13-3 AMAZING

Packers wide receiver Ruvell Martin celebrates his 32-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter.(Photo/Mark Hoffman)

This was a fun way to end the regular season.

Green Bay -- Packers coach Mike McCarthy had been so incensed with his players' poor performance last week he considered making his starters play a full four quarters in an otherwise inconsequential regular-season finale.

McCarthy cooled off by Sunday, deciding to rest several top players for the playoffs. It turned out he didn't really have to choose between playing it safe and playing to win in Green Bay's 34-13 victory over Detroit.

Green Bay (13-3) will host its first game at 3:30 CT on Saturday, Jan. 12 (full playoff schedule).

The Packers didn't need their starters to beat the lowly Lions, tie a franchise record for victories in a season and rebound from an ugly loss in windy and cold conditions at Chicago.

"I think it punched us right in the mouth, and it was a good wake-up call," McCarthy said of last week's loss to the Bears. "The most important thing about a wake-up call, in my opinion, is how you respond to it."

...Favre even made a rare contribution to the running game, scrambling for 21 yards on the Packers' first possession to set up a 27-yard touchdown run by Grant.

"I've still got a little bit left," Favre joked.

The fun didn't stop there, as Favre threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Koren Robinson - Robinson's first touchdown since serving a 1-year suspension under the NFL's substance abuse policy. Favre celebrated enthusiastically in the end zone with Robinson, whom Favre has publicly supported all season. After the game, Favre called Robinson "a great guy with very good character who's had some problems."

Favre then threw a 4-yard touchdown to Bubba Franks on the Packers' third possession. Desperate for someone to celebrate with, Favre ran into a bewildered official - and immediately slapped him five.

13-3

Packers 34
Lions 13