This report synthesizes recent developments across the National Football League, focusing on trade speculation involving the Philadelphia Eagles and Maxx Crosby, previews of upcoming Eagles games, their playoff implications, and various updates concerning other teams' personnel, injuries, and coaching changes.
Philadelphia Eagles: Trade Speculation and Upcoming Games
Maxx Crosby Trade Speculation
Speculation has emerged regarding a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Philadelphia Eagles. Crosby, who will be 29 years old before the next season, has completed seven seasons with the Raiders, achieving double-digit sacks in four of those, including 10 sacks this year. He has also earned five Pro Bowl selections. Reports indicate that Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman has previously considered offering substantial assets for top defensive talent, suggesting potential interest in a player of Crosby's caliber.
Financially, a trade involving Crosby after the league year begins would result in a $5 million dead cap for the Raiders in 2026, while saving the team over $30 million. Crosby has previously expressed positive sentiments about playing in Philadelphia, noting the city's "energy," "substance," and "fan bases."
Upcoming Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Buffalo Bills
The Eagles are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills. The Bills' offense has adopted an approach emphasizing efficiency, spacing, and sequencing. Quarterback Josh Allen has shown a focus on underneath completions and utilizing tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, with fewer high-risk throws.
On defense, the Bills rank 15th in points allowed and 11th in yards allowed. However, they rank 29th in rushing yards allowed, with opponents averaging 5.4 yards per carry and having allowed 160 or more rushing yards in seven games this season. The Eagles' rushing offense has averaged 174 yards per game over the last three weeks, with contributions from Jalen Hurts. Running back Saquon Barkley is projected to have a favorable matchup against Buffalo's rush defense, which ranks among the bottom three in certain advanced metrics since Week 10. Forecasts for the game include rain and wind. The Bills enter the game on a four-game winning streak with a 6-1 home record, and Josh Allen has won 12 consecutive regular-season home games in December/January. Analyst predictions suggest a close contest.
Playoff Outlook and Home-Field Advantage
Securing the No. 2 seed is identified as a priority for the Eagles due to their historical home playoff performance. The team holds an 11-4 all-time playoff record at Lincoln Financial Field, including five consecutive wins, and a 20-9 all-time home record in the postseason. Their road playoff record stands at 5-14 since 1949, with one road playoff win in the last 16 years. Achieving the No. 2 seed could allow the Eagles to host a conference semifinal and potentially a conference championship game if the No. 1 seed were to lose, mirroring events from the previous season.
Offensive Performance and Player Notes
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is on pace for career lows in rushing attempts and yards since becoming a full-time starter in 2021. He has noted increased difficulty executing the "tush push" play, a topic some in the league are advocating to ban. The Eagles' offense concluded a recent period with a negative total offensive EPA, the first such instance under coach Nick Sirianni. The offense ranked 19th in points per game (22.3) and 24th in yards per game (311.2), with a 29% three-and-out rate. Running back Saquon Barkley has shown improved performance, averaging 100.0 rushing yards on 20.5 carries per game over his last four games, with 4.9 yards per carry. The health of the offensive line, particularly Lane Johnson, is considered crucial for postseason success. Questions have been raised regarding the usage of running back Kenneth Gainwell, who maintains a 5.9 yards per carry average but has been limited to 58 carries this season.
Betting insights identified a proposition for Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith to exceed 4.5 receptions, citing a 52.7% chance of success based on his season average of 4.8 receptions per game and his performance in three of his last five games.
Potential Playoff Matchup Analysis
In a potential playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, analysts have highlighted Eagles Safety Reed Blankenship as a key player for limiting middle-of-the-field targets and containing running back Christian McCaffrey. The Eagles' defense has demonstrated a low passing touchdown rate, supporting projections for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to have under 1.5 passing touchdowns in such an encounter. The effectiveness of Eagles linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean, safeties Reed Blankenship and Marcus Epps, and cornerback Cooper DeJean against 49ers tight end George Kittle (57 catches, 628 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Christian McCaffrey (102 catches, 924 yards, 7 touchdowns) has also been noted.
The matchup between Eagles Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio and 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan is considered significant. Fangio-led defenses have historically performed effectively against Shanahan-led offenses, allowing an average of 10.25 points per game across four previous encounters, with Shanahan's offenses recording only one touchdown in those games.
Other NFL Developments
Dallas Cowboys
Speculation continues regarding a potential change in the defensive coordinator position for the Dallas Cowboys, following consistent defensive performance issues throughout the season. Candidates reportedly include Minnesota Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones, Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and Denver Broncos assistant Head Coach/pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers signed veteran linebacker Kyzir White to their practice squad to enhance depth following injuries to Tatum Bethune and Dee Winters.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback Jordan Love was ruled out for a recent game against the Ravens due to a concussion and shoulder injury. The Packers have clinched a playoff spot and would need to win their remaining two games to contend for the NFC North title.
Washington Commanders
Center Tyler Biadasz exited a recent game with a knee injury, potentially impacting his availability for Week 18.
New York Giants
Discussions revolve around the team's quarterback strategy, with debate over drafting a new quarterback versus developing existing prospects. The Giants are also among the teams reportedly seeking a new head coach.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have appointed Jon-Eric Sullivan, formerly with the Green Bay Packers, as their new General Manager.