It's decision time for Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy. I'm guessing he's already made it, even if he was vague on the details in the aftermath of Sunday night's 35-21 victory over the Chicago Bears. 

Will McCarthy rest and protect his starters in the Packers' otherwise meaningless Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions? Or will he keep full throttle on a record-breaking season in hopes of entering the playoffs on the highest note possible? 

McCarthy is already on record this season as saying the Packers "won't play scared" in their remaining regular-season games, and indications were that he was prepared to push for a perfect 16-0 season if the opportunity availed. But that possibility ended Dec. 18 in Kansas City, and the Packers' victory Sunday night locked up home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. 

The Lions, on the other hand, will have substantial incentive next weekend -- knowing that a victory would aid their chances for the No. 5 seed in the playoffs and lead to a better wild-card matchup than if they were the sixth seed. A Lions victory, in fact, could be the difference between a trip to the Superdome to play the New Orleans Saints (as the No. 6 seed) or playing at the Dallas Cowboys or New York Giants (as the No. 5 seed). 

McCarthy continued his tough talk Sunday night, but for the first time offered a caveat that suggests he won't do anything rash, especially with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, to secure a victory over the Lions. 

"I'm not going to stand here and tell you we're going to give away an opportunity to win a game," McCarthy said. "We're going to play to win the game next week. I'm not real excited about a division opponent coming in here and thinking we're not going to do everything we can to get to 15-1. But health is an issue for us and I think that's stating the obvious." 

Added Rodgers: "I think we need to get healthy. That's the most important thing. This was a good win for us to get back on the right track [and] get the No. 1 seed obviously. Now that we have the top seed locked up, I think the priorities may shift a little." 

It stands to reason that the Packers won't play any of the starters who have been nursing injuries or haven't played in recent weeks. That list includes running back James Starks, who left Sunday night's game again because of his troublesome sprained ankle, receiver Greg Jennings (knee) and perhaps right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee). 

But the real question is whether McCarthy will play healthy stars such Rodgers, cornerback Charles Woodson and linebacker Clay Matthews. The Thanksgiving Day game between the teams was a chippy affair that led to a pair of ejections, most notably for Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and it would be understandable if McCarthy wanted to hide the women and children from a motivated Lions team. 

When I asked him if healthy starters would play against the Lions, McCarthy said: "I don't have an answer for you. I need to see how the players get in here tomorrow and it usually takes until Tuesday to really get a handle on a projection of who's available and who is at risk and who isn't." 

Rodgers and Woodson, two veterans McCarthy often leans on for advice, both deferred to the coach on this issue. Woodson said "I anticipate playing," a natural response for any player, but Rodgers offered a more nuanced answer that suggested he wouldn't be surprised to have a lighter load next week or potentially sit out altogether. 

"I think that's going to be up to Mike depending on how he wants to play it," Rodgers said. "We'll fall in line. I think as a close friend of [backup Matt Flynn], I wouldn't mind seeing him get an opportunity to play a little bit. But I'll definitely do whatever Mike says." 

Asked if he hoped to play for a chance to match Tom Brady's NFL record of 50 touchdown passes in a season, Rodgers said: "I think that's safe." He has 45 this season after throwing a career-high five against the Bears. 

With all due respect to the rest of the Packers' roster, Rodgers is the central figure in this debate. He is the one player to whom an injury would absolutely and unequivocally end the Packers' Super Bowl hopes. A patchwork offensive line kept him pretty clean Sunday night -- he wasn't sacked and was hit once -- but we all know how active the Lions' defensive line can be. 

I get how abhorrent the idea of pulling back might sound to McCarthy and perhaps others in the Packers organization. And I think I understand the value of entering the playoffs on a high note. The Packers did just that last season, beating a Bears team in Week 17 that played to win despite having its playoff seed locked up, and rode the momentum to Super Bowl XLV.

The Packers had no choice then. They do now. If their only goal is to win the Super Bowl, it's hard to envision how beating the Lions at all costs in Week 17 is going to help. And it would almost certainly take four quarters of participation from starters to secure, knowing the Lions have come back from deficits of 13 points or more four times this season.

"There's something to be said for finishing the season well," Rodgers said. "The Bears tried to keep us out of the playoffs last year, last game of the year. It would be nice to finish out the season the way we started, with a strong showing in a home game. 

