49ers schedule actually more favorable than Rams' after Australia trip
There's been some outcry about the San Francisco 49ers schedule compared to the Rams after their game in Australia, but it's not that bad for SF.
The NFL schedule release ruffled some feathers in the San Francisco 49ers ' universe when the 49ers were given an apparently unfavorable slate of games compared to that of the Los Angeles Rams after the two clubs return from their season-opening bout in Melbourne, Australia. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan requested the Monday Night Football game after they get back from Australia. Instead, that game went to the Rams.
San Francisco returns home from their Thursday night game in Melbourne to play again Sunday afternoon against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium. The Rams, meanwhile, don't play again until Monday night, giving them a full extra day of rest before their Week 2 game. The immediate benefit for the Rams is undeniable.
That extra day off after the Australia trip should be valuable, even with the additional days off after a Thursday game. However, the longer term schedule shows the 49ers got the better draw. After returning from Melbourne, the 49ers get three consecutive home games.
Then when they do travel they make the short flight north to Seattle. Then they get another home game in Week 6 before finally travelling to Atlanta for Week 7 on Oct. 25.