Fantasy Draft Analysis
Summer is upon us and while we are suffering through another Mariners season we can all take solace in the fact that OTA’s have begun and the NFL is right around the corner.
The Seahawks transformed their offensive attack during the offseason – let’s take a look at what that will mean in the ever-increasing world of Fantasy!
QB Matt Flynn
Two regular season starts is all that Matt Flynn has – 2! So what can we expect from him this year. It is obvious that the coaches and management have pegged him as a starter right away – hence the $19.5 million contract.
Flynn should step into the starter role with some decent weapons at his disposal – Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow are all quality targets.
That said, consider two facts – this is Flynn’s first year in a new system and he will be running a run-first offense. Long story short – if you are depending on Flynn as your fantasy starter, you are in trouble.
He may be good for the occasional 220 yard, 2 touchdown games but those will be the exception not the rule.
QB Tarvaris Jackson
– will be the backup if he hasn’t lost that role to Russell Wilson.
RB Marshawn Lynch
Lynch was Seattle’s only offensive stud last year and he should be just that again this year especially since Justin Forsett has moved on.
He went for 4.2 yards per carry last year and 12 touchdowns which put him in the top 10 among Fantasy backs after a slow start to the season. Armed with a new contact and a legitimate passing game to take some of the pressure off, this could be a big season for Mr. Lynch.
Top 10-12 among Fantasy RB’s is certainly not a stretch.
Lynch was Seattle’s only offensive stud last year
RB Leon Washington
He will likely take on the Justin Forsett role and depending on his early season could gain a larger role. For Fantasy leagues that reward kick return yardage, Washington could be an asset indeed.
WR Sidney Rice
Health is the biggest concern for Sidney Rice and it appears as though this may be an ongoing thing throughout his career. Remember when Rice was the #8 Fantasy receiver with Brett Favre throwing to him?
Those days are long gone and even despite the new QB in town; Rice remains one of the riskier WRs in Fantasy. If you are a gambling man, he may be worth a shot however.
WR Mike Williams
Is apparently having all-too-familiar conditioning issues already. While his numbers should improve over last year, he won’t get close to his 2010 stats and who knows, he may just be a training camp casualty.
WR Doug Baldwin
Is probably the most exciting of the WR’s in the stable for Seattle. He is that slot guy that always seems to thrive in Seahawks nation. He will be leaned upon heavily and will in all likelihood be the best Seahawk pass catcher this year.
800 yards and 6-8 scores certainly isn’t a stretch.
Backups Ben Obomanu, Golden Tate, Deon Butler, Ricardo Lockette, Kris Durham, Lavasier Tuinei, and Jermaine Kearse are likely to see some action, but nothing to blow you off your chair with their fantasy stats.
Unless a catastrophic incident happens to a starter, these players are not fantasy worthy.
Baldwin the most exciting of the WR's in Seattle
TE Zach Miller
He was used as a blocker more last year than anything else and this year he has Kellen Winslow to contend with. His production should increase this year but don’t expect big things.
We have seen what two-tight end teams can accomplish (New England) but the Hawks TE’s will likely look more like the Jeremy Shockey/Greg Olsen tandem in Carolina – OK – not great!
So much here depends on Flynn.
TE Kellen Winslow
Has a chance to break out this year and should be the more productive of the two Tight Ends.
Up to 50 grabs is possible along with 500 yards for Winslow who could be the sleeper of the Tight End class.
Place Kicker Steve Hauschka
The Hawks have ranked in the bottom third as far as points for kickers the last couple of years and there is no reason to think any different. Steve Hauschka is decent but certainly not a Fantasy starter.
Stay tuned for my next Seahawks fantasy analysis/outlook post in approximately 6 weeks.
CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE SEAHAWKS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE AT NWSB!
