Fantasy Upside
Frank Gore decided not to stay in San Francisco, and instead will join the high-powered Colts offense. Coach Chuck Pagano has spoken highly of his new back, and expects him to be an every down type of guy. Gore will bring his consistent play to a team that lacked consistency a year ago. Last season the Colts had three backs (Trent Richardson, Ahmad Bradshaw and Dan Herron) all take the lead at some point. and combined for 1,295 yards on the ground. If Gore can match the output from those backs, or even improve, he'll be worth an early selection.
Fantasy Downside
Gore is one of the oldest running backs still in the league. This isn't a major knock, but it's definitely an area of concern. Injuries are more likely to occur in an older back. And the Colts will likely use some of their other runners to keep Gore fresh throughout the season.
Bottom Line
Gore should be viewed as a RB1 this year. He's in an amazing position, and there's no reason to doubt his talent. He's rushed for over 1,000 yards in every season but two (rookie year and a year where he only played in 11 games) and has been a reliable option for years. In three of the last four seasons he's failed to reach 20 receptions, but that speaks more to the offensive systems he's played in lately. He was an excellent option out of the backfield early in his career, and it's likely he'll continue that with Andrew Luck throwing to him. Before Bradshaw's injury last season he averaged nearly four receptions a game and 30 yards along with six receiving touchdowns.
Frank Gore Week 17 vs. Cardinals
With backup Carlos Hyde out, Frank Gore got a season-high 28 carries last week and responded with 158 yards and a touchdown as both he an Colin Kaepernick went over 100 yards rushing. The 49ers managed just 23 yards on nine carries against Arizona in their first meeting, though the Cardinals have allowed some big rushing totals in three of the past four weeks. Gore is a No. 2 running back play this week in what could be his final game with the 49ers.
Frank Gore Week 16 vs. Chargers
Frank Gore had 11 carries for 29 yards and a score last week but also left with a concussion. He has yet to pass concussion protocol and with the game coming on Saturday, might be hard-pressed to play this week. I'd look elsewhere for running back help.
Frank Gore Week 15 vs. Seattle
Frank Gore had 63 yards rushing on just 12 carries last week but now faces a Seattle defense that limited him to 28 yards on 10 carries two weeks ago. The Seahawks have limited opposing running backs to 50 yards or fewer in five of the past six weeks, including Gore and Carlos Hyde. Take a pass on Gore.
Frank Gore Week 14 vs. Raiders
After getting just 10 carries for 28 yards last week, Frank Gore should find the Oakland defense a little less challenging. The Raiders have held opposing running backs under 100 rushing yards just three times this season and have given up 13 rushing touchdowns. Backup Carlos Hyde is dealing with a shoulder injury, which should help Gore out. He should be effective enough to be a low-end No. 2 fantasy back.
Frank Gore Week 13 vs. Seahawks
Frank Gore was back to being bad Frank Gore last week, gaining just 36 yards on 13 carries after getting 23 and 19 carries in his previous two games. Seattle has basically shut down all but the elite backs this season and Gore is no longer in that class. Use Gore only as a very low-end No. 2 back this week.
Frank Gore Week 12 vs. Redskins
Frank Gore had a solid effort last week, carrying the ball 19 times for 95 yards. When he's gotten 18 or more carries this season, he's produced well. When he hasn't, well, the results have been so-so as he's no longer prone to break any long runs. The Redskins have been very good against the run this season, so don't get too carried away with your expectations for Gore this week. He's likely just a flex play this week.
Frank Gore Week 11 vs. Giants
Frank Gore got a solid 23 rushing attempts last week and responded with 81 yards and his first TD since Week 2. He's dealing with a hip injury, but when isn't he banged up in some form or fashion. The Giants were ripped apart on the ground last week by Seattle and are allowing 5.0 yards per carry. But they've been tougher to run on at home. If Gore gets 20 carries again this week, he could do some damage at the very least as a No. 2 back.
Frank Gore Week 10 vs. Saints
Frank Gore has been just a guy the past three games, gaining just 107 yards on 39 carries, including 49 yards on 14 carries last week. The Saints have allowed 168 yards rushing to opposing backs in three home games. Don't use Gore, who also is dealing with a hip injury, as anything more than a flex play this week.
Frank Gore Week 9 vs. Rams
After a bye week, Frank Gore should be healthy and ready to roll into the second half. But the Rams limited him to 38 yards on 16 carries in their first meeting. He should be a little better this time around, but don't get carried away with your expectations. St. Louis has done a good job on opposing running backs this season.
