Its a tough call for Stafford and McVay. If they have any chance at thinking playoffs this is a game they have to win. Going 3-6 into the bye almost guarantees missing the playoffs. But if Stafford injures his thumb even more to the point of missing several games, That likely guarantees missing the playoffs.
Then there is also the possibility of missing the playoffs even if they win this game. Because to be honest, I'm not sure they have a roster good enough to win 9 or more games.
Its also possible 8 wins gets in. When you get past the 4 division winners, and the two wild card front runners, I don't see anyone better than 8 wins.
Right now, when we're fully healthy, we're as good as the ten teams left after the top 6. I can't say we're better. But we're not worse either. With a healthy Stafford we likely have the best quarterback of the ten teams that don't have a winning record. But we might have the worst defense.