Starter: Carlos Hyde
Even with the uncertainty surrounding Hyde heading into the 2017 season, he still remains the best back the team currently has on the roster. It’s been his starting position for the past two seasons and will remain so this upcoming season. He nearly rushed for a 1,000 yards last season in only 13 games played, and on a much worse team than the current rendition.
To echo the thoughts of sports writer Dylan DeSimone, Hyde hasn’t reached his full potential yet. As DeSimone notes, Hyde is one of the best in the league when it comes to being elusive. Factoring in this, as well as head coach Kyle Shanahan’s track record with running backs and a presumable jump in carries (assuming full health), this could be the season of Hyde.