Even an undefeated team can't avoid the difficult questions.
The 13-0 Carolina Panthers have plowed over every opponent placed in front of them during the 2015 season. Having already clinched a first-round bye, coach Ron Rivera was treated to inquiries about whether he will rest star players as the season wanes or play for 16-0.
"I can't tell you what I'm going to do," Rivera said on Friday, via ESPN.com. "I can't tell you what my mindset is going to be. We're going to play each game and we'll play the players as necessary.
"It's about being smart down the stretch. Again, the ultimate goal is to win (the Super Bowl). But at the same time I've got to look at things, weigh things. But I don't know what I'm going to do."
The Panthers need a win and an Arizona loss this week to clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage leading up to the Super Bowl. Rivera will play his players until home field is clinched. If that is accomplished this week or next, then Rivera will decide what to do about his stars.
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