"That being said, you have to take into account the health of your football team. We have some guys banged up. We'll see what Mike says this week." 

I'm not sure if McCarthy will announce it publicly, but I have a hard time believing he won't pull back. Maybe it will help a division rival earn a better seed. That's not the Packers concern right now. Getting to the playoffs unscathed should be their only priority.

It does not look as though Peyton Manning goes anywhere next season - unless of course he isn't healthy.

On Thursday, Colts owner Jim Irsay told National football league Network he could not anticipate a predicament by which Manning would play anywhere but Indiana unless of course he can't play whatsoever.

Manning has skipped the whole season and it has not took part in full team practices since getting the 3rd and many invasive surgery on his neck Sept. 8.

"I believe everything is if he's back and he's healthy, I see him returning and playing here," Irsay stated inside a 10-minute interview before the overall game with Houston started. "I believe anticipation is the fact that his health is incorporated in the position where he could return again. That continues to be uncertain and that is something that's first of all on my small mind."

The twelve signs are encouraging.

On 12 ,. 1, surgeon Robert Watkins released an argument saying the fusion between two spinal vertebrae had cured firmly which Manning could boost the concentration of his workout routines.

Last Wednesday, the very first time since getting the surgery, Manning placed on pads along with a helmet and put with teammates. He required button snaps from center Shaun Saturday and labored with running back Frederick Addai, receiver Anthony Gonzalez along with a receiver in the practice squad.

Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian and Coach Jim Caldwell viewed the session. Polian and Addai have given Manning good reviews.

Manning was inactive Thursday evening and was already eliminated of next week's season finale at The city of jacksonville. Caldwell also stated now that Manning would continue doing individual work but would skip working together the relaxation of year.

The only real four-time best player in league history is also due a $28-million bonus at the begining of March - a prospect which had some thinking Thursday evening may be the final time Manning could be around the home team's sideline at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Irsay stated that isn't the situation.

"I do not observe that becoming an problem," Irsay stated. "I compensated him $26 million this year and that he did not play and that i understood it had been an iffy situation. If he's healthy and that he can enjoy, he'll return here."

Irsay also stated they would have a quarterback, Manning's successor, if the correct one will come in April's draft. They (1-13) would be the front-runners for that No. 1 overall pick, a slot that many experts think is going to be filled by Stanford's Andrew Luck.

Etc.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin had surgery on his knee Thursday to cope with slightly torn cartilage. Coach John Harbaugh stated the veteran wideout would miss the ultimate two days from the regular season and have the ability to return for that 2010 nfl playoffs. The Ravens didn't say which knee was hurt. Lee Evans is slated to begin in Boldin's place. ... Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has not completely retrieved in the concussion he sustained two days ago on the mind shot from Pittsburgh's James Harrison. McCoy won't travel using the team to experience Baltimore on Saturday. ... Miami Whales tight finish Anthony Fasano is questionable for Saturday's game at Colonial due to a minimal-grade concussion. ... The Cleveland Browns placed safety T.J. Ward on season-ending hurt reserve having a sprained right feet. ... New You are able to Jets linebacker Calvin Pace was penalized $15,000 through the National football league to have an illegal hit on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick on Sunday.

The AFC now runs through Colonial.

The Patriots will secure no. 1 seed and home-area advantage through the 2010 nfl playoffs whether they can win their latter home games from the Whales and Bills.

Colonial had the very best weekend possible by winning in Colorado after which watching Houston, Baltimore and Pittsburgh all lose. The Patriots, Texans, Ravens and Steelers joined Week 15 with identical 10-3 records, however the Patriots were the only real team in the future away using their eleventh victory.

The Ravens and Steelers had the key deficits, as each team held the tiebreaker over Colonial.

As the two AFC North teams relinquished their particular holds on top seed, it might be much more uncharacteristic for that Patriots to do this, particularly using the Whales (5-9) and Bills (5-9) visiting town.

Think about this: Since 2001, the Patriots are 25-3 against teams with losing records in December and The month of january (however, the 3 deficits found the Whales in 2004, 2006 and 2009).

