Week 8 at Philadelphia Eagles
Carlos Hyde had 14 carries for 64 yards and added 4 receptions for 20 yards to salvage what was a forgettable day for the 49ers last week. You'll take 18 touches for your RB2, which is what Hyde figures to be in a tough matchup with Philadelphia. Teams haven't run much on the Eagles, but they will give up some catches. And Hyde has been catching the ball more this season.
Week 7 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Carlos Hyde had just 13 carries for 28 yards last week but scored twice and added 5 catches for 47 yards, making it a solid effort. There was no timeshare with Matt Breida. Hyde is the No. 1 back here and that makes him a solid RB2 option this week with some RB1 upside against a Dallas defense ranked 26th in the league against opposing running backs.
Week 6 at Washington
Carlos Hyde got just 8 carries last week compared to 10 for Matt Brieda. But that was because Hyde managed just 11 yards on his attempts, while Breida had 49. Hyde is still the starter and if he starts well, Brieda will only get a smattering of carries. Washington is third in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, so it could be tough sledding. But Hyde is the better back and more of a threat as a pass-catcher. Use him as an RB2.
Week 5 at Indianapolis Colts
Carlos Hyde continues to deal with a hip issue that is keeping him out of practices but not games. He had 16 carries for 68 yards and caught 5 passes for another 27 yards last week. But he also was on the field for less than 70% of the snaps. Backup Matt Breida is dealing with an injury himself, so that could change Hyde's participation. He's a solid start given his workload against an Indianapolis defense that has allowed four rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs.
Week 4 at Arizona Cardinals
Carlos Hyde got 25 bruising carries for 84 yards and 2 scores last week against the Rams, adding 3 catches for 10 yards. He's had at least 3 receptions in each of the first three games which is a nice bonus. Hyde had 30 carries for 159 yards and 12 for 45 in the two matchups against Arizona last season. The Cardinals haven't allowed more than 80 rushing yards to opposing RBs yet this season, but have given up 2 rushing scores. Hyde will get the ball in this one enough to be used as a solid RB2 or low-end RB1.
Week 3 vs. L.A. Rams
Carlos Hyde had 15 carries for 124 yards and 3 receptions for another 19 yards last week against Seattle, accounting for pretty much all of the San Francisco offensive output in the game. He played in just one game against the Rams last season and had 21 carries for 48 yards and a score. The Rams have been tough to throw on thus far this season, but have been much more forgiving on the ground, including allowing 222 yards and 2 scores to Washington's running backs last week. Hyde should perform as a No. 1 running back this week.
Week 2 at Seattle Seahawks
Carlos Hyde got off to an okay start last week, mainly thanks, to of all things, his receiving ability. He had 77 total yards on 15 touches: 9 carries for 45 yards and 6 catches for 32 yards. Hyde played just once against the Seahawks last season, managing only 9 yards on 6 carries. That doesn't bode well. But the 49ers are going to have to try to run the ball and dump the ball off quickly. Hyde should get enough touches to be a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 back.
Week 1 vs. Carolina Panthers
Carlos Hyde averaged a healthy 4.6 yards per carry last season and scored 9 touchdowns. He's been solid, when healthy. He's healthy now and should find some running room against the Panthers, who were middle of the pack against the run last season. Seven of the eight touchdowns Carolina allowed to running backs last season came in road games, making Hyde a nice low-end No. 1, high-end No. 2 running back this week.
Fantasy Upside
Carlos Hyde came up just 12 yards short of 1,000 yards last season and also scored 9 touchdowns—6 rushing, 3 receiving.
Fantasy Downside
Hyde fumbled five times in 244 touches, which is too many. He's also missed 14 games in three seasons, which is why the 49ers brought in challengers for him this season. Early word is he's holding the challengers off, but that might only last until the next injury occurs. The 49ers also don't figure to be playing with many leads to allow him to continue to run the ball.
2017 Bottom Line
The injuries are a concern. The fumbles are a concern. You'll never know if he can hold onto the job. But he has it right now. And while you can certainly do better than Hyde as your No. 2 back, he's not a bad No. 3. His current ADP, however, is in the fourth or fifth round, which is probably a little high for what you should be looking to get out of him. Don't pull the trigger until you've filled out your other starting spots.
Week 16 at Los Angeles
Hyde managed just 13 carries last week, as the 49ers fell behind against the Falcons. He did pick up 73 yards and one catch for six yards, but it wasn't a stellar effort. Back in Week 1, Hyde had one of his more productive games of the season, rushing for 88 yards and two scores in a win over the Rams. He should produce enough to be useful as a No. 2 back this week in what figures to be a game won in the trenches.
