At a Glance
- Bills lead the NFL in rushing with 159 yards per game.
- Josh Allen throws 25 touchdown passes with a 103.3 passer rating.
- James Cook tops the league with 1,552 rushing yards this season.
- The matchup is the Bills’ second-to-last game at the historic Rich Stadium.
The Bills’ ground attack and explosive quarterback play will face a Eagles defense that has tightened its play in the last seven games. With the stakes high for a No. 2 seed, both teams will be eager to prove why they’re contenders.
Bills’ Dominant Offense
The Bills’ offense is ranked 3rd in yards per game (373), 1st in rushing (159), and 4th in passing efficiency (7.5 yards per pass play). Their line, tight ends, and receivers consistently perform at a high level.
Vic Fangio said:
> “You got Josh Allen, that’s all you need to say. You got (James) Cook, that’s all you need to say. Their line is playing very well. They’ve got a good group of tight ends. The receivers have been playing good. They’re highly ranked in a lot of key areas on offense and it’s no accident.”
- Josh Allen: 25 TD passes, 69% completion, 103.3 passer rating, 552 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry.
- James Cook: 1,552 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per carry, 30 rushing TDs, 1,200 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs.
| Player | Rushing Yards | Yards per Carry | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | 552 | 5.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| James Cook | 1,552 | 5.3 | 30 | 1,200 | 9 |
Eagles’ Defensive Outlook
The Eagles’ defense has improved from allowing 23.1 points in the first eight games to 14.9 points in the last seven. They will have Jalen Carter back after a four-game absence, but Nakobe Dean will be out.
Vic Fangio added:
> “Yeah, I think it’s good they have improved. Some of that’s due to having some young players that are going to take time to improve, and we still have some guys in their second year that are going to keep improving. These guys have worked at it. They’re very coachable and we all enjoy coaching them.”
Key defensive strengths include:
- Strong pass rush from the defensive line.
- Improved coverage by the secondary.
- Better run support after the first half of the season.
Game Context and Stakes
The game takes place at Highmark Stadium, the site of the former Rich Stadium that the Bills have called home since 1973. A new Highmark Stadium will open across the street next year, making this the second-to-last game there.
A win for the Bills, combined with a Bears loss to the 49ers Sunday night, would keep the Eagles’ hopes for a No. 2 seed alive. Two Eagles wins and two Bears losses would move the Eagles up from No. 3 to No. 2.
Key points to watch:
- Whether Josh Allen can maintain his high completion percentage against a tightened defense.
- If James Cook’s elusiveness will keep the Eagles’ run defense on its toes.
- The impact of Jalen Carter’s return on the Eagles’ defensive performance.
Key Takeaways
- Bills’ rushing dominance is unmatched in the NFL.
- Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability is a critical factor for the Bills.
- Eagles’ defensive improvement could tilt the game in their favor.
The final showdown at Rich Stadium will test the Bills’ offensive machine against a resilient Eagles defense, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning.
