If you were an NFL coach and your team was going into the playoffs, would you play to win or rest your players

Question

If your team all ready clinched a playoff spot would you care if your team won this weekend or are you more interested in making sure your team is well rested and healthy for next week when the meaningful part of the season begins

Answer 1

Well for momentum reasons a win is important going into the playoffs. I would play my main starters, play them for the first quarter and then put in my back ups from the second quarter on

Answer 2

Id Rest My Players You Don't Ever Know What Will Happen Maybe Play them a quarter The 4th But Rest Who Cares about Records No Affence to any Miami Fans

Answer 3

It depends.

I think I'd play them, for continuity and momentum heading into the playoffs. A lot of teams put emphasis on the system, rather than the individual player, so it seems to send a mixed message to say "I'm resting you because I don't want you to get hurt, but you can go in. You're expendible."

On the other hand, if a star player does go down in a meaningless game, you're really going to look like a fool and regret your decision. Still, I'm an advocate of playing every game your best.

Answer 4

If I were in the position that Bill Belichick was in then I would go for history. He's got a chance of a life time and I wouldn't let anything stand in my way. The players get paid to play and play they would.

Answer 5

Depends...If I was going for an undefeated season, I wouldn't rest them until at least the second half, depending how the game goes...But, the Pats will probably be up 21-0 or 28-0 at halftime...

Answer 6

I think I would play them and then rest them!

Answer 7

rest them with the exception of if an undefeated season is on the line.

Answer 8

the first goal for every team is to win the Superbowl period
everything else is inconsequential