With the NFC East title already wrapped up and a playoff spot locked in, the Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the final stretch of the regular season with one big decision looming: rest the starters or keep the pedal down?
Head coach Nick Sirianni has made his stance clear - the Eagles are going to play their starters in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. And while some fans may have hoped for a more cautious approach, especially with a few key players nursing injuries, Sirianni believes keeping the team sharp is the best path forward.
“You go through a lot of different processes, and you do what you think is best for your football team,” Sirianni said. “We think playing our guys is best for the football team.”
It’s a calculated decision, and it makes sense when you look at the bigger picture. The Eagles aren’t just coasting into the postseason - they still have a shot at the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and that’s not a small thing. A higher seed means better matchups and at least one potential home playoff game, which could be huge in a crowded NFC playoff field.
There’s also the rhythm factor. Resting players can help with recovery, sure, but it can also lead to rust - and the last thing you want is to come out flat in a win-or-go-home scenario. With players like Jalen Carter and Lane Johnson working their way back from injuries, getting them game reps in a high-intensity environment like Buffalo could be just what they need to knock off any lingering rust before the postseason.
The Bills, meanwhile, are still in the thick of the AFC playoff race, and they’ll be playing with urgency. That sets the stage for what could be a playoff-caliber atmosphere - the kind of game that can harden a team for the battles ahead.
For the Eagles, this isn’t just another regular-season matchup. It’s a chance to test themselves against a desperate, talented opponent and sharpen their edge heading into January.
Now, Week 18 against Washington? That’s still up in the air.
Depending on how things shake out this week, Sirianni could very well shift gears and prioritize rest in the regular-season finale. But that’s a decision for another day.
Right now, the focus is squarely on Buffalo. The Eagles are going in full strength, looking to stay sharp, stay competitive, and maybe even improve their playoff positioning.
It’s a bold move - but one that signals this team isn’t just satisfied with making the playoffs. They’re aiming to enter the postseason at full throttle.