Carlos Hyde's Fantasy Value Will Increase with Frank Gore's Early Struggles

Something has to change in San Francisco after the 49ers started the season 1-2, and that something may benefit Carlos Hyde fantasy owners.

Thus far, longtime 49er stalwart Frank Gore has struggled mightily in the early going of the 2014 campaign. He tallied 139 rushing yards on 35 carries in the first three weeks, which is good enough for four yards a pop. Gore also has only a single touchdown to his credit.

More concerning than the overall numbers was Gore’s performance in Week 3, when he looked like a shell of his former self against the Arizona Cardinals. The 10-year veteran carried the ball six times for a measly 10 yards in a 23-14 loss.

Gore is past that magical age of 30 for running backs (he is 31) and just doesn’t appear to have the same explosiveness out of the backfield as in years past. Part of the problem is certainly situational, as the team simply abandoned the run against the Cardinals. It wasn’t as if San Francisco fell behind by multiple scores either, as it either led or was within a single possession of the lead until the fourth quarter. 

Gore owners have certainly been frustrated, as Yahoo Fantasy Sports indicated:

It’s not like Colin Kaepernick is lighting it up either, which makes all the passing plays somewhat questionable.

The quarterback has thrown three interceptions to his four touchdown passes and was largely responsible for the second-half collapse against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. Against a stingy Cardinals defense, Kaepernick and the offense was able to move the ball at times, but struggled to put points on the board, especially in the second half, when they were shut out.

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The 49ers could look to reestablish themselves as a power running team, and that is where Hyde steps in, much to the delight of fantasy owners. Damon Bruce of 95.7 The Game seemed ready for more running plays:

The question now is whether the 49ers do actually increase the number of running plays and whether they give the rookie more of those extra carries with Gore struggling.

Thus far, Hyde has 14 carries for 63 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, but this is about more than just statistics (or whatever can be gleaned from a mere 14 carries).

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The eyeball test indicates that Hyde is the best running back on the roster thus far. He is more explosive than Gore at the line of scrimmage, has more speed when hitting the edge on the outside and is a physical bruiser when going up the middle.

Gore himself suggested that Hyde is the running back of the future in San Francisco, via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News: “He’s a big guy that can hit the hole. He’s got a bright future in front of him.”

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Hyde is also a terrific pass-blocker, and San Francisco will likely keep him on the field for more third downs and passing situations because of it. That could lead to more catches and the fantasy points that come with that.

The best part about Hyde’s game for fantasy owners is the fact that his physical style works best in the red zone. Both of his rushing touchdowns came from inside the 20-yard line, and he will likely see more touches throughout the year as he proves his value near the goal line.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Fantasy owners understand that red-zone carries for your running back are often the key to every week’s game. After all, a one-yard touchdown run is worth more than a 60-yard burst in the middle of the field.

It also wouldn’t be surprising as the season progresses if San Francisco tries to keep Gore fresh for the stretch run. It will be important that he is at full strength come December if the 49ers are going to make a playoff run, especially in the loaded NFC West. That could mean more carries for Hyde in the grueling middle portion of the schedule, which is exactly what fantasy owners want to hear.

Just make sure Hyde is in your lineup when those extra opportunities finally come around.

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