R1 The Philadelphia Eagles just made one key decision — and insiders believe it could seriously shake Buffalo heading into Sunday.

As the NFL regular season winds down, the Philadelphia Eagles are typically in a position to ease off the gas, resting key players and gearing up for a deep playoff push. Under head coach Nick Sirianni, that’s been the playbook against weaker opponents in the final weeks—managing workloads to keep stars fresh. But this year, Week 17 throws a curveball: a road trip to face the powerhouse Buffalo Bills.

kDec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesWith the Eagles all but secured in the NFC’s No. 3 seed, it seemed like a prime opportunity for Sirianni to hit the brakes and focus on postseason health. Yet, according to The Athletic’s Zach Berman, Philadelphia is flipping the script. The Eagles will roll out their starters in this high-stakes clash, defying Sirianni’s past trends and setting the stage for one of the week’s most electrifying matchups.

“You go through a lot of different processes, and you do what you think is best for your football team,” Sirianni explained. “We think playing our guys is best for the football team.”

Eagles Doubling Down: Starters In Against Bills

Philadelphia enters Sunday’s game with a slim shot at snatching the NFC’s No. 2 seed. Their Black Friday stumble against the Chicago Bears all but handed the division crown—and the tiebreaker—to Chicago, who can lock in the second spot with a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night or the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Still, the Eagles could surge ahead if the Bears drop their last two and Philly closes strong.

Given that the NFC South winner (either the Carolina Panthers or Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is assured a worse record, the Eagles’ playoff berth feels ironclad. In years past, that security has prompted Sirianni to bench his big names. Not this time.

The Bills matchup changes everything. As a legit AFC juggernaut—and a potential Super Bowl foe if the Eagles advance that far—a victory in Buffalo could be the momentum-builder Philadelphia needs after a rollercoaster season. It’s a chance to make a bold statement, boost confidence, and prove they’re peaking at the right moment.

“I think anytime you step onto the football field, there’s an opportunity to get better,” Sirianni told Berman. “I don’t care who you’re playing, what their record is. Everybody in the NFL is capable of beating anybody in the NFL. And that’s what makes the league so great. And so this is a really good football team, no question. But you know, I think it’s a huge deal every time you get up, go to the game, any time you’re in practice, meetings, etc. So this is an opportunity for us. This is a week that we have to get better. Next week we have to get better. So we’re trying to play our best football by the end of the season.”

That closing line might be the real bombshell Sirianni is dropping. Whispers around the league suggest the Eagles haven’t hit their stride yet, and while chasing the No. 2 seed plays a role, this decision feels like a deliberate gut check. For a squad hungry to defend its title, Sunday’s showdown in Buffalo isn’t just another game—it’s Sirianni’s way of signaling to the NFL: The Eagles are coming full throttle, and they’re ready to rumble.