SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- With Chip Kelly taking over as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, one of the offense's top priorities is establishing a consistent, effective running game. When Kelly's offense was at its best in Philadelphia, it was largely because of the ground attack. If the Niners could replicate that or get somewhat close, it could make their running backs appealing for fantasy players.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 1,032 yards, 7 TDs
Over or under: Over on both. With Hyde, his production is more a matter of health than it is ability. It's hard to project whether a player will stay healthy, but Hyde returned to this training camp leaner and better prepared to take care of his body. He's set his goals at staying healthy first and rushing for 1,500 yards second. If he's able to do the first, the second is at least possible. That total might be a little lofty, but he should be able to exceed ESPN's projected yardage total relatively easily if he can play a full season. Hyde will be the focal point of this 49ers offense so if he falls short of those projections, it would be a bad sign for the 49ers offense.
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 319 yards, 2 TDs
Over or under: We'll again go with the over here, though this will be closer. While Draughn should easily surpass these numbers if Hyde is injured and he takes over as the primary back, one way for the 49ers to keep Hyde healthy is to spell him with Draughn. Again, Kelly's emphasis on running the ball and tempo will increase the overall snaps for the offense and thus create more opportunities for Draughn, who rushed for 273 yards and one touchdown last season. If nothing else, it would be wise to handcuff Draughn to Hyde in fantasy football in case Hyde battles injury again.
Who else could see time: DuJuan Harris flashed some potential near the end of the 2015 season and could offer a speedy change of pace to Draughn and Hyde. There's a battle for a fourth running back spot between Kelvin Taylor, Mike Davis and Kendall Gaskins, but none of those backs have done much to stand out so far.
