It's Packers-Bears week, but it's hard to get too excited for this game. Sure, it would be fun to extend Matt LaFleur's record against Chicago to 12-0, but there isn't much to play for on either side.
The Bears have lost 10 in a row after beginning the year 4-2. Would they like to finally end their awful run against the Packers and take bragging rights into the offseason? Of course, but a win doesn't do much for them. They would finish 5-12 and hurt their draft position.
Green Bay has already clinched its playoff berth and has no control over improving its seeding. The Packers could win 70-0, but they will remain the No. 7 seed unless they get some help from Mike McCarthy's Cowboys. The absolute best-case scenario is improving to the No. 6 seed, which could help the Packers avoid a nightmare first-round matchup against the Eagles.
With little control over their destiny, should the Packers rest starters for the playoffs? LaFleur made his intentions clear.
Matt LaFleur confirms Packers will play their starters in Week 18 against the Bears
While there is some added risk of injury by playing starters in a game without significant consequences, it's one LaFleur is willing to take. He said they will be "mindful" with players dealing with injuries, but everyone else will play.
"I think we've got to be mindful of every situation," said LaFleur. "We always play to win the games. I don't see our approach changing."
"Here's what I'll tell ya: The right answer is whatever works," LaFleur added. "We were in a similar situation a few years back, where we played the guys a half and lost in the second half, and then we had the bye, and then we lost in the playoffs."
He was referring to 2021. The Packers had already secured the No. 1 seed and pulled the starters out early in Week 18 against the Lions. They were outscored 20-17 in the second half against the 3-13-1 Lions and then took a week off. By the time they met the Niners in the divisional round, they had lost all momentum. San Francisco had won eight of its previous 10 games without a break before winning at Lambeau.
LaFleur had to consider his options. Is the best approach to treat this game like any other and play the starters? The Packers can improve their playoff seeding, and resting players can have a negative impact by entering the playoffs rusty.
After losing last week to the Vikings, LaFleur will want a bounce-back performance to regain momentum. And it's not totally meaningless, as there is a chance to improve their playoff seeding.
LaFleur has been burned by resting starters in the past, and he is making the right call this week. Beat the Bears and take momentum into the playoffs.