Carols Hyde Week 7 vs. Broncos
The good news last week was that Carlos Hyde got double-digit carries for the third consecutive game. The bad news? He managed just 14 yards and failed to score in a goal line possession. Denver is giving up 3.3 yards per carry and has allowed just 92 rushing attempts against in five games. Hyde should not be a consideration this week.
Carlos Hyde Week 6 vs. Rams
Carlos Hyde got 10 carries for the second consecutive week, picking up 43 yards against Kansas City. He's still playing second fiddle to Frank Gore, but against a St. Louis defense that is allowing 152.3 yards rushing per game, Hyde might be worth a shot as a flex this week. Remember, he's already taken a couple of goal-line carries away from Gore.
Carlos Hyde Week 5 vs. Chiefs
Carlos Hyde got 10 touches last week but produced just 26 yards. He's being used as a complimentary back to Frank Gore, which won't do you much good in fantasy, at least until/if Gore breaks down.
Carlos Hyde Week 4 vs. Eagles
Carlos Hyde isn't getting a ton of work early on - just three carries for 13 yards last week - but he is getting some important ones. He vultured his second touchdown last week, which is probably driving Frank Gore owners crazy. But even with the occasional TD, he's not worth using in any fantasy format ... yet.
Carlos Hyde Week 3 vs. Cardinals
Frank Gore owners rejoiced as Carlos Hyde was limited to four carries for no yards last week and is now dealing with a calf injury. He's expected to play this week, but the matchup with Arizona is a difficult one. Keep Hyde on your bench this week.
Carlos Hyde Week 2 vs Bears
Carlos Hyde came out of the gate strong last week, gaining 50 yards and a touchdown on his seven carries. Eventually, he could take on a larger role, but there's too much respect for Frank Gore in San Francisco for that to happen at this point. Hyde will get around 10 touches this week, which could put him in flex-use territory. But he's not starting material unless something happens to Gore, even with a solid matchup against Chicago this week.
Carlos Hyde Week 1 vs Cowboys
Carlos Hyde will not only be Frank Gore's handcuff, he'll spell the aging veteran as well. If Hyde can get 10 touches per week, he could have some value moving forward as a flex player as well. Dallas will be running a soft defense out there against the 49ers on Sunday, but playing a second running back out of this lineup, especially one who isn't necessarily going to catch passes, is a tough call.
Fantasy Upside
In the long-term, Carlos Hyde appears to be the running back of the future in San Francisco, the heir apparent to Frank Gore.
Fantasy Downside
Gore is still hanging around, meaning, at best, Hyde will be a valuable handcuff.
Bottom Line
If Gore is injured, Hyde is the closest thing to a Gore clone that the 49ers now have. Hyde was considered one of the top backs available in this year’s draft and, eventually he’ll get a chance to start. But it’s unlikely to happen this year. If Gore stays healthy, Hyde is likely in line for five to 10 carries per game. Gore’s getting up in age, so an injury is a possibility, but considering Hyde’s ADP has him going in the 8th to 10th rounds, you might be better served taking a more sure thing unless you need him as a handcuff to Gore.
