The Green Bay Packers are set to close out the 2024 NFL regular season against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field this Sunday. With an 11-5 record and a playoff spot already secured, the Packers can only move from the seventh to the sixth seed if they beat the Bears and the Washington Commanders lose to the Dallas Cowboys. This situation leaves head coach Matt LaFleur with several critical decisions to make for the season finale.
1. Managing the Starters
One of LaFleur’s most important choices will be how to handle his starting lineup. The priority is keeping key players healthy for the playoffs, but there’s also value in maintaining momentum and sharpness.
LaFleur hinted that most starters will play, stating, “We’ve got to learn from this and try to move on and get some momentum here… We’ve got to try to finish this thing out the right way.” However, if the Packers take a significant lead or fall far behind during the game, it’s likely that players like quarterback Jordan Love and other key starters will be rested to avoid injuries. Running back Josh Jacobs, for instance, could benefit from reduced playing time to stay fresh for the postseason.
*2. Deciding on Injured Defensive Players**
LaFleur also needs to address how to handle injured players, especially on defense.
– **Jaire Alexander**: The star cornerback has played only 10 snaps since injuring his knee in Week 8. While his return would bolster the defense, playing him against the Bears risks further aggravation. Limited or no snaps might be the safer option.
– Evan Williams**: The rookie safety missed the Vikings game with a quad injury. Given his impact this season, resting him against Chicago to ensure playoff readiness seems prudent.
– Devonte Wyatt**: After suffering a possible concussion against Minnesota, even if Wyatt clears protocol, sitting him out this week could help ensure he’s ready for the postseason.
**3. Managing Injuries on Offense**
Injuries have also impacted the Packers’ offensive unit, with wide receiver Christian Watson being a key concern.
Watson missed the last game due to a knee injury, and his absence was felt as defenses didn’t have to account for his speed and size. Resting Watson for the Bears game would allow him to recover while giving younger players like Jayden Reed more opportunities in the passing game.
The Big Picture**
As the Packers prepare for the playoffs, the main focus should be health and readiness rather than pushing for a win against the Bears. LaFleur’s decisions will shape how the team enters the postseason, making careful management of his lineup essential for Green Bay’s success in the weeks ahead.
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