Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he will play his starters in Week 18 despite the fact that the Packers have already clinched a playoff spot. Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and Co. are expected to suit up against the Chicago Bears.
Packers Plan To Play Their Starters in Week 18
The Packers will not rest their starters on Sunday despite not having much to play for beyond being able to climb up from the No. 7 seed to the No. 6 seed.
If the Packers win against Chicago and the Washington Commanders lose to the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay will move up to the No. 6 seed.
LaFleur confirmed that he’ll be playing everyone on Friday morning.
“You’ve got a 53-man roster plus two call-ups, so guys gotta play, so that’s the approach that we take here,” LaFleur said. “The right answer is whatever works, and I think you’ve got to have a philosophy on what works best for you.
“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 we lost in the playoffs. The right answer is whatever works, is really what I’ll tell you.
“I know you’re subject to criticism, and if it goes great that was the right way to do it, and if it doesn’t go the way you want it to, you learn from every experience.”
LaFleur is aware some players are injured, and they will be cautious with those individuals. However, for the most part, the Packers are approaching this game like any other week. LaFleur is planning to defeat the Bears on Sunday and worry about the playoffs afterward.
“I wouldn’t say more cautious. I think we’ve got to be very mindful of every situation, and guys that are dealing with stuff, we’ve just got to be mindful,” LaFleur said. “We’re playing to win. We always play to win games, so I don’t see our approach changing.”
LaFleur said there is plenty of value in not giving up on the last game and going out and playing your best.
“I think there’s value to going out there and playing, and playing well,” LaFleur said.
The Packers will more than likely open the playoffs at the Philadelphia Eagles, who have clinched the No. 2 seed. They can rise as high as No. 6, but they’d need a win plus a Cowboys victory over the Commanders, who are also playing their starters.
LaFleur wants to have his team ready for the postseason, and he thinks playing in this week’s game will help in that regard.