The Philadelphia Eagles are entering what could be the toughest matchup of the season in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.
Philly enters the game with a 10-5 record and already won the NFC East division championship with two games left in the season. They are riding a two-game winning streak after losing three straight before the new win streak.
The Eagles have quite the challenge on their hands in trying to slow down the Bills and their number-one rushing offense. There are three matchups Philly must win if they want any shot at picking up a much-needed road win.
Zack Baun vs. James Cook
Baun has been selected to his second straight Pro Bowl after another great season, but he has shown off his coverage skills more this season. He needs to find his run-stopping skills, though, as he goes up against the NFL's leading rusher in James Cook. If Baun and the linebackers of the Eagles can stop Cook from breaking off runs and force Josh Allen to throw to his average receivers, Philly could find a way to get the win.
Eagles' pass rushers vs. Bills' offensive line
Allen presents a nightmare problem for the Eagles as they need to account for him running the ball, which could make rushing him tough. The Bills' offensive line has been stellar this season in leading the NFL's top rushing attack and slowing down the number of hits Allen takes in the pocket. Guys like Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo need to step up and make sure they not only contain Allen in the pocket, but also hit him on first contact for a sack.
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Fred Johnson vs. Greg Rousseau
It's a fifth straight game for Fred Johnson at right tackle as he is about to face one of Buffalo's top pass rushers, Greg Rousseau. Johnson has done a good job since replacing Lane Johnson at right tackle, allowing just two sacks and zero quarterback hits on the year. If Fred Johnson can have that kind of performance against Rousseau, Jalen Hurts not only will be able to put up good numbers through the air, but he could also run the ball more often.