No one ought to be surprised at this.
What's better for a team? To get into a dog fight with a rival who OF COURSE wants to knock off the big dog on the last game of the year? Or, to rest your key starters, remove injury risk, remove suspension risk, give your back ups extended playing time, and get ready for a long playoff run?
There is no scenario where the Rams get a bye. And whether 3rd seed or 4th, what difference does it make who the Rams opponent is? Throw the records out for the playoffs, it's an entirely new season. The Rams have to win 3 games to get to the Superbowl no matter what happens against the Niners.
And the reality is that the Rams are better on the road than at home.
Everything from the second the Titans game ended in Rams victory needs to be preparation to get to the Superbowl. And heck yeah, that is exactly what the Ram ought to be talking about. Sure you prepare one game at time; but the goal MUST be the Superbowl. And I have no doubt that McVay will stress that loud and clear.