Following the controversy caused by the Colts pulling their starters during the week 16 game against the Jets, the NFL will ask the competition committee to re-review the rules on playoff bound teams resting their key players during games later in the regular season.

“This is an issue that we have reviewed in the past. The position of the Competition Committee, and affirmed by the clubs, when it was reviewed in 2005 was that ‘a team that has clinched its division title has earned the right to rest its starters for the postseason, and that preparing for the postseason is just as important as protecting some other team’s playoff opportunity.’ That is the current policy.” said Greg Aiello, the NFL’s senior vice president of public relations on Friday.

“We are aware of the fan reaction and that is a factor to be considered. Some teams that have everything clinched, like the Giants and Patriots two years ago, choose to play all out to continue or gain momentum for the playoffs. We expect to continue to review this issue.”

The Indianapolis Colts took their first loss of the regular season last Sunday. First year coach, Jim Caldwell, pulled quarterback Payton Manning from the game against the New York Jets causing a flood of negative reactions from Colts fans and NFL fans.

The Jets benefited from their win against the Colts and if they win Sunday night against the Bengals they can secure a wild-card playoff spot. It is possible that the Cincinnati Bengals might rest key players.

The Saints are planning on resting their starters when they play the Panthers and the Colts will probably take the same stand and not play their key players against the Bills.

It doesn’t seem likely the NFL will force teams to play their key players.

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