NFL: 5 bold predictions for the 2014 season

Carlos Hyde will have more carries than Frank Gore

At the start of training camp, the San Francisco 49ers had more running backs than a stable has horses. Then the injury bug hit.

Kendall Hunter injured his knee and LaMichael James dislocated his elbow. That opened things up for rookie Carlos Hyde.

Frank Gore remains the starting running back, but he is 31 now, and it would be beneficial for him to carry less of the load so he can be fresh for the playoffs.

Carlos Hyde will be able to do that. The 6-foot, 220 pounder is a bruising back that is hard to bring down in the open field. He has the speed to outrun the defense on one play then run them over on the next.

With his big body and strength, Hyde is a very good blocker. He could also run out of the backfield and catch passes. He had three touchdown receptions last year at Ohio State.

Hyde will become invaluable to the 49ers offense. At some point of the season, Gore will probably have an injury and Hyde will really show his worth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Ep3vv1BX0