NFL rewards 49ers win with second short week in a row. "It's not ideal."

[Auggie]

At the other end of their sixth straight win in a game that spanned more than three hours late Sunday night, the San Francisco 49ers found out their reward: a Saturday night season finale (5 p.m. PT) against the Seahawks for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Both teams will have to deal with a short week. But for the 49ers, it’ll be their second in a row.

The NFL determined the Ravens-Steelers game, with a playoff berth and the AFC North division at stake, was a better fit for “Sunday Night Football” than a game set to determine the top seed of a conference.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was hopeful his 49ers would get regular rest to recuperate, particularly with All-Pros George Kittle (ankle) and Trent Williams (hamstring) nursing injuries. Shanahan was mildly disappointed to be dealt the short end of the stick.

“I wish it wasn’t,” Shanahan said. “I mean, we just had a short week. Really wished it would’ve been Sunday. But it is what it is. Hopefully the guys can heal up and be ready to go.”

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-face-short-week-ahead-playing-top-seed-21265704.php

They can't have a regular Sunday game at 1:00 PM? Nope -- put the players health, and playoff availability, in jeopardy for the sake of ratings. Players union: stop this shit

[calguy]

1. At least they don't have to travel

The Seahawks had to fly cross-country.

[True Dough]

2. The 49ers

have performed admirably this season, overcoming a lot of injuries to compile a very good record.

Should be a great game against Seattle.

[Auggie]

4. Yes. Offense is carrying the team; the defense is in shambles

It's not just a lack of playmakers like Bosa and Warner, but on-field adjustment and leadership that is personified by Warner's presence. Lot of blown/missed coverage and blocking assignments last night that the "Mike" linebacker (Bethune) is responsible for calling. Warner is the 49ers "Mike" when healthy. The San Francisco Chronicle graded the defensive effort last night with an F. Their summation:

The 49ers better hope All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner comes back for the postseason. The defense they rolled out Sunday night is not Super Bowl-caliber. Before the game-ending play — with Yetur Gross-Matos forcing Bears QB Caleb Williams into an off-balance throw — Robert Saleh’s unit had the strength of a wet paper bag. The Bears rolled up 440 yards, averaged 6.9 yards per play, and the Niners didn’t intercept a pass or sack Williams on any of his 42 passes. The blame goes around: Ji’Ayir Brown was burned on a 35-yard TD pass; Tatum Bethune lost coverage on a 36-yard score; Bethune was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty that pushed the Bears into go-ahead field goal range; and Chicago converted both fourth-down tries for first downs and picked up three of its 26 first downs courtesy of 49ers penalties.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-game-grades-offensive-fireworks-defense-21265075.php

[lark]

5. It will be must watch tv!

We go to bed around 10:30 normally, so doubt we'd be able to watch the whole thing - but there's always on demand to see the end.

[chicoescuela]

3. Hopefully we don't get the LA refs. They always work against the Niners.

At least that’s what my dad told me sixty years ago when SF couldn’t beat the Rams. I believed him.

[Wounded Bear]

6. Seahawks get the same schedule, but with 8 hours on a plane...

flying home from Carolina and then down to SF.

Cry me a river.

[Auggie]

7. The issue is recovery -- two short weeks in a row for SF

But Seahwks fans should be just as upset.

The NFL had a choice, but chose safety over sanity to appease Disney.