The Green Bay Packers will look to tie history with a season-opening victory when they host the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil on Friday night in the first-ever regular-season game played in South America.
The Week 1 matchup will feature two NFC teams from last year and two likely conference contenders heading into 2024. Will Matt LaFleur and the Packers return home from Brazil with a commanding victory?
Here are five things to watch for and the forecast for Week 1 in Brazil:
Offensive line in focus
If there’s a question mark for the Packers offense heading into 2024, it might be the offensive line. The starting five could put any concerns to rest against one of the NFL’s best defensive lines on Friday night. The Eagles are deep and talented on the defensive line, with Jalen Carter, Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat all being game-breakers. Right guard will be the focus. Sean Rhyan will likely start, but first-round pick Jordan Morgan could also get a chance. If the Packers can block consistently Friday night, scoring shouldn’t be an issue. Meanwhile, the Eagles are entering their first game of the post-Jason Kelce era, so there are question marks on the other side as well.
Watson and Stokes
Receiver Christian Watson and cornerback Eric Stokes have both made it through training camp and the preseason without injuries. Both rushers will now be released in Week 1. Watson adds a energetic presence as both a deep threat to tilt coverage and an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands, while Stokes — who is expected to start opposite Jaire Alexander — will have the opportunity to cover one of the Eagles’ two 1,000-yard receivers (AJ Brown or Devonta Smith) on most of the passing game. The Packers could apply one or two large plays from Watson and a solid return to action from Stokes on Friday.
Runner’s debut
Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley will make their debuts for their novel teams Friday night. Jacobs, who was named the 2022 running back of the year, could be a workhorse for the Packers, especially early in the year as MarShawn Lloyd gains momentum. Barkley, meanwhile, has 100 or more total yards and two scores in each of the last two games against the Packers. The former Giants receiver will now have a chance to play alongside Jalen Hurts and behind a formidable offensive line. Both Jacobs and Barkley could see 20 or more touches Friday night.
First defense test
Jeff Hafley’s first test as defensive coordinator won’t be uncomplicated. Jalen Hurts, who rushed for 157 yards last time out against the Packers, could be a energetic two-way threat. Saquon Barkley is one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL. AJ Brown and Devonta Smith both topped 1,000 yards last season. And the Eagles’ offensive line is expected to be one of the league’s best, even with the loss of All-Pro center Jason Kelce. Will Hafley, in his first game calling the shots in the NFL, find the right answers Friday night? Don’t expect him to sit on his heels. The Packers will be aggressive in their novel 4-3 offense. Quay Walker could be key; he might have to cover Barkley and spy on Hurts.
New digger
The Packers cut Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph after a summer-long competition and signed rookie Brayden Narveson, who will try his first kick in an NFL regular-season game Friday night in Brazil. Narveson was excellent in the preseason, making 6 of 7 field goals, including a 59-yarder to win the game, but the pressures of the regular season — especially in a prime-time game on the international stage — are different. This should be a close game. Can the Packers count on their rookie kicker to make a large splash?
Prediction: Packers 27, Eagles 23 (0-0)
The NFC battle of contenders heading into the 2023 season was headed in polar opposite directions. The Packers need to prove they can handle the Eagles at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the field, but the matchup between Jordan Love’s passing game and the Eagles’ defense — which is rife with question marks — could tip the scales in Green Bay’s favor. Wouldn’t it be crazy if Xavier McKinney followed Adrian Amos’ example and threw a game-winning interception in his first game as a Packer?
