Packers vs. Eagles: NFL Week 1 Picks & Predictions (Friday)
The Green Bay Packers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles in an intriguing matchup in Brazil on Friday night.
Both teams have high expectations and aspirations for massive playoff runs. But only one team can start the season 1-0 (unless there’s a tie!)
Below, we’ll discuss some of the best bets for the Packers-Eagles matchup on Friday and provide some analysis for each wager.
Packers vs. Eagles Best Bets (Week 1)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Moneyline
The Packers and Eagles switched places mid-way through last season. The Eagles started last year 10-2 but eventually dropped to 11-6 in the regular season and lost a Wild Card playoff game to the Buccaneers.
On the other hand, the Packers were 3-6 to start the season and won six of their last eight games to reach the playoffs. Green Bay also won against the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card but fell to the 49ers, 24-21, in a tight matchup in the NFC Divisional Round.
That said, the Packers have more momentum. The offense improved with the acquisition of Josh Jacobs, and the passing game should be even better this season now that Jordan Love has received his four-year contract extension.
Ultimately, the Eagles struggled badly in the secondary last year. While the Eagles brought in new prospects using the NFL Draft, it’s hard to imagine Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will significantly impact Week 1.
The Eagles were much better at stopping the run last season. But I’m still weary of Philadelphia’s ability to get stops in the passing game.
That said, while the Packers acquired Jacobs, the Eagles got Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia even traded for Jahan Dotson as the team’s No. 3 receiver. The offense is poised for another terrific season, but the Packers are typically better at stopping the pass.
If the Packers can take the lead early and force Hurts to throw the ball, they have an advantage. I’ll take the Packers at +110.
Pick: Packers (+110)
Total
There will likely be weaknesses on both defenses this year.
The Packers were terrible against the run last season and often missed tackles at a high rate. Yet, Green Bay still scored 46 more points than allowed last season, including the playoffs.
The Eagles allowed more points than they scored last season. Philadelphia added 442 points throughout the regular and postseason but gave up 460 points.
The Packers will likely have no problems finding plays down the field against the Eagles. However, if the Eagles want to keep this game tight, they must utilize the run game with Hurts and Barkley and limit mistakes. If they can do that, the Packers and Eagles should enjoy an offensive showdown in Brazil.
Let’s also take the Over 49 (-112) in this game.
Pick: Over 49 (-112)