Raheem Mostert Expected to Lead 49ers' Backfield in Touches Over Trey Sermon in Week 1

All offseason, people have wondered who will be the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers? It’s a fair question, but what about the starting running back?

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has been known to use multiple running backs, wildly splitting the carries amongst them, sometimes rolling with the hot hand. This can be frustrating at times for both prop bettors and fantasy football players. 

Raheem Mostert is projected to see more touches than Trey Sermon in Week 1, according to WynnBET Sportsbook, with Mostert’s rushing attempts listed at over/under 15.5 compared to Sermon’s 10.5. Although both backs have the same over/under 1.5 line on receptions, Mostert is favored (-150) to hit the over, while Sermon is not (+104).

Sermon enters Shanahan’s running back carousel as a shiny, new sports car, fresh off the lot from Columbus, Ohio. He has little to no miles on the odometer, and carries with him that new car smell. Breathe it in. Nothing but open roads and endless possibilities ahead.

But, Mostert has been that occasionally flashy SUV, that really is more like a mini-van. Mostert has dependably taken the kids to school time and time again. Unfortunately, he found himself at the mechanic repair shop multiple times last year with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, Grade 3 high-ankle sprain, and yet another Grade 3 high-ankle sprain. The check engine light is on.

Sermon had a somewhat underwhelming preseason. He picked up 63 yards on 16 carries, just 3.9 yards per carry, only hauled in two catches, and never saw the endzone. 

Mostert, on the other hand, appeared in the final preseason game and picked up 53 yards on seven carries (7.6 yards per carry), and looked like his old, reliable self. Mostert is expected to lead the backfield in touches in Week 1, and there is no reason to expect him not to do so.

If the 49ers, get ahead of the Detroit Lions early, we could see a lot of both of these running backs. But remember, it's the first day of school, and Mostert will get you there.

Wanna place a prop bet on Mostert or Sermon? Make your pick at WynnBET.