J.J. McCarthy is coming back to start the finale against Clayton Tune with nothing on the line, and that's boosted this spread to ridiculous levels. McCarthy couldn't do anything against the Packers defense in the first meeting, which didn't have Josh Jacobs and saw Jordan Love do nothing as Emanuel Wilson carried the Packers to a 23-6 win. Would the Packers be favored if they weren't resting starters? If the answer is yes, then this line move has gone too far.

The Vikings have won and covered four straight, thanks primarily to a peaking defense. They've allowed one touchdown pass while making five interceptions over the past seven games. J.J. McCarthy has a chance to return from his hand injury, but even if he doesn't, Max Brosmer shouldn't have to do much against Green Bay's backups. The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed. Last year, in a largely meaningless Week 18 game, Christian Watson tore his ACL and Jordan Love injured his elbow. I'm expecting Clayton Tune to start at QB; Malik Willis is dealing with a shoulder injury and the Packers might need him in the playoffs.

Even on a three-game slide entering Week 18, the Packers' priority is restoring health for the playoffs, where they are locked in as a 7 seed. Hence, look for several no-names on the field. Ailing QB Jordan Love, withheld from Saturday's loss to Baltimore. might get another DNP after a half-dozen teammates went down during the game. Already Green Bay was among the most injury-decimated team. Less uncertain is the status of Vikings QB JJ McCarthy. The injury-prone player skipped Sunday's game. It might not matter if he plays should Minnesota dispatch mostly first-stringers elsewhere against a bunch of Packers backups. The Vikes likely can name the score, within reason.