There's no guarantee that the Packers would have overtaken the Dallas Cowboys for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, but it doesn't matter now that the Packers failed to show up in Chicago in a 35-7 loss to the Bears.
Not only did the Packers have possible home field incentive, but they should have had plenty of incentive to beat the Bears after Chicago won the first meeting in Green Bay earlier this season.
But it didn't seem to matter. The Bears went on a 10+ minute drive to start the game to take the lead early and set the tone for the Bears offense, which had struggled much of the season.
The Packers always brag about their ability to play in cold weather and how that's such a big edge. It wasn't yesterday. The Bears made it work just fine, but not the Packers. Large portions of their players on the sideline at any given time could be seen huddling around the sideline heaters, much like cattle in a field huddle together to either eat, drink or stay warm.
The Bears had every reason to fold their tent, with no playoff spot to play for. But the Packers took the honors instead.
Now there's little to be gained in the final week of the season against Detroit, but it will be important for Mike McCarthy to get his team back in order, and going into the playoffs with some momentum.
A week ago, fans and media were counting the ways the Dallas Cowboys would fold their tent and surrender home field to the Packers. Now it's the Packers turn. If you doubted the Cowboys a week ago, you may have to consider that thought for the Packers this week.
Mike McCarthy said after the game that he wasn't ready to announce how he'll play his starters this week. My guess is if you're hurt, you'll sit. If you're not, you'll play with the thought of doing what it takes to beat the Lions and hit the playoffs with some momentum.