4 bold 49ers predictions for Thursday Night Football showdown vs. Giants

Bold 49ers prediction No. 3: Elijah Mitchell will (finally) show why he's the best No. 2 running back in the NFL

There wasn't a lot to complain about with the Niners' 30-23 victory over the Rams in Week 2, but one baffling part that deserved full criticism was head coach Kyle Shanahan wearing out star running back Christian McCaffrey with 100 percent of the offensive snaps during the game.

McCaffrey played very well, of course, but the 49ers have an excellent backup in Elijah Mitchell who is begging to play his part in the season. To his credit, Shanahan did admit it was a mistake to overplay McCaffrey and ignore Mitchell like that.

Look for Shanahan to make amends and give Mitchell a much bigger role for Week 3. Nothing too crazy, but something in the realms of 10 carries, a reception and about 50 scrimmage yards.

Maybe even a touchdown too, who knows.

Now, 50 yards and a touchdown doesn't sound like a lot, of course. But you would absolutely take that with your backup running back every week. Mitchell is an excellent player who would start on most teams, and he'll show why here on Thursday night.

The more Mitchell touches the ball, the less worn out McCaffrey is and the less stressed out we all are.

Everybody wins.