Packers coach Mike McCarthy had been so incensed with his players’ poor performance last week he considered making his starters play a full four quarters in an otherwise inconsequential regular-season finale.

McCarthy cooled off by Sunday, deciding to rest several top players for the playoffs. It turned out he didn’t really have to choose between playing it safe and playing to win in Green Bay’s 34-13 victory over Detroit.

The Packers (13-3) didn’t need their starters to beat the lowly Lions, tie a franchise record for victories in a season and rebound from an ugly loss in windy and cold conditions at Chicago.

• NFL Game Center: Game Recap - Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers - 2007 17