With the No. 2 seed in the NFC locked up, the question can be asked, "Should the Packers rest their starters?" for their home finale against the Detroit Lions.
After last week's dismal performance against the Bears, I think that the main offensive unit should play at least a quarter together. I would take Driver and Jennings out after the first quarter to risk injury to them, while letting Favre play the entire first half. The offensive line should play into the third quarter, as O-line cohesiveness seems as if it has been a problem all year. I would leave Grant in for about a quarter to a quarter-and-a-half to shake off some rust. It's unknown to the casual fan, but two of Grant's carries against the Bears accounted for 90 yards, so he averaged less than one-yard per carry on his other 12 rushes.
On the defensive side of the ball, I would play most of the starters into the third quarter, as the backups are much weaker than they are on the offensive side of the ball. I can see the defensive line and linebackers playing into the third quarter if the game is close, but the Packers could pull Woodson early, due to his nagging injuries. The Packers would have this week and then the bye week to rest their injured before their playoff game.
Whatever the decision that Mike McCarthy makes, let it be for the betterment of the Packers.
Merry Christmas!
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