It has clearly converted into the Patriots' best-situation scenario. Heading into Sunday, they held a small advantage on the Texans for that second seed within the 2010 nfl playoffs because of the finicky strength-of-victory tiebreaker. Now, they do not need any help. The Patriots simply need to take proper care of their very own business.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Gambling linebacker James Harrison could face substantial headgear -- including playoff games -- when they repeat the transgressions that brought for their recent headgear, based on a league source.

Harrison was suspended Tuesday for Pittsburgh's game from the 49ers on Monday for any helmet-to-mind hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. National football league Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Harrison has asked for an expedited hearing along with a date continues to be looking for his appeal around the league-released discipline which will definitely cost him a game title check.

Suh returns now from the two-game suspension -- that they become a huge hit and subsequently lost -- for pushing around the mind and stomping around the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Cruz. The Lions went 1-one in Suh's absence.

The origin established that there is probably not much latitude for Suh and Harrison later on since they have been cautioned and penalized for previous infractions but nonetheless have pressed things to the stage of headgear. Harrison was penalized six occasions from 2009 to '10.

"Three games, four games, five games, six games? It might happen with respect to the circumstance," the origin stated. "They're repeat culprits, which mean headgear are more inclined.Inch

The objective of a serious punishment just like a suspension is to buy the ball player to alter his behavior, simply since the player's absence may affect his team, the origin stated. A suspension also does not put the sole onus around the player. The training staff, management as well as teammates therefore might be motivated to keep that player more accountable.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz lately enforced a zero-tolerance policy after his team's repeated abundance of egregious penalties. They has the authority to suspend a person and never leave adjudication towards the National football league, like a player can't be susceptible to punishment through the team and also the league.

Relating to Harrison particularly, the league felt there is little choice but to suspend him since the hit on McCoy was the 3rd consecutive time previously 13 several weeks he's struck a "defenseless" quarterback using the crown of his helmet. The National football league reported the hit on McCoy because the fifth "illegal" hit to some quarterback together with his helmet previously three seasons.

Harrison was penalized an overall total of $45,000 for hits to Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Saints QB Came Brees in November. 2010. He was reported for implementing his helmet around the takes up, although he didn't strike either quarterback in the mind.

Although McCoy broke the pocket and was running using the ball, Harrison's hit towards the mind using the crown of his helmet was the dominant element in determining to suspend him, based on the source.

"He might have hit him elsewhere however the mind and most likely happen to be fine," the origin stated.

Each Tuesday, National football league Network reporter Albert Breer will share his ideas on subjects round the league as teams transition in the previous Sunday's game to another encounter around the schedule. Today, he starts using the Packers' quest for 19-.

Eco-friendly BAY, Wis. -- Packers RB Ryan Grant required four words to express much more about the 2011 team than he possibly might have in 400. And also the relaxation from the league should be aware: Eco-friendly Bay isn't done enhancing.

On Sunday, the Packers rushed for 136 yards, and held Concord to some single significant touchdown. Grant was requested concerning the run game and defense, areas presented as problem areas having a caveat in the reporter that it may be nitpicking. As Grant was processing that last part, he stopped the reporter, and told him it had been all right to choose nits.

"The bar is high," he stated.

It had been interesting in my experience -- and perhaps only me -- since it signified the Packers adopting their surroundings, which offers to be circus-such as the closer they reach New Year's Day. It had been almost the alternative of gamers asking, "Are you aware how tough it's to win within this league?" And it was vital to listen to as gamers began to openly (although slyly) lobby to pursue 16-, part of their plan since the standard continues to be set excessive the things they are shooting for ended up nearby.

"It's certainly something that's at the back of our minds," safety Charlie Peprah explained within an empty Lambeau Area locker room following the Raiders beatdown. "Why don't you aim for greatness? Why don't you be legendary? But we are gonna take this factor one game at any given time. As cliché as that sounds, which has been the formula, and it is been employed by us and we are gonna continue doing that. But it might be sweet as we went 16-, can't lie, however.Inch

A level surer sign it's an objective from the Packers?

The 2007 Patriots, the only real team to get at the 2010 nfl playoffs perfect because the league visited a 16-game regular season in 1978, came as a teaching tool. First, that club's Super Bowl loss is viewed as a indication the goal is not to visit 16-. And 2nd, knowing that, the example implies that a December loss would not be the finish around the globe. That type of disappointment only is available in the postseason.

