The Detroit Lions have an (almost) meaningless game ahead of them on Monday night. Regardless of a win or loss against the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions’ postseason berth will be determined by the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. A win gives Detroit the No. 1 seed in the entire NFC, but a loss sees them drop to just a wild card spot as a fifth seed — and potentially not having to play a home playoff game. Unless the Lions and Vikings tie in Week 18, the outcome of the 49ers game will have no impact on Detroit.

Should the Lions still call up their regular players despite the low stakes? Detroit has already been plagued by injuries this season, and losing a starting player in a pointless game would be a devastating blow to Detroit. With several players nearing a return from injury, it’s time for the Lions to get healthy and not get more injured.

However, there are reasons why your starters should not be given a rest period. For one thing, you can only rest a limited number of players. Of the 53 players on the active roster, only 47 or 48 can be active on game day – to have 48 players, eight offensive linemen must be active. David Montgomery has already been ruled out, so the Lions have limited roster spots to give the starters a break. Dressing a starter but putting him on the bench isn’t a solution either, as most of the players on the gameday roster will see the field in some capacity – teams need those bodies.

The alternative is to give a few select starters a break. Given Montgomery’s health, would it make sense to rest Jahmyr Gibbs to ensure at least one of the dangerous players in the backfield is healthy? How about resting Jared Goff or Penei Sewell, undoubtedly two of the most important parts of the Lions’ offense? Resting them would also give less experienced players the opportunity. Hendon Hooker could see action in the regular season, while Giovanni Manu or Colby Sorsdal could get some low-stakes reps at tackle if they see action.

While the risk of injury favors rest for some starters, the risk of rust is also worth considering. Due to Monday night’s game, the Lions will play the Vikings on a short week, meaning they have one less day to prepare. Starters like Goff have been warriors this season, but there’s always the possibility that resting one game could knock them out of contention. This is not a bye where coaches and players can comfortably look ahead to the game ahead. The coaches and most players will remain focused on the 49ers. With an important playoff berth on the line, do you want players who haven’t seen game replays in two weeks?

Today’s question of the day is:

Should the Detroit Lions rest their starters against the San Francisco 49ers?

My answer: no.

This is honestly a moot question since the decision has already been made: according to Dan Campbell, the starters will play. However, there is one point that illustrates why there would never be any rest for the starters: The Detroit Lions aren’t built that way.

Giving it your all and treating every game like the last was the mentality of these Campbell-led Lions and it worked wonders. Too often under previous regimes, the Lions came into a very winnable game and ended up looking completely unprepared. Under Campbell, the Lions have demonstrated an unparalleled level of competition. They pulled off an incredible comeback against the Houston Texans in a situation where many smaller teams and fewer coaches would have given up. Even when their defense was outclassed by the Buffalo Bills, the Lions still came within striking distance. Detroit has had a string of game-winning field goal shots driven by a never-say-die attitude. Despite an absurd number of injuries, the Lions have continued to put up a competitive effort even with a diverse roster. This team takes their shots.

Giving some starters a break would go against everything the Lions stand for. In a perfect, simulated world, it would make sense to give important starters a break in a meaningless game. But in reality we have Campbell at the helm. The Lions are where they are because of his leadership and decision-making. It is foolhardy to question the mentality that has built such a successful and cohesive team.

If the game turns into a bust, the leash may be shorter than usual for some starters. Until that point is reached, we can expect everyone on this roster to treat the 49ers like any other opponent.

It’s your turn.