No. 2: 49ers RB Matt Breida

The 49ers made quite the splash in free agency when they signed former Minnesota Vikings change-of-pace running back Jerick McKinnon to one of the most expensive contracts among all NFL RBs. Although Garoppolo was slated to be the centerpiece of San Francisco’s offensive attack, Shanahan planned for McKinnon to play a pivotal role as well, due to the four-year veteran’s proficiency as a pass-catcher.

Unfortunately, before the league was able to see how Shanahan planned to utilize his newest offensive toy, the 49ers lost McKinnon to a season-ending knee injury before the first game of the season. One of the biggest questions surrounding San Francisco’s offense entering Week 1 was how the team planned to replace McKinnon’s production at the running back position.

Once the season began, that question was answered by second-year running back Matt Breida, who demonstrated his ability as both a rusher and a receiver over the first quarter of the 2018 NFL regular season. Despite the fact that Breida split carries with veteran RB Alfred Morris in each of the first four games of the year, the former undrafted free agent was the FedEx Ground Player of the Week in Week 2, and led the NFL in total rushing yards by the end of Week 3.

Some Week 3 film from the NFL's leading rusher, #49ers RB @MattBreida. #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/ehiovj32Gw

— Chris Wilson (@cgawilson) September 25, 2018

Breida was limited in Week 4 with a shoulder injury that isn’t expected to keep the runner out of extended action. Breida currently ranks third among all NFL rushers with 313 rushing yards, thanks to a league-leading 7.6 yards-per-carry average, and six runs of at least 20 yards.

Next Page: 49ers Standout No. 1