The NFL delivered a dramatic Week 17 Sunday full of pivotal games and postseason implications as the Philadelphia Eagles narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bills, 13–12, setting the stage for final playoff positioning and allowing the New England Patriots to clinch the AFC East crown for the first time since 2019. Elsewhere around the league, several key matchups shaped the landscape heading into the final week of the regular season — from divisional races to playoff seeding battles.
Rain-Soaked Nail-Biter: Eagles vs. Bills
In a rain-soaked defensive struggle at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the Eagles eked out a narrow 13–12 win over the Bills, in a game defined by gritty plays on both sides of the ball. Kicker Jake Elliott was the difference-maker for Philadelphia, connecting on two critical field goals that ultimately proved decisive.
Buffalo mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 straight points after falling behind early. But a pivotal special teams play — **a blocked extra point by Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter — loomed large as the Bills’ touchdown surge fell just short. Bills quarterback **Josh Allen’s two-point conversion pass to Khalil Shakir sailed incomplete with only five seconds left, sealing the Eagles’ victory. NFL
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled, finishing 13 of 27 for just 110 yards and a touchdown to tight end Dallas Goedert. Hurts also misfired on all seven of his second-half pass attempts, but the Philadelphia defense and special teams stepped up when it mattered most. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell forced a key fumble, and Zack Baun’s fourth-and-goal stop preserved the narrow lead.
For Buffalo (11-5), Allen’s performance was impressive despite his foot injury. The Bills star completed 23 of 35 passes for 262 yards and rushed for both of his team’s touchdowns; however, the failed conversion proved decisive in a game where Buffalo outgained Philadelphia. NFL
Patriots Clinch AFC East Title
The outcome in Orchard Park had major implications in the AFC East. The New England Patriots’ dominant 42–10 win over the New York Jets, combined with the Bills’ loss, officially clinched the division crown for New England — their first AFC East title since 2019.
In that game, rookie quarterback Drake Maye delivered a sensational performance, going 19 of 21 for 256 yards and five touchdowns, connecting with multiple receivers including Stefon Diggs and Austin Hooper. Maye became only the fourth Patriots quarterback in team history to throw five touchdowns in a single game, joining franchise legends like Tom Brady and Steve Grogan.
New England’s convincing win improved its record to 13-3, putting them firmly atop the AFC East standings with one game remaining in the regular season. Meanwhile, Buffalo dropped to 11-5, and despite clinching a playoff berth last week, the division title slipped from their grasp after five consecutive AFC East crowns.
Leaguewide Highlights
Beyond the Eagles-Bills and Patriots-Jets games, the NFL slate featured several other impactful matchups shaping playoff races and division races:
