The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills clash in a pivotal Week 17 NFL matchup at Highmark Stadium on December 28, 2025. With playoff implications looming large and both teams battered by injury lists and roster shakeups, fans on both sides braced for a contest full of storylines, surprises, and, as the first half unfolded, a few familiar faces making their mark.
From the get-go, it was the Eagles who seized momentum. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, ever the field general, engineered an opening drive that culminated in a perfectly timed touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Goedert. That strike marked Goedert’s 11th touchdown catch of the season, a testament to both his reliability and Hurts’s growing chemistry with his top targets. The connection electrified the Eagles’ sideline and set the tone early. As the Bleeding Green Nation reported, “The Eagles were the first on the board Sunday evening, scoring a touchdown off a pass by Jalen Hurts to Dallas Goedert—the 11th TD catch for the tight end this season.”
Buffalo, meanwhile, entered the contest with a roster that looked more like a patchwork quilt than a typical playoff contender’s lineup. The inactive list was a who’s who of key contributors: wide receiver Keon Coleman, kicker Matt Prater, safety Jordan Poyer, defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and DaQuan Jones, tackle Tylan Grable, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Most of those absences were confirmed two days before the game, with Prater, Poyer, Phillips, and Jones all ruled out due to injuries. Kincaid, nursing a knee issue, was a late scratch, leaving Buffalo scrambling for answers at tight end.
To fill the void, the Bills elevated several players from the practice squad. TE Keleki Latu was signed and activated just a day before kickoff, while defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and kicker Michael Badgley were also brought up to the active roster. The changes didn’t stop there—tight end Dawson Knox, himself questionable with a knee injury, was cleared to play, giving Josh Allen at least one familiar safety valve in the passing game.
Speaking of Allen, the franchise quarterback’s health was a major talking point throughout the week. After appearing on the injury report with a foot issue, Allen returned to full participation in practice by Friday and was officially active for the matchup. Bills fans breathed a collective sigh of relief, knowing how crucial Allen’s presence is for any playoff hopes.
Yet, despite Allen’s availability, the first half belonged almost entirely to the Eagles. Philadelphia’s defense swarmed, bottling up Buffalo’s run game and pressuring Allen into hurried throws. Even when the Bills managed to string together a few positive plays, drives stalled before they could reach the red zone. The absence of key offensive weapons was clearly felt, as Buffalo struggled to find rhythm or consistency.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles’ offense methodically moved downfield, mixing in runs and short passes to keep the Bills’ defense honest. After the opening touchdown, Philadelphia orchestrated a 13-play drive that chewed up valuable clock and left Buffalo’s defense gasping. The march stalled just outside the end zone, but kicker Jake Elliott stepped up and drilled a 47-yard field goal with 5:54 remaining in the second quarter, stretching the Eagles’ lead to 10-0. As noted by Bleeding Green Nation, “The Eagles were forced to settle for a field goal to finish off a 13-play drive, but this time Jake Elliott nailed the 47-yard kick to extend their lead.”
Buffalo’s offense, meanwhile, continued to sputter. Allen, under constant duress, tried to make plays with his legs and arm, but the Eagles’ secondary held firm. With time winding down in the first half, Philadelphia got the ball back and quickly moved into scoring position. Once again, Elliott was called upon, and he coolly converted a 28-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining before halftime. That kick pushed the Eagles’ advantage to 13-0 and sent them into the locker room brimming with confidence.
As the teams regrouped at halftime, several themes emerged. The Eagles’ defense had completely stifled Buffalo’s attack, holding them scoreless through two quarters. Philadelphia’s offense, while not explosive, was efficient and opportunistic, capitalizing on every trip into Bills territory. Jake Elliott, often overlooked in the shadow of the Eagles’ star-studded roster, was perfect on his kicks—a steadying force in a game where every point mattered.
For Buffalo, the story was one of missed opportunities and a roster stretched thin by injuries. The absence of kicker Matt Prater forced the Bills to rely on Michael Badgley, who had only just been called up from the practice squad. The lack of Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid limited Allen’s options, while the defensive line tried to compensate for missing stalwarts like Jordan Phillips and DaQuan Jones. Despite these setbacks, the Bills’ sideline remained animated, with coaches urging their players to dig deep and mount a second-half comeback.
There’s no denying the pressure on both teams as the second half looms. For the Eagles, a win could solidify their playoff positioning and build momentum heading into the postseason. For the Bills, the margin for error is razor-thin—a loss here could be devastating to their hopes of sneaking into the AFC’s crowded playoff picture. Fans in Buffalo know all too well how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, especially with a quarterback like Allen capable of turning the tide in just a few plays.
As the third quarter approaches, all eyes are on whether the Bills can regroup and overcome both the scoreboard and their depleted roster. Will Allen find a way to ignite the offense? Can the defense force a turnover or two to swing momentum back in Buffalo’s favor? Or will the Eagles continue their methodical march, relying on Hurts, Goedert, and the ever-reliable Elliott to keep the Bills at bay?
With thirty minutes of football still to play, this Week 17 showdown remains very much in the balance. The Eagles have staked themselves to a 13-0 halftime lead, but in the NFL, no advantage is ever truly safe. Buckle up—this one’s far from over.