We Haven't Seen the Last of Thomas Rawls

While Marshawn Lynch stood on the sideline last week in Cincinnati, Thomas Rawls picked apart the first place and undefeated Bengals carrying the ball 23 times for 169 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 7.3 yards/carry. Although a rookie, he has still proven he has the ability to run the ball, also rushing for 104 yards on 16 carries against the Bears Week 3. With a healthier Lynch returning this week against another undefeated team, the Carolina Panthers, Rawls will find a spot back on the sideline, both on the field and in fantasy lineups.

This doesn’t mean owners should give up on Rawls just yet. It will be interesting to see how many touches Rawls and other Seahawks backup, Fred Jackson get. Lynch is undoubtedly the guy in Seattle, but Pete Carroll could potentially go with the hot-hand at any point, especially if Lynch struggles in his return. Even though Carroll expects Lynch to play a lot, according to an interview on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, the Super Bowl winning coach has done crazier things (wink wink, the final call of last year’s Super Bowl, nudge nudge).

It’s always tricky starting running backs like Rawls, who is a mere handcuff this week. Fantasy owners have faced similar struggles with guys like Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews, but it never hurts to have a talented, backup running back on a high-powered offense. It won’t be smart to start Rawls this week, but it would be smart to keep him on your bench and off the waiver wire.