The NFL schedule-makers have delivered a twist in the travel saga between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers—and it's one that might leave Kyle Shanahan feeling a little salty.

Back at the annual league meetings in March, Shanahan didn't hold back when voicing his frustration about the 49ers' upcoming trip to Australia to face the Rams. He made it clear he believed his team got the short end of the travel stick, especially since the Rams reportedly requested the game be played Down Under. But Shanahan held out hope for a small concession: a Monday night game in Week 2 to give his squad an extra day to recover after the long flight home.

Well, that hope just got dashed. Instead, it's the Rams who will enjoy the extra rest. Los Angeles is set to host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, September 21—giving them a full week to adjust after the Australia trip. The 49ers, meanwhile, will have to make do with a standard Sunday turnaround.

Now, only one team could have gotten that extra day. But in the world of NFL politics, timing is everything. Shanahan's public complaints at the meetings may have rubbed the league office the wrong way. The powers-that-be are known for having long memories—and they don't always take kindly to public griping.

To his credit, Shanahan didn't back down from speaking his mind. And if he believes this scheduling decision is a direct response to his candor, you can bet he'll have something to say about it. For now, the Rams get the edge—and the 49ers get a lesson in the fine art of picking your battles.