ReutersIf the 49ers lose on Saturday, then the Packers will have nothing to play for against the Bears on Sunday: Green Bay wraps up home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoff with a San Francisco loss.
But Packers linebacker Clay Matthews says Green Bay does have something to play for regardless: The Packers want to be the ones to eliminate the Bears from playoff contention.
“We’re going to play this thing to win,” Matthews said, via CSNChicago.com.
The shoe was on the other foot last year, when the Bears were already locked into the NFC No. 2 seed heading into Week 17 but had an opportunity to eliminate the Packers from the playoffs, an opportunity the Bears missed when the Packers won. The Packers would then beat the Bears in the NFC Championship, and Matthews said he knows the Bears were kicking themselves for not finishing the Packers when they had the chance.
“You throw in the rivalry and bad blood between the two teams, and why would they want to see us in the playoffs?” Matthews said.
Even if the Bears beat the Packers on Sunday, their playoff hopes are slim. But the Packers would like to change the Bears’ chances from slim to none.
Not exactly like Da Bears have a quarterback or anything.
After the embarrassment @ Kansas City, I would hope they are motivated. Fortunately the ineptness of the Bear’s front office means they only have to contend with Josh McCown, who makes Kyle Orton look All World!
Last year was still puzzling.
“Lets play all our starters and risk them getting injured, but not really actually gameplan to win so we can surprise them the chalkboard awesomeness when we meet in the playoffs! It’s too brilliant to fail!!!”
Yet another reason the lions HAVE to win vs San Diego this weekend if they want to make the playoffs.
Counting on a division rival to rest starters in week 17 is an asinine expectation.
Division rivals show no mercy, nor should they.
You have beautiful hair.
Please crush the Bears. not because lions need it, its because i hate the bears.
-a lions fan.
Awww no he did NOT just go there!!!!
Look out! I’d hate to be Luke McCown’s locker right now!
What an idiot.
Big talk about eliminating a team that has lost their starting QB, starting RB and their top two receivers.
Where would the Packers be in that same situation?
Clay Matthews looks like he’s taking a dump on the field when he does his little bend down arm out move.
There’s a huge difference from this year’s Bears & Packers from last year’s teams that makes this a non-story.
At this point last year the Packers were on their way up and playing very well. As of today the Bears have lost four straight and have given no sign of being able to compete for the remaining two games.
What an idiot.
Big talk about eliminating a team that has lost their starting QB, starting RB and their top two receivers.
Where would the Packers be in that same situation?
Probably losing their last four games, with the Bears trying to win against them.
So, nothing would be different. Not sure why you’re upset.
Matthews, if you cannot beat the Bears with a QB who 4 weeks ago was a HS football coach, their starting QB is done for the year, and their starting running back is also finished for the year, the Pack is in trouble.
As I Bear fan, logically, I cannot see us beating you this game. I’ll go further than that and say I won’t be surprised if we don’t score. But the Pack is in more trouble with a loss to us Sunday than the Bears !
The Seahawks continually improving running game takes on the impressive run defense of the 49ers. This should be a great Saturday match-up.
Even Bob Avellini is insulted.
@philtration-
Ummm, GB would still be a playoff team.
Flynn at QB
Grant at RB
Driver/Jones/Cobb at WR
That’s still better than 1/2 the teams in the NFL.
In other news: Ted Thompson is really good at his job.
Uh, news flash Clay: The Bears were finished a month ago. Why don’t you go put some curlers in your hair or something.
txbearmeat says:
Dec 21, 2011 5:38 PM
@philtration-
Ummm, GB would still be a playoff team.
Flynn at QB
Grant at RB
Driver/Jones/Cobb at WR
That’s still better than 1/2 the teams in the NFL.
In other news: Ted Thompson is really good at his job.
—————
Shocking. A Packers fan who is delusional.
If those guys really are that good, then your GM is a moron for not trading them…. and your coach is a dimwit for not playing them more.
