Published Dec 27, 12:00pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 27, 12:00pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 27, 12:00pm ET
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| Buffalo Bills | -1 (-115) |
| Philadelphia Eagles | +1 (-105) |
Philadelphia has won 2 straight after having lost 3 straight. The victories by a combined score of 60-18 over the Raiders and Commanders quelled the rising panic that the Eagles were about to experience their second late-season collapse in three years.
That it was against horrific Las Vegas and injury-ravaged Washington does not reduce the importance. The only thing saving head coach Nick Sirianni from taking the fall for his team's two end-of-season breakdowns is that they sandwich a Super Bowl title in 2024-25.
The win over Washington grew feisty when Sirianni, not particularly popular in the coaching fraternity, went for 2 points after a touchdown, seemingly running up the score.
Things getting chippy here between the Eagles and Commanders pic.twitter.com/1FYV4JplMH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 21, 2025
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn issued vague threats for Week 18 when the teams have their end-of-season rematchi. Those threats were presumably the subject of mockery in the Eagles lockerroom.
Against the Bills, they face a tough opponent with both teams still playing hard and trying to win.
There is a mathematical way for Philly to get the #1 seed in the NFC, but it almost assuredly won't happen.
Still, this game is a good test for them to see if they've righted their ship. It could also conceivably be a Super Bowl preview.
ALSO SEE: Patriots vs Jets | Week 16 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 28)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Lane Johnson, OT | INJURED |
| Nakobe Dean, LB | INJURED |
Buffalo can still win the AFC East. But they need to win both their remaining games against the Eagles and Jets. Very possible.
They also need the Patriots to lose one of their final two games against the Jets and Dolphins. Probably not going to happen.
The Bills are hitting their stride at about the right time. Their win over the Pats in Week 15 was crucial, more mentally than in the standings.
Pure joy: @JoshAllenQB taking the knee in Victory Formation vs the @Patriots.
— Stefan Mychajliw (@StefanMychajliw) December 14, 2025
No idea how the @BuffaloBills won that game. Flat early. Horrible first half. Then the switch flipped. Absolute second-half takeover.
No one circles the wagons like the @BuffaloBills. #BillsMafia 🦬 pic.twitter.com/u7FY0zeSZ9
The Eagles are a similar test since the game means about the same amount to both teams. It can set the tone as they prepare for the Wild Card round, where they'll be on the road.
While Buffalo looks to be a team that rides QB Josh Allen's arm, the key to their offense has been running back James Cook. Cook leads the league in rushing yards and yards per game. The Bills are 1st in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Their defense cannot stop the run, so Saquon Barkley should have a big performance, contingent on the weather.
Both Bills' tight ends, Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, are questionable.
Kicker Matt Prater has a quadriceps injury and is out. Veteran Michael Badgley is expected to kick against the Eagles.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Jordan Phillips, DT | INJURED |
| DaQuan Jones, DT | INJURED |
| Dawson Knox, TE | INJURED |
| Dalton Kincaid, TE | INJURED |
| Jordan Pryor, S | INJURED |
| Matt Prater, PK | INJURED |
For Week 17 Eagles-Bills, both teams have skin in the game, but can also reasonably take their foot off the gas if they choose to and the risk-reward isn't there.
Despite that, expect both teams to try and win, barring a substantial early deficit where it's not worth it. Weather forecasts say it's going to rain in Buffalo. Barkley, Cook, and other critical players could be used judiciously for safety's sake.
The priority is for these teams to be healthy for the playoffs. Expect a tight game with home favorite Buffalo to take the win.
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Pick
Buffalo Bills -1
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