Frank Gore Week 7 vs. Broncos
Frank Gore had just 38 yards on 16 carries last week and failed to catch a pass. He was also taken out of the game near the goal line once again. Gore is going to continue to split time with rookie Carlos Hyde, with Hyde getting the goal line touches. That doesn't bode well. Considering opponents have run the ball just 94 times in five games against the Broncos - who seemingly jump out ahead every week - it's hard to predict a great game for Gore.
Frank Gore Week 6 vs. Rams
Frank Gore has now rushed for more than 100 yards in back-to-back games after picking up 107 on just 18 carries last week. He still has just one rushing TD this season, though. St. Louis is allowing 152.3 yards rushing per game but has allowed just one rushing TDs to opposing running backs. The 49ers are going to run the ball. But Gore got 18 carries to 10 for Carolos Hyde last week. Gore should be a solid start as a No. 2 back in straight yardage leagues. He's just not valuable in PPR leagues.
Frank Gore Week 5 vs. Chiefs
Frank Gore had a strong game last week against Philadelphia, carrying the ball 24 times for 119 yards, both of which were season highs. He also turned his lone reception in the game into a 55-yard TD. You can't count on a 25-touch game from Gore every week, however. Kansas City also has yet to allow a rushing TD to an opposing running back, so keep your enthusiasm for Gore's big game in check. He's a No. 2 fantasy back this week who's not going to be as good in PPR leagues.
Frank Gore Week 4 vs. Eagles
Frank Gore got just six carries for 10 yards last week and had a touchdown vultured by rookie Carlos Hyde. Philadelphia's run defense has been OK this season, while the pass defense has been atrocious. Gore will get more than six carries this week, but he's probably not much more than a low-end No. 2 fantasy back, especially since he no longer catches a lot of passes.
Frank Gore Week 3 vs. Cardinals
Frank Gore had 63 yards on 13 carries last week Chicago, also scoring and adding two receptions. He had a long touchdown run called back on a holding penalty as well. Arizona's run defense is solid, allowing 119 yards to opposing running backs in two weeks, but it has given up a score as well. Use Gore as a low-end No. 2 back this week in deeper leagues or a pure flex. If you have a better option, you might want to go with it.
Frank Gore Week 2 vs Bears
Gore got 16 carries last week compared to rookie Carlos Hyde's 7, so that's a good sign. But Hyde was more productive in his time and could eventually push this to a 50-50 split. That hasn't happened yet and the Bears are terrible against the run. Look for Gore to get close to 20 touches and put up 80-plus yards in a nice No. 2 fantasy role this week.
Frank Gore Week 1 vs Cowboys
Dallas surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing running backs in the NFL last season. You know Gore is going to get his 15-20 touches, while also giving way to rookie Carlos Hyde at times. He's not going to give you anything extra in PPR leagues any longer, but he'll still be a decent No. 2 running back.
Fantasy Upside
Gore is the featured runner in an offense that relies as heavily on the run as any in the league. You can pretty much pencil him in for 200-plus carries and 1,000 yards.
Fantasy Downside
Father time is knocking. Gore is now 31 and the 49ers have drafted the heir apparent, Carlos Hyde. At some point, he has to hit the wall. He’s also nearly nonexistent in the passing game now.
Bottom Line
Keep an eye on how Gore and Hyde are used in the preseason. As I wrote earlier, Gore should be good for 200-plus carries if he stays healthy, something he’s done in each of the past three seasons. Gore isn’t used in the passing game as he was early in his career, when it was nothing for him to get 40 receptions. In fact, his 16 receptions last season were his fewest since his rookie season. The clock is running out on Gore, but he still holds value as a high-end No. 3 fantasy back. He’s being selected in the sixth or seventh round of most drafts, which sounds about right for your third runner.
