Week 15 at Atlanta
The only thing that kept Hyde's 17-carry, 193-yard rushing effort against the Jets last week off the radar was Le'Veon Bell's monster day. And the fact the 49ers lost. Hyde also caught a 7-yard pass for a TD for a little icing on top of the cake. Atlanta's rush defense might be easier for Hyde to crack than the 49ers' passing game against the Falcons' pass D. They've given up 11 rushing TDs this week. With 20 touches, Hyde is a good bet to get into the end zone. He's a solid No. 2 option with No. 1 upside.
Week 14 vs. Jets
Hyde got 20 carries for 92 yards and added one catch for six yards, which actually isn't a bad day considering how badly the 49ers passing game performed. Hyde is going to be a high-volume worker with 20 or so touches per game. The Jets have gotten easier to run ball against as the season has worn on and Hyde should gain some traction. He's a RB2 given his workload, regardless of the quarterback situation.
Week 13 at Chicago
Hyde had just 13 carries for 65 yards last week, but he did catch five passes for 30 yards and a score. He's been a bigger part of the passing game the past two weeks, which is promising. Chicago's run defense has been very solid this season, but has given up eight rushing touchdowns to running backs. Hyde's usage suggests playing him as a No. 2 running back and hoping his recent usage in the passing game is a continuing trend.
Week 12 at Miami
Hyde was solid last week with 19 carries for 86 yards and three catches for 24 as he returned to healthy. He's healthy again this week, which should mean 20-25 touches once again. Miami's run defense is middle of the pack, so given Hyde's workload, he should be solid as a No. 2 RB option this week as long as San Francisco's defense keeps the Dolphins from getting out to a big early lead.
Week 11 vs. New England
Hyde returned to the lineup last week, but had little success against Arizona, with 13 carries for 14 yards. Given that he's not much of a factor in the passing game, that's a very unproductive day. New England RB defense has been solid this season, with most of the damage against it coming via dump-offs. That's not Hyde's strong point. Use him as a flex or a low-end No. 2 and hope he gets enough action to make it work.
Week 10 at Arizona
Hyde returned to practice Thursday after being a Friday scratch last week because of a shoulder injury. Even if he does play this week, he's got a difficult matchup with Arizona's defense.
Week 9 vs. New Orleans
Hyde should be back this week after sitting out two weeks ago before the bye with a shoulder injury. The Saints are one of the worst run defenses in fantasy football thanks to the 12 rushing touchdowns they have given up. Even though Hyde isn't a big part of San Francisco's passing game, he's a solid start in all formats this week.
Week 6 at Buffalo
Hyde had 22 carries for 78 yards and a score and added a season-high 6 catches for 36 yards as well last week. That's a heavy workload, but it's why he's considered a solid No. 1 RB most weeks despite playing in a pathetic offense. The Bills have been relatively stingy in terms of yardage allowed to opposing running backs, but they have allowed six RB touchdowns this season, compared to two through the air. Hyde should be a low-end No. 1 or high-end No. 2 back this week.
Week 5 vs. Arizona
Hyde had 15 carries for 74 yards and a score last week against Dallas, but added just one catch for 5 yards. His 16 touches in that game were his second fewest of the season but he now leads the NFC with five rushing touchdowns. Arizona has allowed three rushing TDs by opposing running backs this season, so there's some hope here. Play Hyde as a No. 2 back and hope he gets 20-25 touches.
Week 4 vs. Dallas
Hyde was pretty much the entire San Francisco offense last week, gaining 103 yards on 21 carries with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns after the game was long decided. That doesn't matter to you, however. And the fact that Hyde got 22 touches - he had one short catch as well - is a good thing. Dallas is 21st in fantasy points allowed to running backs, so Hyde should find some room if Blaine Gabbert and company can produce enough in the passing game to keep the Cowboys honest. He's a high-end No. 2 starter.
