Fantasy Football Rankings: 5 Big-name running backs to avoid at all costs

5. Carlos Hyde, Cleveland Browns

Current ADP: 119.4

2017 Average Points Per Game: 14.6

I’ve always been high on Carlos Hyde. Personally, I was a big fan when he entered the league out of Ohio State, sporting a big, powerful frame, good vision and plenty of burst to rack up big yards and punish defenders in the process.

Unfortunately for Hyde, things never fully fell into place with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, after four years, he finds himself ready to embark on a new journey with the Cleveland Browns. It seemed like a great stopping point for him at first, but it’s quickly becoming clear that this change of scenery isn’t going to do him any favors.

Right now, Hyde is in a battle with rookie Nick Chubb and third-down extraordinaire Duke Johnson for the right to lead the Cleveland backfield. At best, he earns a role as an early-down thumper. More than likely, though, I see him falling into a rotation that limits him to 10-15 touches per game.

Not exactly the situation that’s going to help him rack up 1,000 yards and lead the league in rushing, is it?

Drafting Hyde last year wouldn’t have been the worst idea. Now, though, it’s looking like he may not even see more than a handful of touches per game. That is, if he can even stay healthy. With Chubb and Johnson, as well as a potentially dangerous passing game, the Browns won’t have too much incentive to feed Hyde often.

Steer clear of Hyde in 2018.