Sit the starters

What we as fans want is totally different from the perspective of management and the coaching staff. Yes, we want to see a quality game, but the goal is to play in the Super Bowl and win it. How could you win when your best players were injured during a game that had no meaning? A perfect season without a Super Bowl? A rushing crown at the cost of losing Shaun Alexander?

Lee S., Parkland

I'm fine with the idea of these two conference leaders resting their starters for a potentially meaningless regular season game. Both Holmgren and Dungy know that the postseason is what it's all about. I just hope the Seahawks have wrapped up home field position before the Indy game. Then both teams can rest their starters and prepare to do battle in the playoffs.

Ray L., Vancouver, Wash.

The ultimate goal is the to win the Super Bowl. Both teams have a very realistic chance at being there. With the abuse their bodies take week in and week out, resting would make sense if it means getting to and winning the Super Bowl. It may not be the best game to watch, but I would rather see those teams get to at go at it in the big game.

Jason B., Shorewood, Ill.

I feel the Seahawks should play the starters at the start of the game. The first team still needs reps to stay in game shape. At some point, substitute players, because they may be needed in the playoffs and really need the playing time. Also, players who are hurt or banged up should be rested for the playoffs. The bottom line is these opportunities don't come along every year as true Seahawks fans know. Records are no good if you lose in the first round or can't go to the Super Bowl because you have hurt players.

John V., Modesto, Calif.

Why would the Colts bother playing their best players? They're going to get beat anyway.

Dave H., Bellingham

The ultimate prize is the Super Bowl! Not a perfect season. If you don't need the game, the starters should not be in there. It should be approached as an exhibition game. One quarter or so to keep in sync and then hand it off to the backups. For the fans who have a ticket to a game like this late in the year its unfortunate, but it's part of sports.

Mike D., Farmington, N.Y.

As a former Green Lake rat and a Seahawk fan since day one, I have no problem with keeping us healthy for our first real shot at moving past round one in the playoffs. Let's stay focused and get the ring!

David G., Klamath Falls, Ore.

If both teams have it all wrapped up by then they would be crazy to risk Manning or Alexander getting hurt. But there is very little chance that Seattle will have home-field advantage locked up by then.

Dennis L., Lynden

When you whittle it down, the coach for each team should have the last say. After all, they're the ones who got the teams to where they are. We as fans and the media should just enjoy the product that the coach has given us.

Russ T., Kent

As a lifelong fan of the Seahawks I would expect them to sit Alexander and Hasselbeck if they have their playoff spot all wrapped up. Winning in January is far more important than a meaningless game at the end of the regular season.

Jacob C., Bremerton

Tony Dungy is smart to rest his players, especially Edgerrin James. Why risk hurting the best runner in yards-per-carry to beat a record? The only record that will matter is winning the Super Bowl. A perfect season would be icing, but it ain't the cake.

Tom T., Seattle

As much as I would like to see the Colts and the Seahawks play head to head with all their starters (which we could in February), I'd rather see a Super Bowl with a healthy team. Look at the Mariners a few years ago having the best record in the majors and not making it to the World Series. Most fans would rather have a World Championship than the best record. You don't get a ring for being undefeated in the regular season.

Justin S., Federal Way

If both teams have everything locked up, yes, then I believe both teams will play a cautious and vanilla game. The reason is simple: Neither coach will want to give away anything if they were to meet in the Super Bowl. Which looks like a strong possibility.

Les S., Las Vegas

What I am worried about is choking in the playoffs again. If there is no chance to lose home-field advantage throughout the playoffs when the Colts come to town, then I say, "Let's see what Seneca has got!" Keep the players healthy for a run at the Super Bowl. Could you imagine if Hasselbeck got hurt by Freeny coming off the edge on Christmas Eve? The starters have busted themselves up all year long to earn home field. Let them watch the younger guys get the nod on a nationally recognized game.

Blake H., Anaconda, Mont.

If every player is considered part of the team, and every player is considered important, you play who you think you should to set yourself up for the the playoffs and a Super Bowl run. The other stuff (records) is second behind winning. Ask yourself this: Are the '72 dolphins considered the best all-time team? In my book, they are really not even considered.

Ryan D., Everett

I am a season ticket holder and to me it's simple; If both teams have secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, REST YOUR PLAYERS!! If nothing else, perhaps let starters play for one quarter or the first half, but definitely get them some rest. The main goal is getting to (and winning) the Super Bowl. Nothing else matters.

Kurt V., Auburn

If the Seahawks and the Colts get the home-field advantage, it would make sense to save the starters. If either the Colts' Peyton Manning or Seahawks' Shaun Alexander went down with injuries, the coaches would be on the hot seat. I believe the big picture is the Super Bowl. The Seahawks have never been, and we have a chance for home field for the playoffs, and so do the Colts. The record means nothing unless you have a Super Bowl win to go with it.

Anthony B., Fairfax, Va.

As a fan, yes I would be disappointed. But I have to say that if these coaches can get their respective teams to that secure of a place in the season, then they are obviously doing something right and you'd have to trust that their decisions for that game will be the right one for thier team, and consequently, their fans.

Wayne F., Puyallup