Julius Peppers: 'We are taking nothing for granted'

Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers has insisted that his side are not taking anything for granted in their push for the playoffs, despite already naming captains for the post-season.

The Packers are 10-4 in their campaign, but are yet to secure their place in the playoffs as the Detroit Lions lead the NFC North on a tie-breaker.

However, head coach Mike McCarthy has taken the decision to pick the post-season captains, which Peppers believes is only a sign of the importance to get the job done.

"I don't think it was necessarily assuming we were going to make the playoffs," Peppers told reporters. "It's just that time of the year.

"You want guys that's going to emphasize having that sense of urgency and leading that time of the year. It's the playoff time of the year. We're not assuming we've already made it."

Green Bay face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their week-16 match.