On Sunday afternoon, the Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) will travel to Orchard Park to face the Buffalo Bills (11-4). The matchup pits a team that has shown recent resilience against a squad that has been dominant in the AFC East. With playoff seeding still in play, both franchises have a lot to gain.
Reuben Frank’s Take
Reuben Frank opens with a focus on the Eagles’ late-season form. “I love that the Eagles have this measuring-stick game against a really good team late in the season with enough potentially at stake that Nick Sirianni has to play the starters but realistically without huge seeding implications and not a whole lot to lose,” he says. He questions whether the Eagles are the 4-5 team from early October to early December or the one that has posted two four-game winning streaks and decisive wins over two bad teams. “I feel like we’ll learn a lot about the Eagles Sunday in Orchard Park. Were the wins over the Raiders and Commanders a mirage or a sign that this team has really figured a few things out?” Frank adds. He points to the Bills’ elite weapons, “Josh Allen and James Cook,” and notes that the Bills rank 30th against the run, allowing an average of 144 yards per game. Frank lists the Bills’ rushing yards allowed in recent games-160, 189, 197, 202, 210, 238, and 246-and believes the Eagles’ new commitment to the running game will tip the balance.
Dave Zangaro’s Perspective
Dave Zangaro admits he has been torn over the week. “I admittedly went back and forth a few times during this week. This is a really tough game for the Eagles on the road against one of the best teams in the NFL,” he writes. He sees the game as the Eagles’ last chance to play a strong opponent before the playoffs begin. “If they’re able to get a win in Buffalo, everyone in Philadelphia will start believing that this team has another Super Bowl run in them.” Zangaro predicts a tight contest, noting that the team that runs the ball more effectively will likely win. “On paper, that should be the Bills and their No. 1 rushing offense. But the Eagles have been improving as a run defense and will have Jalen Carter back for this game, although they will be missing Nakobe Dean.” He expresses renewed faith in the Eagles’ rushing attack and highlights the Bills’ weak run defense. “I also have some renewed faith in the Eagles’ rushing offense and the Bills have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.” Zangaro ends with a vivid image of the field: “This is going to be a gross, wet game in Orchard Park.”
Barrett Brooks’ Analysis
Barrett Brooks begins by noting his earlier expectation that the Eagles could rest a roster. He recalls having the Eagles’ record at 12-3 and one game from clinching the No. 1 seed. He believes the offense has finally regained its identity for the playoffs, emphasizing a run-heavy approach. “They are a running team. Yes, I believe in the passing game, but running the ball travels well in bad weather and physicality sets the tone in the playoffs.” Brooks praises Saquon Barkley’s return, describing him as “back to running pissed off” and lauds the offensive line’s health. He also highlights Jalen Hurts’ dual-role ability. Brooks points out that Bills’ coach Vic Fangio will face a tough challenge against Josh Allen and James Cook, the latter leading the NFL in rushing. He concludes with confidence: “This will definitely be the toughest test for the Eagles in the past month. Of course I’m drinking the Green Kool-Aid and I will predict the Birds to win.” He describes the game as a “smash mouth” effort where the Eagles will win the physical battle in the trenches.
Mike Mulhern’s View
Mike Mulhern emphasizes the stakes for the Eagles. “Despite all the handwringing throughout this season, a win on Sunday would cement the Eagles as one of the true Super Bowl contenders in what feels like a wide-open race for the Lombardi Trophy.” He notes that the Rams are the current favorites but sit at the 6th seed in the NFC, possibly facing the Eagles in the first round at the Linc. The Bills are a top AFC bet but will likely be on the road in the playoffs. Mulhern praises the Eagles’ roster and championship makeup. He warns that Josh Allen, James Cook, and the Bills’ offense will test the Eagles’ defense. He also highlights Jalen Carter’s return to the defensive line. Mulhern predicts the Bills’ receivers will be covered but keeping Allen contained in the pocket is key. He believes the Eagles’ offense is still a question but has started to figure things out in the running game, especially given the expected weather and the Bills’ porous run defense. He ends with a hopeful note: “This will end up being one of the games of the year and hopefully one we’ll get to see again in Santa Clara in February.”
Ashlyn Sullivan’s Take
Ashlyn Sullivan reflects on the 2025 schedule release, calling the Eagles-Bills matchup the prime game of the year. She notes the Eagles already won the division and the three-seed in the NFC appears locked in. Sullivan highlights the consistency of the Eagles’ offense, with the running and passing game complementing each other. She points out the Bills’ run defense ranks 30th in the league and expects Saquon Barkley to get back on track. Sullivan frames the game’s big picture: the Bills need a win to keep their AFC East crown and No. 1 overall seed alive. She praises Josh Allen’s MVP-level play and concludes that, under pressure, the Bills will win. She acknowledges that while a win would be a bonus, the Eagles do not need it but still have the expectation to do so.
Recent Game Results
The series of games between the two teams has produced the following scores:
- Eagles 24, Bills 21
- Eagles 21, Bills 17
- Eagles 26, Bills 21
- Eagles 24, Bills 22
- Bills 28, Eagles 21
These results illustrate the close nature of the rivalry and the importance of each matchup.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles’ late-season momentum and running-game focus are central to predictions.
- Bills’ elite weapons and weak run defense are highlighted as decisive factors.
- Injuries and player availability, such as Jalen Carter’s return, play a significant role.
- The game is expected to be a tight, physical contest in potentially wet conditions.
The Sunday showdown will test the Eagles’ resilience and the Bills’ offensive prowess, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
