As the NFL season heads into Week 17, the stakes are higher than ever for teams still fighting for playoff spots and seeding. Among the most intriguing storylines are the Philadelphia Eagles, who are trying to maintain their position atop the NFC, and the Denver Broncos, who find themselves in a precarious situation. Let’s break down whether the Eagles are in a must-win scenario and whether the Broncos can afford a loss.
Philadelphia Eagles: A Must-Win to Secure the Top Spot?
The Eagles have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL this season, but with a few recent slip-ups, their hold on the NFC’s top seed has weakened. At 13-2, Philadelphia is still in control, but they face a tough test as they near the end of the regular season. A loss could open the door for the Dallas Cowboys or even the San Francisco 49ers to take the top spot, which means the Eagles have everything to lose in Week 17.
A win against the New Orleans Saints would give them the edge to lock up that coveted home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, but with questions about Jalen Hurts’ health and the team’s consistency, the pressure is mounting. The Eagles need to prove that they can perform at their highest level, especially after a tough loss to the Cowboys last week. A loss here could not only impact their playoff position but also their momentum heading into the postseason. Therefore, this is undeniably a must-win for Philadelphia.
Philadelphia has the talent to bounce back, with a solid defense and a high-powered offense led by Hurts. However, their postseason aspirations are in jeopardy if they don’t secure the top seed, so every game from here on out is critical. The Eagles have to take care of business against the Saints and avoid a late-season slide.
Denver Broncos: Can They Afford a Loss?
The Denver Broncos’ season has been a rollercoaster ride, but they still find themselves in the playoff conversation. At 7-8, they need to finish strong if they want a chance at sneaking into the postseason. With the AFC wild-card race tight, every game is essentially a must-win for Denver. However, unlike the Eagles, they can afford to drop a single game—provided they follow it up with a strong finish to the season.
The Broncos will face a tough opponent in Week 17 when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Although it’s not an easy matchup, it’s a crucial game for Denver to stay alive in the playoff hunt. A loss here would likely eliminate any chance of making the playoffs unless other results fall in their favor, but they do have one more game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, which could be the deciding factor in whether or not they make the postseason.
If the Broncos lose in Week 17, their fate will largely depend on whether they can rebound in Week 18 and whether other teams in the AFC also falter. However, given their current standing, they can’t afford to get too comfortable—every game counts. A win against the Chiefs could potentially set them up for a playoff spot, while a loss will leave them fighting for their lives in the final week of the regular season.
Conclusion:
For the Eagles, Week 17 is most definitely a must-win game. With the NFC’s top seed still up for grabs, a loss could have significant consequences. They need to secure the win to maintain their spot and avoid unnecessary drama in the final weeks of the season.
For the Broncos, while their playoff chances are slim, they can still afford a loss in Week 17 if they win in Week 18 and receive help from other teams. However, they can’t afford to lose both games if they hope to stay in the race.
Ultimately, Week 17 is a critical week for both teams, but the Eagles are in a more urgent situation given their high stakes, while the Broncos still have a narrow path to redemption.