Oh wait, never mind, you are the moron.
He’s right about Ted Thompson being good at his job… the other part is a stretch but semi-true…
-non delusional Packer fan…
polishing your rod: why would the GM be a moron for not trading good players? oh wait- you’re a bears fan!! that explains why you think good players should be traded.. for what again?
txbearmeat says:
Dec 21, 2011 5:38 PM
@philtration-
Ummm, GB would still be a playoff team.
Flynn at QB
Grant at RB
Driver/Jones/Cobb at WR
That’s still better than 1/2 the teams in the NFL.
In other news: Ted Thompson is really good at his job.
_________________________
Lol, that’s supposed to scare the league? Flynn had one good game against the Patriots, who make every QB look good, and now he can take over for Rodgers?
Also find it funny that Thompson suddenly became a great GM right around the time Rodgers got his starting job. Coincidence?
Umm, I think Clay was asked a question and answered it. What was he supposed to say?
Reporter: “Clay, do you want to win Sunday night?”
Clay: “Yeah, that’d be alright”.
But, let us look back four weeks ago when the Bears were 7-3 and their offense was putting up 30 plus a game. The rank of NFC teams probably would have been 1. Pack 2. Saints 3. Bears. Because the Pack had a 3 game lead, the bears were no doubt headed for a wild card berth. Yes, the chances of the Bears getting to the playoffs is razor thin if that right now. However, let’s just say for fun that they manage to win their last two somehow. It certainly isn’t out of the question that the Lions lose their last two, especially if Green Bay needs that win to get in the playoffs. Let’s then imagine that Cutler and Forte are able to return and let’s say they are healthy. Are they no less dangerous than they were before news of Cutler’s broken thumb broke?
So yeah, I think the Pack certainly would be motivated to take the Bears out of the playoff field.
its rivalry week both teams will bring there a game no matter who plays. thats what makes packer bear games so amazing to watch. hate the bears love the rivalry. go pack
Someone please tell the Packers that the Da Bears are done…….fire Jerry Angelo now!!!!!!!!!
Way to set the bar high Clay!
If the Packers don’t beat the Bears, they should be embarrassed. If San Diego beats Detoit on Saturday, the Packers could also eliminate Detroit next week depending on tiebreakers with Dal/NYG/Sea and how they do the next two weeks.
It will be interesting to see if the Packers’ weakened offensive line has trouble against the good defensive lines of the Bears and Lions. I could see McCarthy pulling Aaron early if he gets hit hard a couple times. Then again I could also see McCarthy keeping Aaron in there to chase records and MVP votes against Brees. He strikes me as a coach who values stats. A loss or two by the Packers and a couple great games by Brees could swing the MVP votes his way.
Hey, Matthews, Ya wanna talk? Get a barber! Freak!
funny how the Bears had a chance to beat the packers with half their roster on IR last year, and did not pull it off, but now the Packers have a chance to eliminate the Bears with 2 of their main players on the shelf and Green Bay is being petty, double standard?Oh yeah , Ted is good at his job, look at the players he found to win a freakin’ SUPERBOWL, nuff said
Wow, talking smack about a team that has scored 10 points a game the last 4 weeks ! What a bold statement. Way to go out on a limb there Joe Namath.
BTW, based upon what I saw of Rodgers minus Jennings last week I think if he played with the Bears WR’s the last 5 years he might be in the CFL at this point.
C’mon clay pick on a real nfl team
My bears are playing more like they’re vying for a spot in the Alamo Bowl these past four games.
pencepost, you should try watching some games before you post. Take a look at which coach is pulling their players and which is not. McCarthy has to be the coach LEAST looking for player stats. Why do you think Brees even has a chance?
I sure hope Clay doesnt end up eating his words…remember its Any Given Sunday! Lesson: Packers vs Chiefs.
well I hope so, we are fighting for home field.. so no sh*t Clay. How about you be motivated for a sack?
a few years ago packer fans hated the coach and ted and now they are both heroes funny what winning can do
What an idiot.
