WillSaints81

We need to finish 5-1 in division. I really would prefer resting starters against bucs than losing to one of the other two. But then again, Atlanta could still get in even if we sweep them and if we have to play them another two weeks later, I would not like those odds. Actually Atlanta would miss the playoffs if they lose to us twice and Minnesota and they are not lock to sweep the bucs or even split with Carolina. 12-4 with a Carolina split means Rodgers has to come back week 15 and beat Carolina.

In fact if Atlanta's fluctuating division record pattern continues, they will go 1-5 like in 2013 and 2015. That one win would be reserved for a Winstonless bucs.

Got off topic here but I would prefer sweeping Carolina over TB. If we go 5-1 in division we will go 12-4 losing one outside division game. Minnesota is currently a 2 loss team and they will lose to either Atlanta or Carolina and if Rodgers is back they will lose at Green Bay. Beating LA means 13-3 and we could take that bye from them. The eagles will lose to Seattle and Dallas remaining, but unless we sweep Carolina we can't win the tie-breaker, and I think they have some bigger wins such as the chargers who could end up 9-7 or 10-6. But 2 or 1 does not matter because eagles lack experience. I don't think we would lose at Minnesota because we already played that defense and we won't be playing Bradford but that's not the point, the point is holding off Carolina for the division. I don't want to go to Seattle or LA in January(most likely Seattle if they win at home). We know the drill with west coast trips.

I see the wild card race shaping up like this if we win division.
Carolina-12-4(one more loss to GB or Minnesota)
LA-10-6(losing to Philadelphia, Seattle, and Tennessee)
GB-10-6(if Rodgers is back week 15)
Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, Detroit are not getting in unless Rodgers does not come back before or against Detroit.
LA is looking at 3-1 AFC South, which screws them in a tie-breaker with either the packers or lions. The packers have already lost one to the AFC and should lose tomorrow at Pittsburgh. The lions have already lost to Pittsburgh and I don't think they win in Baltimore or Cincinatti.

So in the wild card round, we could be hosting Detroit or Green Bay. Playing a hot Rodgers.....no thanks. If LA wins division, even Seattle is screwed in a tie-breaker. That's more reason why winning this week can put that to rest and let's let the vikings deal with Rodgers and we can play Seattle or LA in divisional.