The 2024-25 NFL season will open in Kansas City, but all eyes will soon turn to Brazil for a historic matchup between two NFC powerhouses.
On September 6, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in a groundbreaking season-opening game. Not only is this game notable for being the first NFL season opener on a Friday in recent memory, but it will also be the first NFL game ever played in South America.
Both teams are coming off playoff appearances, but they ended their seasons in contrasting fashion. The Eagles started strong at 10-1 but stumbled with six losses in their final seven games, including a 32-9 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round. Despite their late-season collapse, the Eagles are expected to rebound, holding the third-shortest odds to win the NFC (+600) and the sixth-shortest Super Bowl odds (+1400).
The Packers, on the other hand, had a slow start at 2-5 before rallying with eight wins in their final 12 games, including an upset over the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round. Jordan Love's emergence as a top quarterback has elevated expectations in Green Bay, with the Packers currently listed at +750 to win the NFC and +1800 to win the Super Bowl.
As the second game of the 2024-25 NFL season and the only game scheduled for September 6, this NFC showdown is set to capture significant attention and betting interest, featuring prominently across top NFL betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Friday, September 6, 2024 (Week 1)
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Arena Corinthians, São Paulo, Brazil
- Watch: Peacock
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Packers +126, Eagles -148
- Spread: Packers +2.5 (-115), Eagles -2.5 (-115)
- Total: Over/Under 48.5 (-110/-110)
Packers vs. Eagles Moneyline
The Eagles have won their season opener in each of the two seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni, starting both campaigns 5-0 or better. After a disappointing end to last season, Philadelphia made significant offseason moves, including adding star running back Saquon Barkley to bolster their offense.
Defensively, the Eagles addressed their weaknesses by hiring Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator and re-signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. These changes aim to improve a unit that allowed the third-most points per game in the league last year.
The Packers made their own adjustments, replacing longtime running back Aaron Jones with Josh Jacobs and upgrading their defense with safety Xavier McKinney. Despite these moves, Green Bay's offense struggled early last season, and they may find it challenging against the Eagles' revamped defense.
With Sirianni’s preparation and the Eagles eager to prove themselves after last year's collapse, backing Philadelphia on the moneyline up to -155 is a sound bet.
Packers vs. Eagles Spread
Philadelphia needs to win by at least a field goal to cover the 2.5-point spread, a feat they achieved in all 11 of their victories last season. Green Bay, while competitive in close games last year, often saw contests decided by more than a single point, aligning with the typical margins in NFL games.
Given the odds and Philadelphia's ability to win by a margin of three points or more, taking the Eagles to cover the spread seems logical.
Packers vs. Eagles Over/Under
The Packers’ defense was solid last year, ranking among the league’s best in preventing points. Meanwhile, Fangio's defensive strategies will likely create pressure and test Jordan Love. Despite some offensive struggles last season, the Eagles have strong personnel, including standout defender Jalen Carter and lineman Bryce Huff.
Early-season games often see defenses performing ahead of offenses, and the altitude adjustment in São Paulo (half a mile above sea level) may slow down the game. Given these factors, the Under 48.5 is the recommended play.
Packers vs. Eagles Props
- Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown (+125):
The Eagles excel in short-yardage situations, especially on the goal line, with Hurts scoring 41 rushing touchdowns in 62 career games. Given his role and the team's reliance on the "Brotherly Shove," betting on Hurts to score offers good value at plus odds. - Jordan Love Over 0.5 Interceptions (-145):
Love had 13 interceptions last season and has struggled under pressure. With Fangio likely to apply significant defensive pressure, the chances of Love throwing an interception are high, making this a strong prop bet.
Packers vs. Eagles Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Eagles (-148). Philadelphia's defensive upgrades and overall strategy should challenge Jordan Love and give the Eagles a slight edge for a victory.
- Spread: Eagles -2.5 (-115). A close game likely decided by a field goal or more favors backing the Eagles to cover.
- Total: Under 48.5 (-110). Both teams’ tendencies to run the ball and solid defensive setups make a moderate point total likely.
- Player Prop 1: Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown (+125). Given his proven ability to find the end zone, this is a worthwhile bet.
- Player Prop 2: Jordan Love Over 0.5 Interceptions (-145). Expect defensive pressure from the Eagles to force a mistake from Love.