Week 1 vs Round 1: Looking at What Was and What Is

In the NFL's inaugural game in South America, the Philadelphia Eagles edged out the Green Bay Packers with a 34-29 victory in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 6, 2024.

The Eagles' offense was spearheaded by running back Saquon Barkley, who made a remarkable debut by scoring three touchdowns.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown also made significant contributions, amassing over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts had a mixed performance, throwing for multiple touchdowns but also committing two turnovers deep in Packers territory during the first quarter.

On the Packers' side, quarterback Jordan Love connected with wide receiver Jayden Reed for a 70-yard touchdown, showcasing their big-play capability.

However, Love sustained a leg injury in the final minute of the game, which impacted the Packers' late-game efforts.

Fast forward to January 12, 2025, the two teams are set to face each other again in the NFC Wild Card round at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The Eagles have had a stellar season, finishing with a 14-3 record, and are favored by 5 points over the Packers, who concluded their season at 11-6.

A significant storyline leading up to this matchup is the health of key players. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been in concussion protocol but is expected to be ready for the game.

Backup quarterback Tanner McKee has shown promise, leading the Eagles to a 20-13 win over the New York Giants in Week 18, completing 27 of 41 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns.

The Packers are also dealing with injuries, notably to quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson, which could affect their offensive performance.

Both teams have evolved since their Week 1 encounter. The Eagles' defense has shown significant improvement under new coordinator Vic Fangio, and their offense continues to be dynamic with playmakers like Barkley and Brown.

The Packers have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, but the potential absence of key players may pose challenges.
As the Wild Card game approaches, fans can anticipate a competitive matchup between two teams with a history of close contests. The outcome may hinge on the health and performance of their quarterbacks and the ability of each team's defense to contain the other's offensive weapons.