In a 32-part series leading up to the start of the 2021 National Football League season, we will take a look at each NFL franchise from a fantasy perspective. The 29th team we will review is the Seattle Seahawks.
Over the last decade, the Seattle Seahawks offense runs through quarterback Russell Wilson of Cincinnati, Ohio. Regarded as one of the best all-around quarterbacks in the NFL, Wilson is an outstanding passer and runner. He completed 384 passes in 558 attempts for 4212 yards, touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2020. Wilson also had 83 rushes for 513 yards and two touchdowns in 2020.
The one area of concern in choosing Wilson however is the fact that the Seahawks have had a weak offensive line over the last few seasons. Wilson is just sacked too much. In 2020, he was sacked 47 times. Only Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles (now with the Indianapolis Colts), and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans was sacked more times last year than Wilson. Wentz was sacked 50 times, and Watson was sacked 49 times. In 2019, Wilson was sacked a NFL-high 48 times, and in 2018, Wilson was sacked a career-high 51 times. Wilson is ranked fourth among quarterbacks in fantasy, but could have been higher on the list if only they had a better offensive line.
On defense, the Seahawks are ranked ninth. Last year Seattle had 166 fantasy points. Inside linebacker Bobby Wagner of Los Angeles is one of the best defenders in the NFL. The seven-time Pro Bowler led Seattle last year with 138 tackles. Twice in Wagner’s career he has led the NFL in tackles. He had 167 tackles in 2016, and 159 tackles in 2019.
At running back, Chris Carson is ranked 16th. Last season he had 141 rushes for 681 yards and five touchdowns, along with 37 catches for 287 yards and four touchdowns.
At wide receiver, finally, you need to get excited about the potential of DK Metcalf. The fifth best wide receiver in fantasy, Metcalf had 83 catches for 1303 yards and 10 touchdowns. Metcalf’s 188.3 fantasy points was the fifth most points in fantasy last season. He was only behind Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers (243.4 points), Tyreek Hill of the Kansas City Chiefs (241.9 points), Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills (201.6 points), and Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons (191.5 points).
Meanwhile, Tyler Lockett gives the Seahawks a legitimate 1-2 punch when it comes to catching the ball. Lockett signed with the Seahawks to a four-year deal worth $69.2 million in the offseason. Ranked the 11th best wide receiver in fantasy, Lockett had a career-high 100 receptions in 2020, along with 1054 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
