This article continues off our team outlook series where we will breakdown each NFL team from a fantasy football perspective. We will cover the major changes on each team in the offseason and project what the team will do in the upcoming season.
Today we look at the Seattle Seahawks.
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Offseason Moves
Offseason Acquisitions: WR Montario Hunter, WR Kenny Lawler
Offseason Departures: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Ricardo Lockette
Quarterback
You can't ask for much else when drafting a fantasy quarterback like Russell Wilson. The dude throws, runs, scores with both, and only seems to be getting better each season. He worried owners a bit last season, throwing only 10 touchdown passes through the first 10 weeks of the season. But those that remained patient with Wilson were rewarded as the Super Bowl-winning quarterback tallied 25 touchdowns over the final seven weeks of 2015. He's a rare breed for fantasy and on the field; a Michael Vick with a ton more accuracy. According to ESPN.com, Wilson missed only 12.6% of his targets, good for best in the league. We can expect Wilson to accumulate close to 4,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards. Don't hesitate to grab him off the board.
Running Backs
The days of Marshawn Lynch are over in Seattle. But hints of "Beast Mode" have potential to survive and run wild in front of the "12th Man" in the form of Thomas Rawls. Now while comparing the two would be silly, Rawls has potential to breakout for fantasy, and has displayed similar qualities to the man he has replaced in the backfield. Rawls will certainly be used heavily on first down and goal line situations, and is capable of knocking over a couple defensive backs along the way. Before breaking his ankle at the end of last season, in the games that Rawls saw at least 15 touches, he rushed for over 80 yards in five of six games (four were for over 100). This includes his monstrous performance Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers; 30 carries, 209 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, three catches, 46 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown. Take notice, and get ready for similar stat lines in 2016 as long as his ankle holds up and he doesn't lose too many carries to Christine Michael.
After flunking a test with three teams in 2015, Michael has had a surprisingly good preseason thus far (157 yards on 24 rushes) and will certainly see his fair share of playing time. Michael is the handcuff to Rawls, and should be drafted late with that in mind. According to ESPN.com, head coach Peter Carroll plans to use both, and while Rawls is the number one, don't be surprised if he goes with the hot hand. If you're drafting Rawls, it would be wise to scoop up Michael as well.
Wide Receiver
It's difficult to believe that Doug Baldwin will repeat his breakout performance from last season, but his 14 touchdowns in 2015 are no fluke. He headlines a decent receiving core and has proven to be Wilson's favorite option. Baldwin was targeted 104 times last year and should easily see that many again this year. Baldwin has always had the talent. He was simply lost in an offense that loved/loves running the ball. This season, without as much security that Lynch provided in the past, and with Wilson's continuously growing and maturing arm, we can expect the two to again hook up often. He's a solid WR2.
Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett are likely next on the depth chart, both of whom are capable of finding the end zone as well. They combined for 11 touchdowns last season and have the ability to make plays alongside Baldwin in Seattle's fast paced offense. The only downside is that they're not reliable as weekly starters on a fantasy lineup, but more so as guys you stash late in drafts and utilize as fillers.
Tight End
Jimmy Graham was activated off of the PUP list in the middle of August. Good news. But that doesn't mean we're out of the woods with this one just yet. Graham tore his patella tendon Week 12 after a mediocre start to his debut season with the Seahawks. Graham has not yet been cleared for team drills and will unlikely see the field for either of Seattle's remaining preseason contests, according to ESPN.com. It's also unclear how much the Hawks will use Graham when he does lace up during the regular season, if he even plays Week One. Graham was one of the most dominant, and safest, tight ends for fantasy during his run in the Big Easy, but now, it would be wise to seek elsewhere and stash him late.
In the meantime, backup tight end Luke Willson could certainly capitalize. He is in no way a trustworthy option, but he could come into play again if Graham is unable to take the field. Owners will likely have better guys to plug in, but keep an eye on the progress of both tight ends.
Kicker
After Stephen Gostkowski, Steven Hauschka will likely be one of the next kickers drafted. He only drilled 29 field goals in 2015 but was nearly perfect, missing just two all season. He also nailed six from 50-plus yards, as well as converting an impressive 40 extra points. On a dangerous offense like Seattle's, Hauschka will get plenty of opportunities to give fantasy lineups a solid weekly boost.
Defense
Our guys at RotoBaller have the Seahawks at the top of defense rankings. If you look elsewhere, ESPN, CBS, you'll likely find the same results. Drafting a defense, along with a kicker, is often overlooked, pushed to the side, and saved for the final few rounds. But it's often a defense, and kicker, that make or break an owners week. Seattle scored five defensive touchdowns last season and picked off opposing offenses 14 times. With the "Legion of Boom" manning the secondary, their defense can capably match up against anybody.