For the first time in its storied history, the NFL is set to bring its unique brand of American football to South America. The Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to face off against the Green Bay Packers in a regular-season game at Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena. The historic game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, September 6.
Philadelphia’s Odds and New Additions
Heading into this unprecedented matchup, Philadelphia is currently a 1.5-point favorite to win the game. The stakes are high, with the over/under for total points set at 48.5. The Eagles have bolstered their roster significantly during the offseason, adding star running back Saquon Barkley to their lineup. Barkley's addition is expected to provide a substantial boost to their ground game.
However, Philadelphia struggled defensively last season, especially in the passing game. They ranked 31st in both passing yards allowed and passing touchdowns conceded. To address these glaring issues, the Eagles used their first-round draft pick to select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, followed by defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round.
Green Bay’s Strong Finish and Key Acquisitions
On the other side of the field, Green Bay is coming off a strong finish to last season, compiling a 6-2 record in their final eight games. Quarterback Jordan Love was instrumental in this late-season surge, completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,150 yards and 20 touchdowns with just one interception during that span. The Packers were also impressive against the spread, going 4-1 over their last five games, including the postseason.
To enhance their offensive line, Green Bay selected guard Jordan Morgan in the first round of the draft. Additionally, they secured running back Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing champion in 2022, an acquisition that promises to add significant firepower to their offensive arsenal.
A Statistical Showcase
This game isn't just about an international venue; it's a statistical showcase with high stakes for bettors. The model used to predict outcomes has a track record of reliability, with a 181-129 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2017. More recently, since Week 7 of 2022, the model boasts a 35-21 roll on top-rated picks. According to this model, there’s over $7,000 on the line for $100 players who've followed these top-rated NFL picks since the model's inception.
As excitement builds for this groundbreaking event, both teams will aim to set a tone not only for an international audience but also for their respective seasons. The calculated odds, recent player acquisitions, and strategic draft choices lay the groundwork for what promises to be an unforgettable game under the bright lights of Sao Paulo's Neo Quimica Arena.
This match signifies more than just another game on the schedule; it's a historic foray into a new market, with both the Eagles and the Packers looking to leave an indelible mark on the international stage.