The Packers travel to Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a marquee matchup of two playoff teams from a year ago. The Eagles come into a season with quite a bit to prove. They had a lead in the 4th quarter vs. Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII just two years ago and had a let down last year, and the Philly faithful will jump all over everyone should they have another one.

For the Packers, we know the expectations…this team could/should compete for the Super Bowl and are trending properly. While Week 1 in the NFL is a crapshoot and one can hardly take anything from it as a barometer for how good these teams are, this game will likely have an effect on seeding in the NFC come playoff time.

Last Year’s Rankings

The Eagles defense was atrocious last year, ranking 2nd-to-last in pass D and 30th in scoring defense. There’s opportunity for the Packers to get some major points against this Eagles D that hasn’t really improved much in the off-season, but this could lead to a scoring fest, which should favor Green Bay. The issue being the Packers’ rush defense. Philly had a solid rush attack last season and signed a hungry Saquon Barkely this offseason. Teams like to use their new toys, especially early…much like Green Bay with Josh Jacobs, but the difference being Jalen Hurts’ running ability and tush push to gain easy 1st downs. It seems to be an even matchup and will create quite a bit of excitement for the winning team’s fan base.

Players to Watch

The Packers have 2 rookies on defense that should contribute quite a bit over the course of the season, and may come up big in tonight’s contest vs. Philadelphia. Their names, Javon Bullard (#20, pictured below) and Edgerrin Cooper (#56). Bullard earned the starting safety position alongside new free agent Xavier McKinney. Bullard’s ball skill and instinct, coupled with extreme athleticsm gives him the opportunity to be a unique player. Cooper should get rotational snaps, hopefully some tonight, but he too shows the instinct at Inside Linebacker to make a difference in this new look Packer defense. Should be fun to watch these guys grow throughout the season – much alike watching all of the WRs the last couple of seasons.

Prediction

Season: 0-0
Overall: 92-66