Should the 49ers limit player snaps in a 17 game season?

To take MLB as an example, they only play their main pitchers once every 4 games. On defense, there is a lot of substitution, so it is easier, in theory, to just reduce a particular defender's snaps from 60ish to low 50s by just subbing in backups more. However, on offense, there is much more temptation to have players play all of the snaps, especially at QB and OL. This year, 49ers will be drafting a rookie QB. So, that would give them the option of having the rookie play one game, or possibly starting the first series in every game. So, in theory, you could have a more rested team going into the playoffs. On the other hand, the less time your best players are on the field, the greater the chance that you will lose games.

👎European & pansexual

What?

Why is this poll just about us?

Always play our starters unless we are blowing out teams in the fourth quarter

Insert "You play to win the game gif"

I can see that 17th game become a bye week if it has no meaning in playoff positioning.

Originally posted by fryet:
To take MLB as an example, they only play their main pitchers once every 4 games. On defense, there is a lot of substitution, so it is easier, in theory, to just reduce a particular defender's snaps from 60ish to low 50s by just subbing in backups more. However, on offense, there is much more temptation to have players play all of the snaps, especially at QB and OL. This year, 49ers will be drafting a rookie QB. So, that would give them the option of having the rookie play one game, or possibly starting the first series in every game. So, in theory, you could have a more rested team going into the playoffs. On the other hand, the less time your best players are on the field, the greater the chance that you will lose games.

LOL

Just go into the 4th quarter up 30+ points every game and then rest your starters. Problem solved.

Knowing our luck the 17th game will be meaningful for us to get the top seed or playoff spot in what would've already been clinched in previous seasons, just for one of the blue chip players to get their ACL torn