With the updated NFL playoff format, there aren't as many teams resting starters in the final week of the regular season as we've seen in years past.
There's still plenty of movement to be had in terms of playoff seeding, especially in the AFC, with the No. 1 seed up for grabs. The Packers are the only team that has clinched a first-round bye, but even they have indicated no plans to rest their starters.
Tampa Bay has suggested Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski will all play with seeding and incentives on the line.
Let's run through a list of which starters we know will miss Week 18, then dive into the latest information we have on teams who could potentially decide to sit more players.
NFL Teams Resting Starters
| Team | Starters Resting or Out |
|---|---|
| Bengals | QB Joe Burrow RB Joe Mixon (COVID) NT D.J. Reader |
| Browns | QB Baker Mayfield |
| Ravens | QB Lamar Jackson |
Are Packers Resting Starters?
Play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
As we established earlier, the Packers haven't made any indication they plan to rest starters this Sunday.
“Right now, the mindset is going into this [week] is we’re going to play our guys and we’re going to approach it like every other game,” Matt LaFleur said in a press conference after they stomped the Vikings last week. "I just think the reason behind that is I’m not comfortable having, essentially, a three-week layoff for our guys.”
Are Bengals Resting Starters?
Play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
The Bengals clinched the AFC North with their win over the Chiefs last week. The Bengals have no chance of the first-round bye and are expected to sit quarterback Joe Burrow and running back Joe Mixon for the season finale against the Browns.
Burrow is nursing a knee injury and a pinkie finger injury, both of which aren't expected to keep him out in the playoffs, and the Bengals will start Brandon Allen at quarterback. Mixon tested positive for COVID-19.
Pro Bowl alternate nose tackle D.J. Reader was also downgraded to out for the Bengals this week.
Are Browns Resting Starters?
Play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
The Bengals' opponent will also have a key starter out for Sunday's game. Baker Mayfield has elected to start the process on shoulder surgery instead of playing in the season finale after his team was eliminated from playoff contention last week.
Case Keenum will get the start at quarterback for the Browns.
Are Ravens Resting Starters?
Play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
Lamar Jackson will sit for the fourth straight week as he nurses an ankle injury. Tyler Huntley will once again start at quarterback. The Ravens have a very slim chance to make the playoffs.
Are 49ers Resting Starters?
Play at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, though it's worth noting that every 49ers player listed as questionable heading into a game has been active every other week this season.
Trey Lance started in place of Garoppolo last week and performed admirably, throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns.
