Favorable Thursday and Monday games
Thursday night games are always rough on players, so the timing of them is key. The 49ers are in Seattle the week before their Thursday night meeting at home against the Packers. Getting the Thursday game at home is vital, and only traveling a couple hours up the coast the previous week will be helpful. Their ensuing long week of rest comes before they travel to New Orleans. Getting a couple extra days before arguably the toughest game of the year is a fortunate break.
Monday night games lead to a short week for the following game, but the 49ers got another break in that regard. They host Buffalo on Monday Night Football, then they stay home against Washington – which might wind up being their easiest game of the year.