"Who discusses that team that went 16- plus they lost within the Super Bowl? You do not really hear much about the subject as if you should," Peprah ongoing. "Which was an incredible factor to complete, to visit 16-. However I don't believe anybody discusses them. Whenever you lose, it does not matter, therefore we will go 18- -- that is what they went, right? -- or go 16- within the regular season and lose that first within the 2010 nfl playoffs, also it does not mean anything."

Peprah did foot the organization line, ultimately, saying the roster management finish of things is "for (coaches) to determine.Inch But he added, "It's football, we can not play scared. In the event that maybe it was, we'd pull [Aaron Rodgers] each time we woke up 20."

Eco-friendly Bay, obviously, ended up getting a indication on Sunday of the items sometimes happens, when Greg Jennings' left knee flattened underneath the weight of Concord corner Stanford Routt, who monitored him lower from behind. Jennings limped towards the sideline and finally was carted served by a towel over his mind.

Ultimately, the Packers dodged a bullet. Jennings' injuries is definitely an MCL sprain, which is not almost anything to sneeze at, but he should have the ability to return at the begining of The month of january in the latest. Even though Peprah stated he was worried for uncle, his thought added more steam to that particular train headed for 16-.

"This team is really deep, we have got people we are able to connect and it going," Peprah stated. "Our hopes are with him, but fortunately, we have got people who can step-up and pull how much they weigh.Inch

Also it appears the Packers, to some guy, would like it to be all on the job deck until New Year's Day, when something special might be on the line.

The coach-GM relationship

If there's one lesson to consider out of this week's training firings, it's this: The connection between gm and coach is essential inside a effective National football league operation.

Yes, it may be a little of the chicken-and-egg argument (obviously, it's not hard to get on when you are winning). But it is worth analyzing the newest champions in studying that front office/sideline synergy -- Bill Polian and Tony Dungy in Indianapolis, Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin in New You are able to, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton in New Orleans, and Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy in Eco-friendly Bay.

What's interesting concerning the five above combinations is the fact that, in each situation, the GM wasn't always so carefully connected using the coach in pedigree. As well as in zero of those good examples did the 2 arrive like a bundle, though McCarthy's hire was near the start of the Thompson Era in Eco-friendly Bay.

Most significant, though, is the fact that the suggestions above appear to possess harmonious work associations.

That wasn't the situation in Miami or perhaps in Might. Using the Whales, the moment Stephen Ross and Shaun Ireland boarded that plane in Florida to visit see Jim Harbaugh, the connection between Ireland and Tony Sparano was condemned. Using the Chiefs, it's simpler -- a personality clash of two strong-willed individuals who had labored together under much different conditions about ten years ago, as Bill Parcells lieutenants, grew to become unworkable.

So in each situation, for the time being, the GM survives and also the coach goes. You will find training here, too, for Ireland and Pioli because they move ahead.

The first, in line with the evidence above, is apparent, and that is to consider outdoors this area. Both GMs introduced coaches these were acquainted with, and it is fine to shake that old family tree again for candidates, but a larger search can result in better results.

Second, adding new suggestions to a attempted-and-true program may benefit individuals involved. The very best illustration of this may stem from Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff's employing of Mike Cruz in 2008. The 2 originated from different football gene pools, and also the mixture of philosophies has labored, and combined right into a single vision for that Falcons.

And third? Kick over rocks, and do not concentrate on one "type" of coach -- whether it's a guy with mind training experience or perhaps a youthful "comer" or other things. Dungy and Coughlin were hired after being fired elsewhere. Payton would be a coach with an abundance of matching experience of different programs. McCarthy was another offensive guru, only one that were part of a single playoff win in 11 years being an National football league position coach or coordinator. Tomlin was 34, with only twelve months of matching experience.

Regardless, both Might and Miami possess a jump on everybody now. My prediction is Kirk Ferentz and Bill Cowher, correspondingly, would be the first options in individuals places. However the worst factor these clubs could do now's limit themselves to some narrow your search, or single title, this early along the way.

The truth for Harrison

The James Harrison situation gives light the road that's attracted between fine and suspension, and just how the league deciphers what's and is not across it.

In cases like this, additionally, it demonstrates how frustrated the league has become with Harrison's antics and the potential to deal with shoulder blame.

