Niner Noise
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Revisiting Niner Noise’s ‘bold’ predictions for the 49ers in 2017

By Peter Panacy

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers, center, looks to linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 in the tunnel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers, center, looks to linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 in the tunnel before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers scores in the second quarter as he beats Andre Hal #29 of the Houston Texans to the endzone at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers scores in the second quarter as he beats Andre Hal #29 of the Houston Texans to the endzone at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Prediction No. 5: Running Back Carlos Hyde Would Lead the NFL in Rushing

What Actually Happened: Carlos Hyde finished 13th

So I was off 12 spots.

The first bold prediction was having No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde lead the league in rushing yards last season. After all, Hyde said he wanted to go do this prior to the 2017 campaign beginning. And entering a contract year, why not?

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

What We Said

"If Hyde can stay healthy and build upon his best season as a pro from last year, there shouldn’t be any reason he can’t be a top-five runner in the league. Remember, the 49ers offense will still feature a run-first approach. But the additions of wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin should take a little bit of pressure off teams’ focus on Hyde."

What Happened

Hyde didn’t lead the league in rushing. He didn’t even come close. That accolade went to Kansas City Chiefs rookie tailback Kareem Hunt, who finished with 1,327 yards.

Hyde’s 938 were a mere 23 yards behind the guy he replaced in San Francisco, Indianapolis Colts veteran tailback, Frank Gore.