Does Resting Stars in Week 17 Work in the Playoffs?

We'll find out in the Steelers' Sunday matchup.

Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Todd Haley during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Mike Tomlin rested Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Cameron Heyward Week 17, which makes the Steelers’ Sunday matchup against the Jaguars another opportunity to debate whether resting stars actually helps. After the Rams’ decision to rest some starters Week 17 and their subsequent defeat in the first round, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell looks back at recent history in an attempt to settle the debate. His conclusion? There are just as many success stories as there are heartbreaking ones. While this week’s Rams, the 2011 Packers and the 2010 Patriots looked terrible after benching their stars, the 2012 Ravens, 2009 Saints, and 2009 Colts squads did so en route to the Super Bowl. Tomlin has both history working for him and against him this weekend.

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