Jordan Love Will Be Packers' QB1 Over Malik Willis When Healthy, Matt LaFleur Says

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said there is no question Jordan Love will remain his team's starting quarterback despite strong performances from backup Malik Willis in his absence.

With Love sidelined by a concussion he suffered in Week 16, Willis recorded a career-high 288 passing yards during last Saturday's Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

When asked if Willis might give the Packers "a better chance to win," however, LaFleur said Sunday he wanted to "pump the brakes on all that stuff."

"I think Jordan Love was playing some pretty high-level football," LaFleur said. "And I think it's great that we feel the same about Malik, and his ability to go in there. I thought he had two really back-to-back outstanding performances. So we're in a good spot, with that position, certainly have a lot of confidence in both of those guys.

"But it's pretty clear that Jordan is our franchise quarterback, and he is going to be, when he's healthy, he is going to be our starter."

The Packers are preparing for a Week 18 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. LaFleur said he had not yet determined whether starters would be playing in the game, which will not impact Green Bay's status as the No. 7 seed in the NFC.

Love had led the Packers to a 9-5-1 record this season while completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Willis has meanwhile completed 85.7 percent of his passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns with no picks, while adding two touchdowns on the ground, in three relief appearances and one start.

He was briefly replaced by Clayton Tune in the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss to the Ravens after aggravating a right shoulder injury. His return to the field was met with a standing ovation from fans at Lambeau Field.

The Packers were ultimately blown out 41-24, however, by a Ravens team missing star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper said after the game the defeat had been "just embarrassing."

LaFleur said Sunday he expects Willis would be available to play next weekend against the Minnesota Vikings.

Deciding which quarterback will be under center against the Vikings will depend on both Love's health status as well as whether the Packers decide to prioritize resting starters or building momentum.

The Packers have dropped three straight games heading into the regular season finale, raising the possibility the team could enter the playoffs on a four-game losing streak.

LaFleur told reporters Saturday the quarterback decision would ultimately be made after Love passes concussion protocol.

The Packers are currently on track to open the playoffs with a Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears, although that could change depending in part on the outcome of the Bears' Sunday night matchup at the San Francisco 49ers.