The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers have officially landed in Brazil for a pivotal season-opening matchup. While both teams are currently viewed as contenders in the NFC, they each ended last season in drastically different fashions.
Now, each team is ready to make a statement in Week 1 and gain a significant advantage early in the regular season.
Both the Eagles and Packers are loaded with talent, yet there are five wild cards to watch for during Friday night’s matchup.
5 Wild Cards for Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil
Zack Baun, LB, Eagles
While Devin White and Nakobe Dean have received much of the attention at linebacker for the Eagles, Zack Baun is the ultimate wild card. Baun is making the full-time transition from edge defender to inside linebacker in Philadelphia.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio clearly views Baun as an inside linebacker, despite the 27-year-old playing 67.4% of his snaps in the NFL on the edge. Fangio is betting on Baun’s size, athleticism, and pass-rushing upside carrying over to his new role.
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If Baun is able to successfully transition to inside linebacker, it will give Philadelphia’s defense a massive boost. Baun’s experience as a pass rusher was on display during the preseason, as he recorded one pressure on just two pass-rushing snaps, per PFF.
Keisean Nixon, CB, Packers
Although Keisean Nixon is listed as a cornerback for the Packers, he is also a legitimate game-changer as a returner. Nixon was named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons thanks to his elite return ability.
Now that the NFL has changed the kickoff rules, Nixon’s explosiveness could become an even bigger factor in 2024. The Eagles already allowed a 52-yard kick return during the preseason against the New England Patriots.
If Nixon is able to flip the field for Green Bay’s offense with his ability as a returner, Philadelphia could be in trouble on Friday night.
Milton Williams, DL, Eagles
Jalen Carter is the headliner along Philadelphia’s defensive front, yet Milton Williams deserves more attention.
Williams has played an inconsistent role during his first three years with the Eagles, but he could be in line for a breakout performance in 2024.
Williams is expected to start alongside Carter and Jordan Davis as the Eagles embrace a youth movement in the trenches. The 25-year-old has shown flashes of dominance at times, yet he has failed to cement a consistent starting role in Philadelphia.
Thanks to the arrival of Fangio as defensive coordinator, Williams could follow the same path that Zach Sieler did for the Miami Dolphins last season. Given the concerns about Green Bay’s interior offensive line, Williams could have a massive performance in Week 1.
Dontayvion Wicks, Packers
Dontayvion Wicks emerged as a reliable target for Jordan Love down the stretch last season. During Wicks’ final five games of 2023, including the postseason, he hauled in 16 receptions on 20 targets for 212 yards and four touchdowns.
The connection between Wicks and Love was on display during the preseason this year, as well, as Green Bay’s rising star quarterback hit Wicks in stride for a 65-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.
As the Eagles shuffle their secondary around following an injury to Isaiah Rodgers, Wicks could wreak havoc on Friday night.
Wicks has the potential to score a touchdown on any play, and Philadelphia’s secondary must know where he is at all times in Week 1.
Mekhi Becton, G, Eagles
Philadelphia’s offensive line has been viewed as a massive strength for years, yet the Eagles will be relying on two new faces in the trenches moving forward.
While Cam Jurgens is moving back to his natural position at center, Mekhi Becton is entering unfamiliar territory.
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Becton is expected to start at right guard for the Eagles, a position he didn’t play in college or in the NFL. While Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is regarded as one of the best position coaches in the league, Becton will face a difficult task on Friday night.
If Becton can hold his own against Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark, the Eagles will be in good shape. But if Clark is able to wreak havoc against Philadelphia’s relatively inexperienced interior offensive line, it could be a long night for Jalen Hurts.