What normally comprises consideration for any suspension in the league office is dependent whether an accidents occur in or from a football context. If the act of violence occur in a football context, 99 % of times, discipline is going to be restricted to an excellent. Whether it happens outdoors of the football context, a suspension is up for grabs.

For instance, Ndamukong Suh's stomp was clearly outdoors the context of the football play. It came following the whistle was blown coupled with nothing related to Suh creating a play.

Harrison's hit on Colt McCoy another evening, however, happened within a football context. Maybe it was egregious? It may be contended it it was, but it is inarguable it would be a completely different type of run-in than Suh's. So normally, a suspension wouldn't be also considered inside a situation like this, especially thinking about he might have some situation the hit was legal, if he could convince the league he saw McCoy like a runner at that time.

But this can be a player who stacked up $125,000 in fines this past year alone. So he wasn't getting the advantage of the doubt on that one, and the insufficient remorse previously probably put into the issue he'd once the situation had been examined at 345 Park.

Later on? Harrison, like Suh, will have arrive at grips with the truth that the spotlight will shine better on him, competitors will be more edgy with him, and also the flags can come just a little faster with him.

Harrison can argue it isn't fair. The answer to fixing the issue is going to be coping with that reality, instead of grousing concerning the way he thinks it ought to be.

The race for No. 2

Good win for brand new Orleans on Sunday against Tennessee, gutting that certain out against a golf club that may carry games in the type of scrimmage.

They demonstrated they might win from their element. But the overall game in Nashville was difficult, and highlights why your dream for that NFC's second seed may be the most significant bit of postseason positioning still in play.

There's hardly any question the Saints can be really, very difficult to beat in the Superdome. Also it's tough to begin to see the 49ers maintaining with New Orleans inside a track meet for the reason that atmosphere.

On the other hand, instructed to go outdoors on the grass surface against a tough-em-up club might be tough around the Saints, because it was a week ago at Tennessee. And that is where it's much simpler to determine the 49ers tugging off what can most likely rate being an upset, even at Candlepower unit.

So keep close track of the Niners and Saints decreasing the house stretch, because they wrestle for your second seed. Bay Area will get Pittsburgh on Monday evening, then visit Dallas and St. Louis to shut the standard season out. New Orleans travels to Minnesota, and finishes track of home games from the Falcons and Panthers.

Ought to be a fascinating race for No. 2.

Five one-liners1) Philip Rivers appears to possess finally become it straight -- he was positive it had been going this way after i spoken to him Thursday -- which means either the Battery chargers can make a tough playoff run, or he'll result in the North Park job a genuine attractive one for prospective training candidates.

2) Imagine an AFC Wild Card Weekend with T.J. Yates and Tim Tebow hosting playoff games ... amazing.

3) Fascinating decision the debts will have to create on Ryan Fitzpatrick within the offseason.

4) With teams like Washington and Dallas getting punted around the 2011 draft class of quarterbacks, expect if you will find large trade-ups for that 2012 class, and as much as four QBs within the top ten in April.

5) I am still puzzled through the blame landing at Tony Romo's ft for missing that third-and-5 throw to Miles Austin, since he later atoned by putting they in place to win the Titans game having a 47-yard area goal (that is 12 yards closer than Tim Tebow got Matt Prater for his OT-forcer).

Ndamukong Suh was from sight, but never really from mind throughout a 2-game National football league suspension for stomping with an opponent that ended Monday.

Suh was back in the Lions' facility on Monday and met with coach Jim Schwartz, who lately passed a zero-tolerance policy on flags following the whistle. Schwartz wouldn't reveal the character of the talk but stated he'd be very surprised when the defensive tackle turned up again around the trouble radar.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford concurs.

"I believe he's a really intelligent individual,Inch Stafford told "The Serta Patrick Show" when requested by what is misinterpreted about Suh. "People always discuss how great he sounds on Radio and tv. And that he is, he's a really wise person.

"He knows how to proceed, things to say, more to express, after which he will get around the football area and often I believe his feelings obtain the best of him, especially on Thanksgiving. I believe he's learned his lesson. He's all set to go.Inch

The status of Suh, 24, is incorporated in the spotlight. He's already shown to be among the best defensive gamers within the National football league half way through his second season, in addition to one unafraid to talk his mind about his intentions around the area. But he has not spoken openly since he was suspended, therefore it remains to appear contrary can change for Suh, off or on the area.