With home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs already ensured, the Green Bay Packers have little at stake in the final week of the season. But coach Mike McCarthy isn't ready to pull back just yet.
McCarthy said after Sunday's 35-21 win against the Chicago Bears that he is unsure whether he will rest his starters against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.
"We're going to play to win the game next week," McCarthy said, according to the Packers' official website. "I'm not real comfortable with a division opponent coming in here and not thinking we're going to play to get win No. 15." McCarthy then added he wanted players to be healthy for the postseason.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had no problem broadcasting his preference for the Packers' approach.
"I think we need to get healthy," Rodgers said. "That's the main thing. Now that we have the top seed sewed up, the priorities may shift a bit."
When asked how he would feel about Matt Flynn taking over for the week, Rodgers said, "I wouldn't mind seeing him play a bit." Flynn relieved Rodgers on Sunday but did not attempt a pass in the game.
Rodgers set a personal best with five touchdown passes against the Bears. He now has 45 touchdown passes, five behind New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's record.
"That's probably safe," Rodgers said of Brady's mark.
