NFL Tickets
It doesn’t even need to be said that Alfonso Smith is not Frank Gore (or even Carlos Hyde for that matter). Until last week, it seemed the San Francisco 49ers had a good, reliable running back situation. But after Gore and Hyde went down in last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Niners are left with Smith and Phillip Tanner as their running back options as Gore and Hyde are unlikely to play in the early Saturday night game. But that doesn’t mean you should be stuck with either of them on your roster.
Smith is coming into this game with very little experience: a whole four carries for six yards last week (and those six yards came off one carry). Even if he was supposed to be a great athlete who can fill the void right away, I wouldn’t entrust my season to his inexperience.
He’ll definitely be getting the bulk of carries over Tanner who was just signed by the 49ers to lend a hand, but in a game against the San Diego Chargers, I expect the 49ers to be looking to make up lost ground through the air. The Chargers are looking for a playoff spot in the last two weeks this season, and their defense should be as stout as ever this week.
Most of the production they’ve allowed to running backs came in the middle of the season, and they have not allowed a single touchdown since Week 9 to a running back. Unless your team is in the championship and is behind the eight ball with all other waiver options like Dan Herron depleted, don’t start Smith this week. There are too many unknowns with him.
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