The Eagles (10-5) are headed to Western New York for a massive matchup against the Buffalo Bills (11-4) at Highmark Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a nationally televised matchup. The Bills are facing the Eagles for the first time since 2023 and only the fifth time since 2011.

In the most recent 2023 matchup, Buffalo lost a close game to Philadelphia in overtime. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott sent it into OT with a 59-yard field goal with just 20 seconds left in the game. In OT, Buffalo scored first with a 40-yard field goal by kicker Tyler Bass. Philadelphia scored on the next drive thanks to a Jalen Hurts walkoff rushing touchdown to win it 37-34.

Advertisement

With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at three causes for concern.

Josh Allen’s magic

Allen is 27-8 against NFC teams all-time in his career, but has yet to log a win against Philadelphia. Sunday is an opportunity to continue the four-game win streak, add to his MVP resume, and score his first win against Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. Allen’s 69.6% completion percentage (2nd) and average of eight yards per pass attempt (6th) are both the best yet in his eight-year career. Allen’s 37 total touchdowns rank second in the NFL. It’s also his sixth straight season of scoring at least 35 offensive touchdowns. The biggest problem for the Eagles is that Allen leads all NFL quarterbacks with 552 rushing yards. He is a 6’5, 237-pound runner who could dish out as much punishment as he accepts.

Bills’ rushing attack

Heading into Week 17, the Bills have the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL. James Cook leads the NFL with 1532 rushing yards, and he’s an effective inside runner because he hits the hole hard, while dominating as a dual-threat.

Advertisement

Bills have been taking the football away

In the last four games, Buffalo has recorded seven takeaways, tied for the third most in the league over that span. In their first four games, Buffalo recorded just four takeaways. The Bills have scored 43 points off those seven takeaways since Week 13, which is the most in the league. Buffalo ranks top 10 with 20 takeaways (t-8th). The Eagles +4 are eighth in the NFL in turnover differential.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Three causes for concern when the Eagles face Bills in Week 17