The NFL’s first game in Brazil will feature the Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Green Bay Packers at Corinthians Arena in San Paulo. Both teams are coming off of strong seasons, with the Eagles making an early exit in the postseason last year, and the Packers putting the world on notice during the playoffs. The matchup between these two rising NFC teams promises to be an exciting way to kick off the 2024 NFL season.
The game will be available to live stream on Peacock, beginning at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Eagles are the moneyline favorite, with the Packers being a slight underdog. The over/under is set at 48.5 points, with the Eagles favored by 3 points according to BETMGM. This matchup will be closely watched as both teams are expected to be playoff contenders this season, setting the stage for an intense and competitive game in South America.
This game marks the NFL’s first foray into Brazil as the league continues to expand internationally. Brazil is a key market for the NFL, which has previously played games in England, Germany, and Mexico. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed excitement at bringing the game to Brazil and São Paulo for the first time, recognizing the passionate and growing fan base in the country. The league’s global expansion efforts will continue with a game in Madrid scheduled for 2025.
The spotlight will be on the quarterbacks as Jordan Love leads the Packers and Jalen Hurts leads the Eagles. Hurts, in his fifth NFL season, is looking to take on a larger leadership role with the Eagles and make a return to the playoffs. Love, entering his second season as Packers starter, signed a lucrative contract this offseason and will be looking to build on his impressive playoff run from last year. The matchup between these two talented quarterbacks will be one to watch during Friday night’s game.
One player to keep an eye on during the game is Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who signed with the team this offseason. Barkley’s dynamic playmaking abilities will be a valuable asset to the Eagles’ offense as they look to control the game and keep the Packers’ offense off the field. With a strong supporting cast that includes receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles could rely on their run game behind Hurts and Barkley to secure a victory in their season opener.
Predictions for the game vary among USA TODAY Sports staff, with some favoring the Packers to come out on top, while others predict a victory for the Eagles. The competitive nature of the matchup and the high stakes for both teams make this game a must-watch for NFL fans. As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, the excitement surrounding this historic game in Brazil is sure to draw in fans from around the world.
