Let it Snow, Let it Snow: Eagles-Bills Week 17 Preview

For the first time in over 20 years, the Philadelphia Eagles are back-to-back NFC East champions. The Eagles accomplished this feat after beating the rival Washington Commanders 29-18 for their second straight win.

While it’s hard to say the Eagles are “back on track” after beating Washington and the Raiders, this game against Buffalo should tell us a lot about what to expect come playoff time.

Stopping the Bills’ Rushing Attack

The Bills’ offense is a juggernaut led by their reigning MVP quarterback, Josh Allen. While they are the 3rd ranked total offense in the NFL, that is mainly because they are the NFL’s number one rushing offense. Bills running back James Cook has had a fantastic season with 1,532 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns so far this season. Cook is on pace to be the NFL’s leading rusher this season, and at times, he has carried their offense. The Bills are also a great rushing team because of Allen’s legs. Allen has rushed for 552 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. When the Bills get in the red zone, they rely on Allen’s legs a ton, and he is someone who can do damage on the ground if the opportunity is there. With the snowy conditions forecasted for the game, the Eagles’ defense must keep Cook and Allen in check on the ground.

While Allen is a great quarterback, the Bills do not have a ton of weapons in the passing game. The team’s leading receiver this year is Khalil Shakir with just 684 yards. Tight end Dalton Kincaid is their second leading receiver with 523 yards. The Eagles’ secondary is among the best in the league in stopping the pass, and they should have no problem with that this week.

Stick to the Formula

In their last two wins, the Eagles have gone back to what has worked best for them offensively, a run-first offense. Now obviously that also comes with the run game having success, which it has the last couple of weeks. With the combination of the weather and the Bills being the 29th-ranked run defense in the NFL, they have to continue to pound the rock.

In his last three games, Saquon Barkley has rushed for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns. It is by far the best he has looked this season, and with a likely off week next week, the Eagles need to continue to be a run-first offense.

While Saquon has been much better in the last few weeks, I would love to see Tank Bigsby get more carries. There is obviously something wether it’s pass blocking or pass catching, that they don’t trust him with, but when he gets the ball, he runs angry, and he looks explosive. The Eagles could have a two-headed monster in the running game if they allowed it to happen, not to mention it keeps Saquon’s legs fresher for a deep playoff run.

The Injury Report

Good news for the Eagles as defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be activated for Sunday’s game. Carter has missed the last month after getting surgery on both of his shoulders. Their Eagles defensive line has played great in Carter’s absence, but getting the Pro Bowler back for Sunday’s game will be massive.

While Adam Schefter reported last week that Lane Johnson would play this Sunday, he is out for the game. I think they are just taking a careful approach with Johnson and saving him for the playoffs. Nakobe Dean was also ruled out for Sunday’s game with his hamstring injury. This could be a big injury to Dean’s ability to stop the run.

While this is an important game for the Eagles seeding-wise, they technically don’t have to win, so I am fine with them taking a conservative approach on players with injuries and getting them right for the playoffs.

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