NFL Weeks 1 odds have long been available by this point but, hey, I’d say the subject is especially topical now since … game week is FINALLY HERE!

That’s right, your Philadelphia Eagles are kicking off their 2024 season with a “home” game against the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil this Friday night.

The Birds are currently three-point favorites at this neutral field location, according to FanDuel. This means the Eagles would likely be six-point favorites if the game was instead taking place at Lincoln Financial Field, since home field advantage is generally worth three points.

At the risk of pissing everyone off (who, me?) at a time when people are just trying to be excited about the upcoming season, I tend to like the Packers in this matchup. I’ve been saying as much since this year’s schedule was announced.

I’m buying the Packers hype. After some first half growing pains last year, the youngest team in the NFL finished the season red hot. They absolutely demolished Dallas at AT&T Stadium before arguably looking like the better team in a playoff loss to San Francisco. Jordan Love looks like the real deal. I think this will be a really good and competitive game between two of the top teams in the NFC but I’m giving the edge to Green Bay, a side that is 56-27 in the Matt LaFleur era.

EAGLES LOSE: 0-1

Before you angrily start typing in the comment section below (too late?), a few things:

• I still have the Eagles going 13-4! I’m hardly down on the team’s big picture outlook simply because I think they’ll lose in Week 1. I just think the Packers are also going to be a very good team. And I think some are taking them a little too lightly.
• I do feel more encouraged about the Eagles’ outlook leaving camp than I did entering it. Jalen Hurts had a great summer, the team’s vibes seem to be high, key injuries were avoided … maybe I need to reconsider my stance on this game.
• I think this game will be really close even if the Eagles win, hence my inclination to take the three points rather than give them. The Packers could cover in a loss.

OK, vibe check time on your end.

What say you?