One question that always pops up around this time of year is whether or not a team should rest its starters. This season, with two teams that have their sights on finishing 16-0, there is some added weight to that question.

The Saints have already come out and stated that they want to run the table and finish strong heading into the playoffs. So don’t expect Sean Payton to rest his starters over the next couple of weeks.

But the Colts are a different animal (no pun intended).

According to SI.com’s Peter King, Indianapolis will likely begin the process of resting its veterans on Thursday night at Jacksonville. Players dealing with small injuries like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will likely see some time off, and Peyton Manning usually rests in Week 17.

If the Colts do decide to rest their starters, it would be a wise decision. Being a part of history is nice, but the Patriots have taken some of the luster out of going 16-0 and besides, winning a championship is the only thing that matters in the end. What’s the point of a team going 16-0 and not winning the Super Bowl? (I just made a lot of Giants fans happy with that last line.)

When players convene for training camp every year, they usually don’t have a goal of going 16-0. Their goal is simple: Win the Super Bowl. Just because the Colts are undefeated, doesn’t mean players like Freeney or Mathis should risk their health. If they need time off, then they should get it before the postseason (the real season – the only that matters) starts.

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