Fantasy Football: 8 Players With Tough Early-Season Schedules
Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
| Week | Opponent | Projected Defensive Rush NEP Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panthers | 13 |
| 2 | Seahawks | 1 |
| 3 | Rams | 19 |
| 4 | Cardinals | 6 |
The beat writer buzz coming out of the 49ers training camp is a whiplash yo-yo effect that I can't even begin to coherently follow. One day, Carlos Hyde could be a surprise cut. A few days later, he has a grip on the starting job.
Hyde's career to date hasn't been eye-popping, but his league average career -0.03 Rushing NEP per rush and 41.93% career Rushing Success Rate on altogether putrid offenses is somewhat impressive, especially when you compare it to what his teammates have done.
So I'm operating under the assumption that the former second-round pick will get his chance to prove himself in new head coach Kyle Shanahan's system. Hyde is probably the best fit for the team's current roster, at least on early downs.
But early in the season, he's going to have some difficulties finding running lanes. Surely, the 49ers' offensive personnel -- and the lack of receiving threats outside of Pierre Garcon -- won't help this dynamic either. But with three top-13 run defenses on tap as San Fran faces the Panthers and division rival Seahawks and Cardinals, Hyde could very well start off slowly.
If he does, perhaps Joe Williams, he of Kyle-Shanahan-banged-his-fist-on-the-table-to-trade-up-and-draft-him folklore, will get his chance to usurp Hyde.
Things lighten up significantly for the Niners' running backs after Week 4. So assuming he's still got Shanahan's confidence, remember Hyde as a potential trade target headed into October.
