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With nothing to play for, Packers sit QB Rodgers vs. Lions

The Green Bay Packers officially are in playoff mode as the team announced Sunday morning that backup Matt Flynn -- not Aaron Rodgers -- will start at quarterback against the Detroit Lions on New Year's Day.

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Rodgers wasn't listed on the team's injury report Friday, but the star quarterback was ruled inactive Sunday with the Packers facing an essentially meaningless game after they locked up the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed last week. NFL Network's Albert Breer reported that because Rodgers will not play, his 122.5 passer rating this season will set a new league record.

Flynn will make his second career start.

The Packers will rest several other star players with nagging injuries, including cornerback Charles Woodson, linebacker Clay Matthews, wide receiver Greg Jennings, right tackle Bryan Bulaga, running back James Starks and wide receiver Randall Cobb.

Veteran left tackle Chad Clifton will start his first game since Oct. 9 for the Packers. Clifton hurt his hamstring in the Packers' victory at Atlanta, then hurt his back during the rehabilitation process.

Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (foot), cornerback Chris Houston (hankd, knee) and safety Amari Spievey (knee) are active, but cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder), safety Louis Delmas and defensive tackle Corey Williams (hip) have been ruled out.

Sammie Hill will start in Williams' place, and Chris Harris will start for Delmas.

Visit www.nfl.com/inactives to see inactive players in every Sunday game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.