R1 Saquon Barkley is just one step away from unlocking a lucrative contract incentive with the Philadelphia Eagles — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Philadelphia Eagles have one of their toughest games of the season coming up on Sunday afternoon against the Buffalo Bills.
Philadelphia will face off against another Super Bowl contender in the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles enter the contest with a 10-5 record in first place in the NFC East. The Bills enter the showdown at 11-4 and in second place in the AFC East
For the Eagles, it will be a way to see how the team stacks up against one of the best overall teams in football with the regular season winding down. There will also be playoff implications on the line. Philadelphia currently has the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture. If the Eagles want any chance of moving up, they need to win.
The Eagles star could have a big day ahead
It’s going to be a big day for the team overall. It could also be a big day for Saquon Barkley individually. Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti shared a list of contract incentives to be on the lookout for and noted that Barkley can earn an extra $250,000 with 155 yards from scrimmage before the regular season wraps up.
“Highlighting NFL players who are closing in on incentive bonuses or escalator thresholds entering Week 17,” Ginnitti wrote. “Eagles RB Saquon Barkley needs 155 more yards from scrimmage to escalate his 2026 salary by $250,000.”
Barkley has a good opportunity ahead of him. The Bills’ defense against the rush isn’t great, to say the least. The Bills allow the fourth-most rushing yards per game at 144.3 yards per game. On the flip side, the Bills’ passing defense is very good. The Bills allow the second-fewest passing yards per game at 167.1 yards per game. Based on these numbers alone, Barkley should be in line for a lot of work against a shaky rushing defense.
Over the last three weeks, Barkley racked up 332 rushing yards. Feed him on Sunday and good things should happen against the Bills.
Bears WR Luther Burden Carted Off Field After Big Night
The Chicago Bears suffered a heartbreaking end to their Week 17 Sunday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, not just in the final score but in the injury report. Rookie wide receiver
Luther Burden III was carted off the field on the final play of the game after a brilliant performance, raising serious concern about his availability as the Bears head into the postseason.
Chicago trailed 42‑38 in the shootout, and Burden had one of the best games of his young career with eight catches for 138 yards — leading the Bears in receiving —
even hauling in a touchdown before the injury occurred deep in 49ers territory.
Burden had returned to action this week after missing time with an ankle injury and practicing fully, making him
cleared to play Sunday night against San Francisco. ([turn0news35][turn0search27]) But the ankle concern flared again on the final play, forcing him to be carted off the field — a sight that quickly drew attention from fans and teammates alike.
The team has not yet provided an official diagnosis or timetable for his potential return, but medical evaluation is expected in the coming days as the Bears prepare for the postseason. The timing couldn’t be worse, with Chicago vying for playoff positioning after a dramatic regular season.
The Bears’ passing attack was already dealing with setbacks before this game. Top receiver Rome Odunze was ruled out due to a lingering foot injury, his fourth straight missed contest. ([turn0news35][turn0news12]) Burden’s return had been a boost to the offense, especially in Odunze’s absence — and his injury now creates
even more uncertainty at a critical time.
Coach Ben Johnson had previously been optimistic about Burden’s availability, commenting after practice that “he looks like Burden” and that he’d be ready for the 49ers matchup.
Despite the unfortunate ending, Burden’s teammates praised his effort and production throughout the night. Veteran receiver DJ Moore, who also played through adversity this season, spoke about what Burden’s emergence has meant for the Bears’ offense:
“Luther’s a competitor,” Moore said. “He shows up every week, makes plays and helps us move the ball. Seeing him go down like that is tough — we all want him out there with us.”
Moore’s sentiments mirror the locker room’s respect for the rookie’s toughness and playmaking ability, especially as Chicago battles toward a playoff seed.
Quarterback Caleb Williams — who posted 330 passing yards and two touchdowns
in the loss — also had praise for Burden’s performance before the injury:
“Burden was a big part of our success tonight,” Williams said. “He made contested catches, got yards after the catch, and really helped keep us in it. We’re all pulling for him and hoping for a quick recovery.”
Williams’ appreciation of Burden’s contribution reflects the trust he’s built with his young receivers this season, including Colston Loveland and others stepping into bigger roles.
With the Bears now likely heading into the postseason without two of their top receivers — Odunze already out and Burden’s status uncertain — Chicago’s
passing game faces a major challenge in upcoming playoff games. Opposing defenses will surely key in on remaining targets, making adjustments even more critical for the coaching staff and quarterback.
The Bears head into Week 18 and the playoffs with momentum after a dramatic season, but Burden’s injury adds a new layer of adversity for a team already dealing with key absences. How Chicago adapts in its receiving corps will be a storyline to watch as the postseason unfolds.
