The international break came at a good time and gave boss Neil Redfearn chance to work on a long list of frailties and also strengthen his squad.
But the Millers are thrown back into the deep end this weekend as they travel to Leeds for a game with more sub-plots than a best-selling novel.
Here are five things to look out for in the game.
Managers' receptions and starting well
Who would ever have predicted that Rotherham would be coming up against former manager Steve Evans at Elland Road when he left the Millers in September? It's a development that Evans himself could not have foreseen and adds extra spice to the game, especially as it also sees Redfearn coming up against his former club. Both men are likely to get warm receptions from the opposition fans. Evans never had a farewell at Rotherham and despite some detractors since his exit he is likely to be well-received while Redfearn should also get an ovation from the home crowd owing to his treatment at the West Yorkshire club last season. Interestingly, though, what will their reception be for each other? Evans claims they are friends, but has had his nose put of joint by Redfearn's comments about the situation he inherited at the Millers, with the Millers boss saying their relationship is professional. All eyes will be on the dugout. Even if there is no animosity Evans, being the type he is, will almost certainly get his players fired up for the game, so the Millers have no option but to start well - something they haven't done in the last three games.
Getting the monkey off the back
No one would say Redfearn has has an easy induction to his Millers tenure, the level of opposition has been incredibly tough, he's been short on numbers and the new man has struggled to find a side who he feels can compete. As a result, he is winless in his first six games - a record that has got our statisticians searching the history books to see if it's ever been done before. While being granted some leniency, it's clear that he has to get some results soon. Redfearn himself has admitted that he needs to find the balance between changing the club's philosophy and getting results and that swing towards results has to happen soon. He would absolutely love it to be at Elland Road on Saturday.
What improvements will we see?
Redfearn has had two clear weeks with his players on the training ground and the focus will be on what he has actually been working on and whether that comes through in the performance in West Yorkshire. In the wake of the horror show against Ipswich last time out he said that he might have to go back-to-basics, adding that he might focus on getting up and down the pitch, making the Millers more solid. There's also been the chance to work on patterns of play and defensive solidity - both things missing in recent weeks.
What impact will Leon Best have?
Redfearn made former Newcastle and Blackburn striker Leon Best his third signing during the international break and he is set for his debut at Elland Road. He has been on trial with the Millers for the last few weeks and has proved his quality and fitness to Redfearn. Unless he is really off the pace match fitness wise, Best should be expected to go straight into the starting XI and it's exciting to see what he will bring to the Millers, who are in desperate need of something extra up front. Jonson Clarke-Harris has been more effective off the bench in recent weeks while Matt Derbyshire has struggled for form and Jordan Bowery could be set for a loan exit, so Redfearn is desperate for Best to produce the goods.
