The 2024-25 NFL season will open in Kansas City, but all eyes will quickly shift to Brazil for a battle between a pair of NFC elites.
On Sept. 6, the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will square off in a historic season-opening game. Not only will it be the first season opener held on a Friday in recent memory, but it will also be the first NFL game ever played in South America.
Both of these teams made the playoffs last year, though they finished their seasons in reverse fashion. The Eagles started 10-1 before cratering with six losses in their final seven games, including a humiliating 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.
Still, oddsmakers are predicting a rebound for Philadelphia, which has the third-shortest odds to win the NFC (+600 at FanDuel Sportsbook) and the fifth-shortest Super Bowl futures odds (+1300).
On the other hand, the Packers started 2-5 before ripping off eight wins in their final 12 games, including an upset victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round. Jordan Love emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in football, and expectations are high in Green Bay this season (+900 to win the NFC; +1800 to win the Super Bowl).
As the second game of the 2024-25 NFL season and the only game on Sept. 6, this NFC showdown is sure to draw plenty of attention and betting interest. It will be heavily featured at our favorite NFL betting sites, all of which will likely have many betting markets and promotions for the game.
Game Details
- Matchup: Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 (Week 1)
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo, Brazil)
- Watch: Peacock
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Packers +108, Eagles -126
- Spread: Packers +2.5 (-112), Eagles -2.5 (-108)
- Total: Over/Under 49.5 (-110/-110)
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change. Betting on the NFL can cause problems for some players. Always gamble responsibly by setting a budget and understanding the vig.
Packers vs. Eagles Moneyline
The Eagles have not lost their season opener in each of their two seasons under coach Nick Sirianni. In fact, they’ve started 5-0 or better in both of those seasons.
Following its catastrophic stretch to end the season, Philadelphia loaded up in the offseason by adding star running back Saquon Barkley to its already potent offense.
The Eagles also addressed their defense, which yielded the third-most points per game in the league (25.2) last year. They brought in Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator and brought back safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who spent last season with the Detroit Lions after previously playing for Philadephia.
The Packers watched longtime running back Aaron Jones head to Minnesota before replacing him with Josh Jacobs from the Las Vegas Raiders. They also upgraded their defense with safety Xavier McKinney.
Green Bay was solid defensively last year, ranking 10th in points against per game (20.6), but scored more than 24 points only once in its first 10 games. Accordingly, the Packers may struggle against the Eagles’ new-look defense.
Sirianni will have his team ready to go in Week 1, and Philadelphia will be out for revenge after unraveling at the end of last year. Take the Eagles on the moneyline up to -155.
Packers vs. Eagles Spread
The Birds only need to win by a field goal to cover the 2.5-point spread, and we think they will. All 11 of Philadelphia’s victories last year came by at least three points, including its two overtime victories against the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders.
Green Bay played in its fair share of tight games last year, dropping three games by two points or fewer. However, NFL games are typically decided by at least a field goal.
Of course, last season’s trends are yesterday’s news. But if you think a favorite is going to win, it isn’t a huge leap to expect it to win by at least three points.
Packers vs. Eagles Over/Under
As mentioned, the Packers’ defense was among the league’s best at not giving up points last year. Meanwhile, Fangio is almost certainly going to dial up pressure to make things uncomfortable for Love. Despite their struggles last season, the Eagles have exceptional personnel, including 2023 first-round pick Jalen Carter and ex-Jets defensive lineman Bryce Huff.
Plus, the defenses are typically ahead of the offenses this time of the year, especially since Love threw just two passes in the preseason (which was two more than Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts did).
The adjustment of playing in São Paulo, which sits roughly half a mile above sea level, will likely slow the game down, as players will need more time to recover between plays. Both offenses may also have some jitters and are playing in familiar terrain.
Lastly, 49.5 is a pretty high bar to clear, making the Under the play.
Packers vs. Eagles Props
Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown (+100)
The Eagles are the masters at the Brotherly Shove whenever they need a yard, especially on the goal line. Hurts has 41 rushing touchdowns in 62 career NFL games and is coming off a year where he had a career-high 15 rushing scores.
It’s incomprehensible how often Philadelphia falls a single yard short of the goal line. These touchdown odds, which are the fourth-shortest of any player in this game, make this player prop worth considering at even-money.
Jordan Love Over 0.5 Interceptions (-138)
Love had 13 interceptions last season (including the playoffs), throwing at least one in every Green Bay loss. Given Fangio’s ability to send pressure and the Eagles’ pass-rushing ability, Love is almost certain to have his internal clock sped up.
Philadelphia only had nine picks a season ago, which seems anomalous. Look for Love to throw an interception in the season opener, especially if he gets a bit disoriented by the new surroundings.
Packers vs. Eagles Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Eagles (-126). Philadelphia’s defensive personnel and scheme should be tough on Jordan Love, especially early. Look for the Eagles to snag a close, hard-fought win.
- Spread: Eagles -2.5 (-108). This game should be close and could be decided by a last-second field goal. But if you’re comfortable backing Philadelphia to win, wagering on the Eagles to win by at least three points is a no-brainer.
- Total: Under 49.5 (-110). Both of these offenses like to run the ball, which will keep the clock ticking. With defenses typically ahead of offenses at this time of year, this game should feature a more moderate point total.
- Player Prop 1: Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown (+100). Hurts has scored 41 touchdowns in 62 NFL games and has mastered the Brotherly Shove. It’s not a stretch to think he finds the end zone.
- Player Prop 2: Jordan Love Over 0.5 Interceptions (-138). New Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves to dial up pressure, so Jordan Love will have plenty of heat in his face, which should lead to an interception.
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