The Buffalo Bills escaped Week 16 with a narrow win over the Cleveland Browns, and while the victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, the attention now shifts to a heavyweight showdown next Sunday - a game that carries real postseason implications and could easily be a preview of what's to come in February.
This upcoming matchup is loaded with playoff energy. Both teams are in the thick of the postseason race, and with injuries starting to pile up, fans are refreshing their feeds nonstop for status updates.
The big question in Buffalo? The health of quarterback Josh Allen.
Allen gave Bills fans a bit of a scare late in the first half when he took off on a scramble and came up limping. He was seen heading to the locker room early, minus his right cleat, which immediately raised eyebrows.
But in classic Allen fashion, he brushed it off in his postgame interview, telling CBS’s Evan Washburn that his ankle was “gravy, baby.” That’s the kind of swagger Bills Mafia loves - but it doesn’t mean the concern is gone.
Allen reportedly had X-rays at halftime, which came back negative, and he returned to finish the game. Still, don’t be surprised if he shows up on this week’s injury report with a foot or ankle designation. He may be toughing it out, but the Bills will be monitoring him closely in the days ahead.
On the defensive side, veteran safety Jordan Poyer also appeared to be banged up late in the game. The injury occurred on a play where he and edge rusher Greg Rousseau combined to sack Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Poyer was later seen walking the sidelines with a noticeable limp and favoring his upper right leg. However, postgame footage shared by the team showed him cradling his arm, so there’s still some uncertainty about the exact nature of the injury.
Either way, Poyer’s status will be something to watch as the week unfolds.
There was a bit of good news on the injury front: linebacker Shaq Thompson, who exited in the first quarter with a neck injury, was able to return later in the game. That’s a key development for a defense that’s already dealing with depth issues.
Looking at the Eagles, they’re expected to get a couple of big names back in the lineup for Week 17. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and offensive tackle Lane Johnson are both trending in the right direction.
Carter, despite having just two sacks on the season, remains a disruptive force in the middle. His ability to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes is a huge asset for Philly’s defense.
Johnson, meanwhile, is the anchor of the offensive line. He’s battled through a rollercoaster 2025 season, but when he’s on the field, the Eagles’ offense just runs smoother.
The main injury concern for Philadelphia this week is linebacker Nakobe Dean. He left Saturday’s win over the Commanders with a hamstring injury.
That’s a tough blow considering how well Dean has been playing since returning from the PUP list earlier this season. In just eight games, he’s racked up four sacks and forced a couple of fumbles - exactly the kind of high-energy, playmaking presence the Eagles need in the middle of their defense.
With both teams dealing with key injuries and postseason positioning on the line, this Week 17 clash is shaping up to be one of the most compelling matchups of the season. Buckle up - this one’s got all the makings of a playoff-caliber battle.