Browns fans can also use this as an open thread.
The NFL makes its debut in Brazil with a special edition of Friday Night Football in Week 1, as the Green Bay Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Browns fans may recall that Cleveland was once rumored to be involved in this game, but it ultimately went to the Packers-Eagles.
As far as the game goes, South America is getting a top-notch match-up. After a 3-6 start to last season, the Packers won 6 of their final 8 games before upsetting the Cowboys in the playoffs and losing a late lead to the 49ers. Jordan Love has shown a lot of promise to turning the Packers into the regular contender they were under Aaron Rodgers. The Eagles, meanwhile, were 10-1 last year before finishing the season at 11-6. They still made the playoffs, but couldn’t shake their big slump, as they were blown out by the Buccaneers 32-9. It’s a fresh season, but the Eagles still need to figure themselves out.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Eagles are 2.5 point favorites against the Packers. With the momentum each team had at the end of last year and this being a neutral site, I like the Packers straight up, which means I’ll also take the points: Packers 24, Eagles 20.
The rest of the DBN staff picks for the game are below. You can use this as your open thread for the game.
