A special way to start the season with a trip down to Brazil. We see two of the premier franchises doing battle to help bring the beautiful game of football to the world. In honor of the “double-header” to start the year, I am going to make two selections for tonight’s game. First things first, the picks:

Pick 1: S. Barkley – Alt rushing yards 60+ yards (-144) On FanDuel

Pick 2: C. Watson Rec Yds o39.5 yards (-110) FanDuel

Eagles vs. Packers Background

These teams had 2023 seasons that went in opposite directions. They passed like two ships in the night. While Philly collapsed down the stretch, Green Bay got it together and finished the season strong. Both teams are going to be looking to get off to a hot start down in Brazil. Philadelphia has a pair of new coordinators while Green Bay had to replace their defensive coordinator after firing Joe Barry last year. Given that there was that much change on both teams’ coaching staff, it is hard to predict how this game is going to play out. So I am looking at players for this matchup.

Pick 1 Background

The big offseason acquisition for the Eagles was running back Saquan Barkley. He comes in alongside new OC, Kellen Moore. Moore had a tough time with the Chargers and their lack of a run game. When he was in Dallas with Zeke Elliot and Tony Pollard, he was known for his aggressive run offense in addition to his explosive pass game. Paired with Barkley, who is running behind the best offensive line group of his career, I expect Saquan to get plenty of touches. Adding to that, the Green Bay rush defense was ranked 28th last year in yards allowed. All of these factors make me believe that Barkley will have plenty of room to run. His o/u is 65.5 so to hedge a bit, I am taking his Alt rushing line to get 60+ yards.

Pick 2 Background

Christian Watson is a former number 1 pick who has had his ups and downs. He is now entering his third year in Matt LaFleur’s offense. He is coming back off of a 2023 season where he missed 7 games due to injury. He is back with a clean bill of health and is poised to return as the home run hitter for this wide receiving corps. His last game against Philadelphia was in a 2022 shootout where he was a huge part of the Packers offense. That game, he put up 4 receptions, 110 yards and 1 td. Over his young career, he is averaging 44.9 yards a game. Another year of familiarity with Jordan Love and the offense would point to him being a big part of the offense going forward. In regard to this matchup with the Eagles, the Eagles pass yards allowed was 31st in the league in 2023. They bring in Vic Fangio whose Dolphins were ranked 15th in pass yards allowed. They also revamped the personnel a bit in the secondary. With that much change, you can make the case that there will be plenty of opportunities for this wide receiving corps. I see Watson being able to get 40+ yards against this defense.