Packers are set up for failure with Week 1 trip to Brazil vs. Eagles

The Green Packers and their fan base received some news Wednesday morning regarding their first game of the season. It was announced the Packers will be traveling to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

This will be the second game of the 2024 NFL season, as it will be following Thursday night's game that officially kicks off the season. The matchup will be the first Friday night game on opening weekend since 1970.

While it does seem like an honor for the Packers to be tabbed for this game, the glamour quickly fades away after taking everything into consideration.

Key takeaways from Packers-Eagles being announced for Brazil in Week 1

Making an international trip to start the season

NFL teams playing games in different countries is nothing new, but having their first game of the season be an international affair adds unnecessary complications to a team's hectic early-season schedule.

"The one issue with Green Bay, though, is the size of our airport and the size of our runway, and we want to make sure that we're not at a competitive disadvantage in terms of how long it's gonna take us to get to Brazil," said Packers president Mark Murphy last month.

There are so many things that can go wrong under normal circumstances, but having to make an international trip to begin the season could be something that lingers for the first few weeks of the season. An ugly loss, exhaustion from international travel, or even an injury to a key player on an unfamiliar playing surface could derail what is supposed to be a promising and exciting season in Green Bay.

Playing Philadelphia in Week 1

Everyone likes to have a good chance of starting the season 1-0 by facing an opponent considered lesser going into the matchup. The Eagles do not qualify as a lesser opponent, and it will be very tough coming out of a matchup in unusual surroundings with a win.

This is not to say the Packers do not have a chance or that the game's setting will not impact the Eagles, but rather that facing them under normal circumstances would very much be preferred.

The game is harder to watch

For those outside the local television market, the only to watch this game will be via the Peacock streaming service.

This means that if you do not already have the service, know someone who does, or plan on going to a bar/restaurant to watch the game, you are out of luck. Of course, there is the option to sign up for this service with the intent to cancel shortly afterward, but the catch is that you have to remember to do so.

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