The Packers’ Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions counted for nothing but could have cost the Packers everything.
Cruising into their final game of the season at 13-3, the Packers had nothing to play for but records and the nebulous concept of “momentum” heading into the playoffs. A Week 17 win over the Vikings had given the Packers the top seed in the NFC, ensuring home-field advantage throughout the postseason, but the Packers were still looking to put their high-end players on the field.
“We did some studies in terms of how other teams have fared when going into the final week of the season that had a bye, and it was overwhelming in favor of giving the guys at least some time,” said head coach Matt LaFleur of his Week 18 plans.