Big talk about eliminating a team that has lost their starting QB, starting RB and their top two receivers.
Where would the Packers be in that same situation?
————————
Right where the Pack was last year when they played New England and then went on to win the Super Bowl, idiot.
Ummm, GB would still be a playoff team.
Flynn at QB
Grant at RB
Driver/Jones/Cobb at WR
That’s still better than 1/2 the teams in the NFL.
In other news: Ted Thompson is really good at his job.
************
Are you crazy? They lost Jennings and suddenly looked very pedistrian.
There were plenty of years were people were begging for TT to be fired.
But yea, go ahead and crown them team of the decade.
Silly mom’s-basement dwellers just don’t have a clue about this rivalry. They’re probably the same acne encrusted ESPN watchers that think Steelers-Ravens is a great rivalry after all 16 years of the Ravens even being in existence.
The Bears will bring it tough if they have to suit up the head groundskeeper at QB. It’s what they do. It’s Packers-Bears… the greatest rivalry in all of sports.
Do I think the Pack will win? Yup… but it won’t be a cakewalk.
Go Pack!
13-1. nuff said
Lions fans crack me… So busy hating the Bears for some reason (the Bears have won nothing in 26 years), and not busy hating the team that kicks their pathetic asses every year. When was the last time Detroit won in Green Bay? What was Green Bay’s streak against them at? What a joke of a franchise.
W/ a Packer win Lovie Smith’s record vs the Packers woul d be 8-9…including 0-4 in 2011…yes, Dud Bears would have lost four games to their biggest rivals this year.
If you’re a Packer fan how’s that for an extra present Christmas night…sweeeet!
Ummm, GB would still be a playoff team.
Flynn at QB
Grant at RB
Driver/Jones/Cobb at WR
That’s still better than 1/2 the teams in the NFL.
In other news: Ted Thompson is really good at his job.
===============================
Bwahahahahahhaahah!!!! I don’t know where to begin on this. You think Matt Flynn is the 17th best QB in the NFL?????
Ryan Grant is alright, but RB’s are pretty interchangeable these days, you’re not losing much between him and Starks.
James freaking Jones? Every year that guy fumbles against the Bears. He was a free agent this summer and no one wanted him. He’s alright, but better than half the teams in the NFL, gimme a break.
The Packers will win because McClown is the QB, not because the Flynn/Grant/Jones monster will be unleashed.
My two best friends are Packer fans (and in typical fashion have never even been to the village of GB), and we watch the NFL every Sunday together. Every week they talk about idiot Packer fans that are delusional, I think we found one!
baegucb says:
13-1. nuff said.
What’s your team’s record? That’s what I thought.
It was about this time in 2009 that the 5-9 Bears beat the 11-3 Vikings. Any given Sunday. Go Bears.
wow 41 post and not a single reference to Clay Matthews and HGH use? Come on Packer haters!! You guys are starting to slip.
Listen up Bares fans:
You shouldn’t go around insulting the Packers and their fans just because your team sucks rocks.
People were calling for TT’s head because of the Favruh mess – which has certainly panned out in a way that makes TT look like the correct party.
Flynn has been lighting it up every chance he’s gotten for 2 years – he’s going to leave GB in the offseason and be a very good starting QB for some previously woebegone franchise. MM and Tom Clements are very, very good at coaching QB’s.
And Driver/Jones and Cobb are great in their current positions. Driver and Jones as a 1-2 would be MUCH better than 2 of the 4 current WR starting lineups in the NFCN.
So stop with the idiocy. Your team already sucks. They’re going to have to clean house soon to retool an aging roster. Your GM and OC will most likely be gone.
In other words, you’re probably going to suck for quite awhile. This is now GB’s Division for years, with DET coming in 2nd.
I’d shut up if I were you.
