The NFL season is officially back! After the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kick off the year tonight, the Green Bay Packers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It will be the first ever NFL game to be played in South America. Both teams have Super Bowl aspirations and are seen as two of the better teams in the NFC. Can the Packers begin the year 1-0 over a very good Philadelphia team? Kick-off is 7:15 PM CST on Peacock. Here is a preview of tomorrow night’s season opener.
Can the Green Bay Packers Start Faster?
It will be interesting to see which team can adjust quicker. It’s already hard enough to have first game jitters, but to be playing in South America and an atmosphere no one is familiar with can be a lot to handle in a short amount of time.
I also think this is important because this has the chance to be an offensive shootout. The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are two of the best offensive units in the NFL. These teams can put up points in a hurry and can drive down the field with ease. Whoever can manage the emotions of the game and adjust quicker will likely have the advantage in this game.
Defense Will Decide This Game
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Because of the high power offenses, it could come down to a turnover or a defensive stop. This is how most NFL games are decided, but there doesn’t seem to be much margin for error in this game.
The Eagles will be without Devin White, but will have players like Zack Baun, Nolan Smith Jr, and Nakobe Dean to hold up the linebacker positions. Philadelphia also has a solid defensive line and a good secondary that consists of Darius Slay Jr, Reed Blankenship, and C.J. Garner-Johnson.
The Green Bay Packers also have a solid defense at all three levels as well. It is a new defensive coordinator with Jeff Hafley and an experienced unit coming back.
Prediction
The hype in Brazil and for the NFL with this game is obvious. I am not sure the players are thrilled to be in Brazil with a long flight and some of the crime concerns. At the end of the day, these are two of the better teams in NFL in a game that feels like will have playoff implications.
I don’t think it’s out of bounds to say the Eagles have the better offensive weapons. Saquon Barkley is a beast at running back while A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are of the better wide receiver duos in the league. Dallas Goedert is also a top half the league tight end.
However, it might Jalen Hurts and his dual threat ability that could be the biggest kryptonite for the Green Bay Packers defense. If they can’t keep in the pocket, it will be a long day.
You could also say the same thing about Jordan Love and the Packers offense. They are one of the better units in the league and are full of play-makers as well.
I think this game comes down to defense. Whoever can cause a turnover will have an advantage. I think the Packers will be able to force Hurts into a turnover and will capitalize it into points. It will be a great game, but I lean towards Green Bay as Philadelphia will be looking to play with a sense of urgency because of how last season ended. Sometimes that can lead to mistakes.
Green Bay 27 Philadelphia 23
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