It's bad enough watching a rookie quarterback such as Seattle's Russell Wilson

However, it stands in stark contrast with Goodell's stated intent to get an 18-game season, which would exasperate every health issue. And it doesn't jibe with the move to stage a Thursday night game each week – requiring players to go on three days of rest.

How much fans really care about the health and safety of the players is debatable. Long-term concerns are easily voiced, but, in reality, the fans want the game to go on. Short-term concerns are a different deal; they affect the product on the field. The Thursday experiment is yielding troubling results.

It's bad enough watching a rookie quarterback such as Seattle's Russell Wilson look completely unprepared against San Francisco on Thursday after such a short week of prep. It's another when the 49ers sit running back Frank Gore in the fourth quarter for being essentially beaten to a pulp over the course of two brutally violent games in five days. The Thursday game is great for fan interest and revenue, but what of the players? What of the quality of play? Why not a second bye week, one of which is required before each Thursday game? Or why have the Thursday games at all? 

The Giants knew they’d be getting a quality opponent regardless

In what ways do the Reds pose a challenge?

"Good bullpen, good starting rotation and good hitting," Pagansaid. "They're a good team. That's why they won the Central. But we believe we're good too, so they should be asking the same questions about us."

The Giants knew they'd be getting a quality opponent regardless of whether it ended up being the Reds or Washington Nationals. The Reds entered their final regular-season game already at 97 victories – their most in the regular season since the tail end of the Big Red Machine days in 1976.

They have left-handed power in Jay Bruce, right-handed power in Ryan Ludwick and threats on the bases in almost everyone else.