Why NFL Teams Week 17 Resting Players is a Smart Move

It’s become a tradition in the NFL for teams to rest their starters in Week 17. Here’s a look at why that’s a smart move.

Introduction

In the National Football League (NFL), Week 17 is the final regular-season week. For most NFL teams, it is a normal game week; however, for some teams, chiefly those who have clinched a playoff berth or have been eliminated from playoff contention, Week 17 is a de facto exhibition game.

Since there is no incentive for these teams to risk injury to key players in a meaningless game, it has become common for them to rest their starters for all or most of Week 17. In many cases, the decision to do so has caused controversy and debate, as some believe that all NFL games should be treated with equal importance.

History of Week 17

In the National Football League (NFL), Week 17 is the final week of the regular season. In most cases, it is also the last week in which teams can clinch a playoff berth or secure a higher seeding in the playoffs. As such, it is usually considered one of the most important weeks of the NFL season.

Week 17 was originally instituted in 1933 as a way to determine which team would be crowned champion of the NFL’s first ever playoff game. The Chicago Bears and New York Giants were slated to meet in that game, but because both teams had identical records, it was decided that a final regular season game would be played to determine who would advance to the playoff. That game was played on December 17th, 1933, and was won by the Bears, who went on to win the NFL Championship.

In 1934, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell implemented a new rule that allowed teams to schedule their own games in Week 17, provided that they gave opponenst at least two weeks’ notice. This rule led to some confusion and controversy in its early years, as teams sometimes took advantage of it to schedule easier opponents or guarantee themselves a home game. In 1941, for example, the Chicago Bears scheduled a Week 17 matchup with the 0-10 Pittsburgh Steelers after having already clinched the NFL’s Western Division title. The Bears won that game handily, 42-14.

In 1978, the NFL again tweaked its rules for Week 17, this time requiring all games scheduled for that week to be played on Sunday afternoon. This rule was put in place partially in response to complaints from television networks about having too many “meaningless” games on their broadcast schedule late in the season. It also helped prevent teams from resting players or otherwise trying to lose their final regular season game in order to improve their chances of getting a favorable playoff matchup.

The current rules for Week 17 were established in 1989, when the NFL expanded its playoff field from 10 to 12 teams. Under these rules, all divisional opponents must play each other in Week 17 if they have not already done so earlier in the season. Non-divisional opponents are determined by a rotating schedule that ensures each team plays every other team twice over a four-year period (with two of those games taking place in Weeks 16 and 17). These rules help create more ” meaningful” games late in the season and make it more difficult for teams rest players or tank their final regular season game.”

Why Teams are Resting Players

In the National Football League (NFL), Week 17 is the final regular season week. It is also common for teams that have clinched a playoff berth or have been eliminated from playoff contention to rest their starters in Week 17. There are several reasons why this is a smart move for NFL teams.

First, by resting starters, teams can avoid injuries to key players before the playoffs begin. Injuries can occur at any time, but they are more likely to happen when players are tired and worn down from a long season of playing. By resting players in Week 17, teams can ensure that they will have a full complement of healthy players for the playoffs.

Second, resting players gives teams an opportunity to evaluate younger players and backups. These players will likely see more playing time in Week 17, and this will give coaches a chance to see how they perform in game situations. This information can be valuable when making decisions about who to keep on the roster for the following season.

Finally, resting starters gives everyone on the team a mental break from the grind of the season. This can be especially important for older players who may be dealing with nagging injuries or simply need a break from the physical and mental demands of playing professional football. By giving these players some time off, teams can increase the chances that they will be fresh and ready to go for the playoffs.

The Argument Against Resting Players

In the National Football League (NFL), the final week of the regular season is known as “Week 17.” In Week 17, all teams play their 16th and final game of the season.

Traditionally, teams that have already clinched a playoff berth (i.e. have qualified for the playoffs) will rest their starters in Week 17. That way, those starters will be fresh and healthy for the playoff games.

However, there is a growing debate about whether or not resting players in Week 17 is a smart move. Some people argue that resting players gives other teams an advantage, because those teams’ starters will be playing while the starters on other teams are sitting on the bench.

Others argue that it is simply unfair to the fans who have paid good money to watch their favorite team play. They argue that fans should be able to see the best players on the field, regardless of whether or not their team has already clinched a playoff berth.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual team to decide whether or not to rest their starters in Week 17. However, there is no doubt that resting players has become more and more common in recent years, as teams increasingly value player health and safety over anything else.

The Argument For Resting Players

The National Football League’s regular season typically runs from September through early January, with each team playing 16 games. The NFL playoffs then begin in late January, with the top teams from each conference (the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference) competing in a single-elimination tournament leading up to the Super Bowl, the championship game of the NFL.

In recent years, some NFL teams have chosen to rest their players for the final game of the regular season, even if they are in contention for a playoff spot. There are several reasons why this is a smart move for teams.

First, resting players helps to keep them fresh and healthy for the playoffs. Playing an extra game can increase the risk of injuries, which can be devastating for a team’s chances of winning a championship. In addition, players who are well-rested are more likely to be able to play at their highest level when it matters most – in the playoffs.

Second, resting players can give younger, less experienced players an opportunity to get some playing time. This can be beneficial for both the player and the team; the player gets valuable experience, while the team gets a chance to evaluate his abilities in game situations.

Finally, resting players ensures that they will be available for mandatory mini-camps and other offseason activities. If a player suffers an injury during these activities, it could jeopardize his availability for next season. By resting players during Week 17 of the regular season, teams can help ensure that their best players will be on the field when it counts most – during the playoffs and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that there are many benefits for NFL teams who choose to rest their players in week 17. Not only does this give them a competitive advantage in the playoffs, but it also allows them to keep their players healthy and prevent injuries. With so much at stake, it is understandable why more and more teams are choosing to do this each year.