day in Brazil.
Green Bay could have anywhere from 8-12 wins on the season, so this won’t be a piece of cake for Nick Sirianni’s squad. New guys like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Bryce Huff, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell will need to step it up in order for the Eagles to make sure they take Game 1.
Philadelphia is a 2-point favorite over Green Bay and the over/under is 49.5 points. The game can be watched on Peacock and on NBC 10 in the Philadelphia area.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
