Eagles vs Packers: 10 Green Bay X-factors looking to ruin Week 1 for Philly

We're officially less than one week away from the Philadelphia Eagles regular-season opener. Say that out loud. See how it sounds. We promise you'll find yourself a smile.

Two historic franchises meet to lock horns in this one. One is from the City of Brotherly Love, the other a smaller section of the country that we refer to as 'Titletown'.

This is the 47th ever meeting between the two. Green Bay leads the all-time tally by a 28- margin. This should be fun. We'll all be watching. The only thing that would make this a better watch if it was stateside in Philadelphia.

We understand what the NFL is thinking though. This is about broadening pro football's reach. Expect a show. Anitta performs at halftime. Let's discuss some Packers X-factors.

5 Packers to be wary of on offense

Though no one is certain of how things will play out in the NFL this season, we can all be certain of one thing. To be competitive in the National Football Conference, you're going to have to score some points.

The Eagles, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams, and San Francisco 49ers can put up points in a hurry. The Pack has the firepower to hang with just about everyone.

1. Jordan Love, quarterback

You have to be a special talent to make your organization move on from a future Hall of Famer. Jordan Love is most certainly that. Birds fans are aware of what he can do.

The last time we saw him. he entered the game in relief of Aaron Rodgers (2022). He completed six of his nine pass attempts en route to 113 yards and a TD.

2. Christian Watson, wide receiver

A four-time FCS national champion (2017–2019, 2021), Christian Watson entered the NFL as a second-round draft choice. 69 receptions. 1,033 yards, 91 rushing yards, and 14 total TDs later (two were rushing), people are saying words like 'breakout year'. Philly can't let this young man go off.

3. Josh Jacobs, running back

This may not have grabbed the headlines that 'Saquon Barkley to the Eagles' did, but Josh Jacobs joining The Pack is pretty massive. Five seasons in Oakland and Las Vegas with the Raiders produced a rushing title (2022).

He also earned a First-Team All-Pro nod that same season and two Pro Bowl mentions. He's a game-changer.

4. Jayden Reed, wide receiver

Jayden Reed is five-foot-11 and weighs 187 pounds. Some might call him small. Others might worry that he is shifty.

A 2023 second-round draft choice, he has grabbed 64 receptions so far in his young NFL career. He has stacked 793 receiving yards and eight receiving TDs. Add that to 119 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.

5. Tucker Kraft, tight end

31 receptions, 355 receiving yards, and two receiving TDs are the result of Tucker Kraft's first NFL season. He's expected to take on a bigger role in Green Bay's offense. Let's hope he doesn't go off on Friday.

5 Packers to be wary of on the defensive side of the ball

If you're looking for understanding on how good the Packers can be on defense, you have to look past the stats and focus more on Xs and Os. They were good situationally in 2023. They matured during the postseason and should be an improved group in '24.

New additions and solid draft picks could help this squad to some impressive showings.

6. Edgerrin Cooper, linebacker

Early during mock draft season last year, some saw Egerrin Cooper and the Eagles as a match. There's just one issue with the theory. Philly never drafts linebackers as early as many thiought the former Aggie would be taken.

As it turns out, Cooper would hang around until Round 2 at pick 45. A Consensus All-American and First-team All-SEC nod in 2023, you can see why The Pack is excited. His debut comes on Friday.

7. Jaire Alexander, cornerback

Jaire Alexander is one of the NFL's top cornerbacks. Bar none... Period... We don't know if he'll match up with A.J. Brown, or DeVonta Smith, or both. What we do know is the ball can't be thrown recklessly in his direction.

Failure to heed this warning might result in an immediate Eagles turnover.

8. Rashan Gary, defensive end

Rashan Gary doesn't get the burn he should, but trust us. He's a baller. The 12th player taken in the 2019 NFL Draft, he has added 179 tackles, 31.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles to his resume.

9. Javon Bullard, safety

This rookie is a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2021, 2022). A CFP National Championship Game Defensive MVP and Second-Team All-SEC nod in 2023, he begins his career atop the depth chart lined up at safety next to this next guy.

10. Xavier McKinney, safety

Well, we know this guy! This offseason, Xavier McKinney left the Giants to join The Pack. We won't miss him in the NFC East. Injuries have kept him out of four potential appearances versus Philly, but we've seen him in fice battles, including a playoff game.

Versus Philly, he has notched 38 tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups, and 0.5 sacks. Those numbers include the Divisional Round Game. We expect he'll be active and annoying on Friday.

The Eagles meet the Green Bay Packers on Friday, September 6 at 8:15 pm. This is the first ever game played in Brazil. Watch this one exclusively on Peacock.