Two of the NFL’s most historic franchises will meet Friday in a place the league has never been before: Brazil. Both the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will enter the matchup with Super Bowl aspirations … and plenty of questions.
Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, after two years of irregular playing time, thrived in his first full season as a starter in 2023. He led the Packers to a 9-8 record with 4,159 yards passing, 32 touchdowns and a 64.2% completion percentage. Are those stats legit and a sign for future stardom or just one solid season? Another year with similar or better production will ensure his status as one of the best young signal-callers in the league.
The Packers also have a new backfield led by former Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs. The 26-year-old led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards but regressed last season with 805 yards. If he bounces back in a new environment, Green Bay could be scary.
The Eagles are also once again contenders. Behind a high-powered offense with quarterback Jalen Hurts, receiver A.J. Brown and new running back Saquon Barkley — acquired in free agency this offseason from the New York Giants — they are among the favorites in the NFC.
Philadelphia started last season 10-1 but tanked down the stretch, losing five of their last six games before getting eliminated in the first round of the postseason. How they start the 2024 campaign will be massive in restoring confidence in their championship hopes.
