As the NFL season heats up, Week 17 presents some crucial matchups that could determine playoff fates. Two teams with very different aspirations are facing pressure: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos. While the Eagles are fighting to solidify their playoff positioning, the Broncos are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. But the real question is: are the Eagles in a must-win situation, and can the Broncos afford a loss? Let’s break it down.
Are the Eagles in a Must-Win Situation?
After a tough loss in Week 16, the Eagles’ momentum has been called into question. A second consecutive loss would raise doubts about their ability to finish strong and could lead to slipping in the standings. While they are still in control of their destiny, losing another game could open the door for the Cowboys to take over the division lead and put additional pressure on the Eagles in their final game.
Jalen Hurts’ health will also play a key role here. If he is not fully healthy, the Eagles will need to rely on their backup plan, but that makes it even more crucial that they win this week to secure a strong position regardless of Hurts’ status. With a playoff spot in jeopardy, the Eagles must treat this game as a must-win to avoid any further complications down the stretch.
Can the Broncos Afford a Loss?
On the other hand, the Denver Broncos are in a different kind of situation. While they are not necessarily in a “must-win” scenario, they can’t afford to let this game slip away. With a 7-8 record, the Broncos are still on the outskirts of the playoff race in the AFC. However, the picture is a bit more complicated than that of the Eagles.
The Broncos still have an outside shot at a playoff spot, but with the Chiefs and Chargers ahead of them, they need to win out to have any chance of sneaking in. A loss here would put a significant dent in their playoff hopes and would leave them needing a miracle to make the postseason. In short, the Broncos are not out of the race yet, but they are quickly running out of time.
That said, a loss would not eliminate them mathematically, but it would make their path incredibly difficult. They’d need to rely on other teams slipping up, and they’d need to win their final game, hoping for favorable outcomes across the board.
Conclusion: The Eagles Must Win, Broncos Can’t Afford to Lose
For the Eagles, this Week 17 matchup is undeniably a must-win if they want to keep control of the NFC East and maintain a strong playoff position. With a potential first-round bye on the line, they can’t afford any slip-ups at this stage. The pressure is on Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense to execute and ensure they don’t lose their grip on the division.
As for the Broncos, while they are not in an absolute must-win situation, they cannot afford to lose. A defeat would severely damage their playoff hopes, leaving them with very little room for error. If they want to have a shot at the postseason, they need to come away with a victory, and even then, they’ll be hoping for some help from other teams.
Both teams face pivotal moments in Week 17, with the Eagles needing to bounce back and the Broncos looking to stay alive in the race. It’s going to be an exciting week of NFL action, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for these two teams.
