Eagles vs. Bills Week 17 Preview: A Battle for Seeding and Survival
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown this Sunday between the Buffalo Bills (11-4) and the Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) at Highmark Stadium. With both teams already securing their playoff berths, this game is crucial for seeding and positioning, with the Eagles aiming to solidify their standing in the NFC, while the Bills still hope for a shot at winning the AFC East.
Buffalo enters this game as slight 1.5-point favorites, boasting the NFL’s best record against NFC teams since 2020 at 13-1. They are a dominant force, particularly in December and January, where they hold a 26-4 record since 2020. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been on a roll, winning their last three games, including some impressive performances led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley.
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One of the key matchups will be Josh Allen versus the Eagles defense. Allen, who has been a dual-threat this season with over 550 rushing yards and 25 passing touchdowns, is a constant nightmare for opposing defenses. The Eagles, however, have a formidable defense, with their pass rush and coverage likely to challenge Allen's ability to connect with his receivers. Despite Buffalo’s strong rushing game led by James Cook, the Eagles’ defense will be keyed in on stopping the run, an area where Buffalo has shown vulnerability.
A big question mark for the Eagles will be how they manage Allen’s mobility. The quarterback has a unique ability to break free from tackles and make plays out of seemingly impossible situations. The Eagles have bolstered their defense recently, but stopping a player like Allen, who is capable of taking over a game both through the air and on the ground, will require a flawless defensive strategy.
On the offensive side, the Eagles have been finding their rhythm. Hurts has stepped up his rushing game recently, adding a new dimension to Philadelphia's offense. The Eagles’ ground game, averaging nearly five yards per carry in recent weeks, will be critical against a Bills defense that has struggled with stopping the run. The addition of rookie Jihaad Campbell to the linebacker corps, filling in for the injured Nakobe Dean, will also be crucial as the Eagles seek to contain the Bills’ ground attack.
Both teams will also have to contend with weather conditions that could affect their strategies. With snow, wind, and cold temperatures expected in Buffalo, the elements could play a major role in shaping the game. While the Bills are accustomed to these conditions, the Eagles will need to adapt quickly and make sure the weather doesn’t hinder their offensive flow.
At the end of the day, this game promises to be a close contest, with both teams eager to build momentum for the playoffs. The Eagles’ defense will need to limit Allen’s big plays, while their offense will look to establish a run game and control the clock. For the Bills, it will be about using their home-field advantage and leaning on Allen to make the difference in a game that could come down to the wire.
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