Green Bay Packers: Despite low stakes, why to watch Week 17

The Green Bay Packers are already out of the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers won’t be the quarterback, and several other players are missing. Watch Week 17 though.

When a team is eliminated from playoff contention, the stakes are lower. There’s really no argument against this. Simply enough, they aren’t playing for a chance at the Super Bowl. Due to that, some fans may decide to tune out late in the season.

There are still quite a few reasons to watch the Green Bay Packers though. A lot still goes on, but it’s not really the same. That doesn’t mean it’s not important though. For example, people are playing for spots on the roster next year, and fight for playing time or better roles.

With that in mind, there are quite a few interesting situations to watch.

Quarterback(s)

Brett Hundley has filled in for Aaron Rodgers for the majority of the year. He’s been decent, showing flashes of potential, but struggling mightily at times. This could be his last game in a Packers uniform as well. While his play wasn’t perfect, the young quarterback could be courted by multiple teams in free agency. If he’s offered a chance to fight for a starting spot he should take it. Let’s be honest, he’s not starting over Rodgers any time soon.

With that in mind, Joe Callahan’s on the roster. Could the Packers give him a look and see if he has what it takes to be the primary backup behind Rodgers next season?

Receivers

Jordy Nelson isn’t playing. Davante Adams isn’t playing. Geronimo Allison is questionable. There’s a heavy chance the Packers are playing with some unknown talent in week 17. This could open doors for names such as Michael Clark and Trevor Davis to showcase their abilities.

Blake Martinez and Gang

Blake Martinez has been fantastic for the Packers all year. Can he elevate a battered defense one last time before the end of 2017? Once again, he’s going to be working with a makeshift defense due to injuries. Who else will step up and make a name for themselves?

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Jets land QB, Cowboys replace Dez

Without the playoffs to look forward to, it’s understandable that some fans will lose interest. The Packers are playing for the future though, and with it comes a lot of questions that could begin to get answered on Sunday.