If they lose in the Wild Card round, he would get criticism either way. If he didn't "rest" the starters and they lose, it would be because they were tired and perhaps banged up. If he does sit the starters and they lose, it will be because they lost focus and continuity.

I think the most important thing in that scenario is if he prevents Gurley from winning the rushing and/or MVP title and they still lose in the Wild Card round. I would not be happy if I were Gurley if coach made that decision for me and it backfired. If McVay is going to tell Gurley he has to sacrifice those rare and difficult to achieve honors, they darn well better not lose the game for which those sacrifices were made.

Where he'll really get nailed by the media and fans is if they don't play to win the 9ers game and they lose, then they end up playing and losing a road playoff game that would have been at home had they beat the 9ers.