5 Stars Who Could Flop in the Fantasy Football Playoffs

Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers

It may surprise many to learn that Carlos Hyde is currently fourth in the NFL in receptions by a running back with 42, trailing only passing-game wizards Christian McCaffrey, James White and Alvin Kamara. That has boosted him to an overall ranking of eighth in PPR scoring at his position, making him a valuable player who will be on plenty of playoff-bound fantasy rosters.

And that’s when things could get dicey. The 49ers begin the fantasy playoffs by facing the Houston Texans in Week 14. Despite losing J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing to injury and suspension, Houston ranks third against the run, per our numbers. San Fran follows up that game by playing the second-ranked Tennessee Titans, who have also been surprisingly dominant against the run this season.

The Texans have allowed a league low three touchdowns on the ground all season, while the Titans are tied for second with just four rushing touchdowns allowed. Oh, and in Week 16, Hyde gets to face the Jaguars, who have been a defensive menace against both the run (ranked 16th) and pass this season, even if they are feared more for the latter.

It’s a difficult road for a player who has been carrying the Niners' offense, and considering that San Fran ranks 29th in overall offense, according to our metrics, Hyde may not be presented with many scoring opportunities from Week 14 to Week 16 since the unit will likely struggle as a whole.

While Hyde’s volume in the passing game could sustain his value through this difficult slate of games, the table certainly isn’t set for the type of dominant performance that can carry you to a league title. Hyde looks like a player to sell at the trade deadline if the right value can be found.