Troy Aikman questions Dan Campbell playing Lions starters vs 49ers

On By Littum

The Detroit Lions decided revenge and momentum were more important than rest in Week 17. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman questioned whether that was the right move Monday night for a Lions team that still has everything to play for.

When the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Lions lost any opportunity to lock up the NFC North, the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye before playing the Vikings in Week 18.

That means, despite a 13-2 start to the season, nothing is guaranteed for the Lions, outside of at least a spot in the playoffs.

It also meant the Lions’ matchup against the 6-9 San Francisco 49ers was rendered meaningless because, either way, it would all come down to Week 18.

Despite that, the Lions decided it was worth trying to avenge their loss to the 49ers in last year’s NFC Championship by playing their starters right out of the gate.

Campbell indicated the Lions would do just that if they were in that position.

GURENNE PLAYS: Dan Campbell doesn’t rest Detroit Lions starters in meaningless game vs. 49ers

But Aikman wasn’t so sure it was the right call.

Aikman discussed how the Lions had their bye week all the way back in Week 5, going so far as to call the Lions “a tired football team.“

The former Dallas Cowboys star quarterback and longtime broadcaster continued to bring up the question throughout the first half, including after a big hit on tight end Sam LaPorta, and on other plays said Campbell would be happy to just come out with bigger damages.

Only time will tell if Aikman was right.