And yes, TT is THAT good at his job.
Yes, it’s premature – but GB could very well become the team of the decade. 3-5 Superbowls are possible.
Young, great QB. Young, talented team with only a few holes. Great Depth. A great coach that doesn’t have any desires to be a coach/gm and a GM that loves his job and loves living in GB. Both with 5 year contracts….
Yeah, I’d say it’s not a stretch to think they could be the next dynasty.
Haters gonna hate.
Flynn is no more established then Hanie was. I dont know why some Packer fans really think they would be so good with Flynn. There is no way they are going to be a Dynasty…not with that defense. Im not hating – I live in Wisconsin and have discussions of football with Pack fans everyday. The players they lost last year were for the most part plug and play–ask any Packer fan with a brain if they lost Rodgers would they be the same team?…no effin way. Same with Jay -he covered up a lot of the weaknesses we had with his arm and pocket presence. I do like what Thompson has done…there is some depth on that team…something our gm doesnt really focus on-at least not successfully-(although I would take any one of our 3 running backs over starks and grant). I thought this would be a great matchup a month ago–but with Jay going down and Hanie really sucking it up–doesnt look good so I expect Clay and the Pack to eliminate the Bears…dammit–next year!
The packers need to start Rodgers this week. Why? Because he’s going to get hammered every time he drops back to pass (putrid o-line)–and most likely hurt. Next week the packers play the DeToilet lions, another possibility of Rodgers getting injured because of his decimated o-line. Rodgers is up for NFL consideration for MVP. He shouldn’t get that if he plays chicken s hit, and sits like a coward.
These comments are so good the more I read the dumber I get!
Lions don’t have to win again to make the Playoffs.
The Lions get in with 1 loss by the bears, 1 loss by the Seahawks & 1 loss by the Cardinals.
Bears lose this weekend to the Packers.
Seahawks play the 49ers, so there is 1 loss
Cardinals play the Bengals, so probably a loss, but if not they lose week 17 to the Seahawks….I just don’t see any of those 3 teams getting a 9th win this season.
Can someone remind Clay that the Bears were finished week 10? This guy isn’t that smart huh? Sunday should be like stealing candy from a baby, not a child.
Let’s see, we are missing our pro bowl saftey, Our pro bowl wide out, Both starting offensive tackles, our starting running back, our number three offensive tackle, our nose tackle, one of our inside linebackers, our number 2 tight end.
All teams are banged up this time of year Bears fans, it’s up to your management to deal with and prepare for that, if they didn’t and can’t that’s not our problem.
Some cheese heads to go with that wine?
@Diggety –
Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt son. GB’s depth is the class of the league, and it’s not close.
You can say what you want, but that doesn’t make it true. The fact is that GB has the pieces in place to be a dynasty. Anyone with half a brain knows it. If you want some “unbiased” proof, check out Bob McGinn at jsonline. Peter King on MMQB. National Football Post, etc… they all say the same thing: GB is the class of the league and it’s not changing anytime soon.
Your bias is laughable. Get over yourself.
And we’ll see about Flynn. My money’s on him becoming a good starter – beginning next year – for the forseeable future in a new city.
I dont see why more of a spotlight is not put on exactly how GB’s title run started last year. How close they came t not even being in the playoffs. How it all could have been different if GB played a team that cared in week 17.
People seem to talk about it with the Jets, who got to the playoffs similarly last year, and barely made t the year before. And same thing, they find themselves in the AFC title game.
People like to talk about who teams would rather face in the playoffs. Announcers love to say “nobody wants to see (current hot team) in the playoffs.” Then we end up with NO losing to Seatle, the Jets in Championship games and teams like AZ in the Super Bowl and of course teams that might not have even made the playoffs if their week 17 opponent cared.
Truth is no one really knows who they would rather play.
BEARS 10 PACKERS 7….and BTW Clay Matthews is inbred true story….merry xmas!!!