Eagles Staying the Course with Starters vs. Bills, Eyeing Momentum Over Seeding
With the NFC East already wrapped up and the No. 3 playoff seed looking like the most probable landing spot, the Eagles have a decision to make: chase the slim chance at a higher seed or prioritize health and rhythm heading into the postseason. Head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t overthinking it. He’s rolling with his starters this week against the Bills - and that includes some key players returning from injury.
“We think playing our guys is the best thing for our football team,” Sirianni said. “You go through a lot of different processes, but ultimately, it’s about what’s best for the team.”
That decision sets the tone for what could be a postseason dress rehearsal in Buffalo - a game that carries more weight for the Bills but still holds value for an Eagles team looking to find its edge again before the playoffs.
Why Playing the Starters Makes Sense - For Now
Let’s be clear: the Eagles (10-5) aren’t mathematically out of the No. 2 seed race. If they win out and the Bears (currently 11-4) drop both of their remaining games - at San Francisco and home vs.
Detroit - Philly could slide into that second spot. It’s not likely, but it’s not impossible either.
That’s why Sirianni is sticking with his starters this week. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is expected to return after missing three games with shoulder injuries, and his presence could be a big boost against a physical Buffalo offense. The idea here isn’t just about seeding - it’s about sharpening execution, building momentum, and getting key contributors back into rhythm.
But if the Bears handle business and lock up the No. 2 seed, don’t be surprised if Sirianni takes a different approach in Week 18. The regular-season finale against Washington could become a chance to rest starters and get healthier for the Wild Card round - even if it means giving up a long-shot chance at a higher seed.
The reality is, this year’s NFC doesn’t have a juggernaut. Last season, the Eagles were the No. 2 seed and still hosted the NFC Championship Game after the top-seeded Lions were upset.
That kind of chaos could repeat itself. If Philly takes care of business in the Wild Card round, there’s a real path to multiple home playoff games - regardless of seeding.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts isn’t getting caught up in the scenarios.
“I can’t fast-forward to then,” Hurts said. “I can only worry about right now.”
That mindset is exactly what Sirianni is banking on.
A.J. Brown Quietly Rebounding After Costly Game
A.J. Brown hasn’t spoken to reporters since his rough outing against the Chargers back on Dec. 8 - a game where he dropped three passes, including one that turned into an interception and two that could’ve been touchdowns. But while he’s been quiet off the field, his play has been doing the talking.
Since Week 12, Brown has racked up 478 receiving yards - trailing only Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba during that span. He’s now sitting on 73 catches for 935 yards and is on pace for his sixth 1,000-yard season in seven years.
That’s a strong second-half surge for a player who’s had to weather some adversity this season, including cryptic social media posts that sparked questions about his mindset. But Brown’s commitment hasn’t wavered.
“I can go out there and drop 100 balls and still believe in me, believe in my hands,” he said after the Chargers game. “You have to have thick skin, go back to work, and do my same routine every day.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done. No drama, no distractions - just consistent production down the stretch. For an Eagles offense that’s looking to re-establish its identity heading into January, Brown’s bounce-back couldn’t be better timed.
Special Teams' Missed Opportunity: Britain Covey’s Late Promotion
The Eagles’ special teams unit has had its share of ups and downs this season, but let’s set the record straight: Jake Elliott isn’t the problem. The real missed opportunity? Not promoting Britain Covey to the active roster sooner.
Covey didn’t get the call-up until Nov. 28 against the Bears. Before that, the Eagles cycled through Jahan Dotson and Xavier Gipson as punt returners - with underwhelming results. Dotson averaged just 9.6 yards per return, while Gipson’s costly fumble inside the 10-yard line against Dallas led to his release.
Since Covey took over, he’s averaging a strong 12 yards per return. He’s brought a steady hand and a spark to a unit that desperately needed both. The question is: why did it take so long?
Covey, who missed most of last season with a neck injury, had been with the team for three years before signing with the Rams in the offseason. After being waived by L.A., he returned to Philly on the practice squad - and stayed there until late November.
Special teams coordinator Michael Clay says decisions like that are made in collaboration with Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman.
“I take it week by week,” Clay said. “What they give me at that point, I’m going to work it.
I’m not going to say, ‘Yes, no, maybe so.’ I’m going to make sure I get all these guys ready regardless of who it is.”
Covey’s late-season impact has helped stabilize a shaky unit, but it’s fair to wonder how much better the Eagles’ field position and momentum could’ve been if he’d been activated earlier.
Looking Ahead
With two games left, the Eagles are walking the tightrope between chasing a better seed and preparing for a postseason run. Sirianni’s decision to play the starters this week reflects a belief in building rhythm and continuity - not just resting up.
And with key players like A.J. Brown heating up and Britain Covey making a difference on special teams, Philly is quietly rounding into form. The road to the Super Bowl might not go through Lincoln Financial Field this time, but the Eagles are making sure they’re ready for wherever it leads.