49ers: Identifying the best player at each position after 10 games

San Francisco 49ers: Identifying the best player at each position after 10 games

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Carlos Hyde #28 during their NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a run against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Best Player: Carlos Hyde

This might not be a clear cut as it appears on the surface, especially if we look at the Pro Football Focus comparison between No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde and his backup, rookie Matt Breida:

HydeBreidaPFF /

The above numbers suggest Breida is actually having a better year. But anyone who has watched the 49ers this season knows Hyde is the bigger threat.

Hyde’s average-rushing yards per game this season (59.2) might be down from last year (76.0). But head coach Kyle Shanahan is figuring out how to use Hyde in other ways, notably in the receiving game.

Combining his pass-catching abilities, Hyde’s total yards from scrimmage amount to 866 this season — certainly on pace to surpass the 1,151 he had last year.

San Francisco will be faced with a tough decision this offseason, choosing whether to extend/re-sign the 27-year-old veteran or let him walk in free agency.