NFL Tickets
When the San Francisco 49ers matched up against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, many predicted a win but not a blowout. Due to the game getting out of hand early, one of the biggest beneficiaries or the 49ers’ dominance was rookie running back Carlos Hyde.
The Ohio State Buckeye finished the game with seven carries, 50 yards and a touchdown inside of the red zone. Even though the 50 yards and score is nice too see, fantasy owners must remember that Frank Gore is still the No. 1 guy sitting a top the 49ers’ depth chart. Also, another thing to look at is the seven carries that he received, and even though he made the most of them, it was still only seven carries.
Owners who grabbed Hyde with a late-round pick made a smart choice, but there is no reason for Hyde to be in a starting lineup unless it’s a league with 14 or more players. The only way I see Hyde taking the starting job away from Gore is if he gets injured or struggles mightily, but it’s hard to see either of those two things happening. Hyde is eight years younger than Gore, and he is a similar back with the same type of running style. But why would the 49ers turn to a rookie when they have a veteran who is still capable of putting up big numbers?
There is no doubting Hyde or the talent that he possess; it’s just too early in the season to rely on him for the production of a No. 2 type of back in fantasy leagues. For owners patiently waiting for Hyde to break out and become the No. 1 guy in San Francisco, they are going to have to wait until next season.
In Week 2 the 49ers go against a solid Chicago Bears defense, so that should also shy owners away from starting him. Hyde is a low No. 3 running back or flex option for those without many other options to turn to. Expect another five to seven carries for the young running back, but don’t expect to see anything more than 30-40 yards of production.
Vinny Lanni is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.
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