Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com has more than 20 years of experience in the Fantasy industry and is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. This is his seventh season providing Fantasy Football coverage and advice on Seahawks.com.
This can be a very satisfying week for both the Seahawks, and their fans who play Fantasy Football. The 'Hawks can clinch their sixth playoff berth in seven seasons with a win at San Francisco. Meanwhile, Fantasy owners in the greater majority of leagues are playing in their semifinals in Week 15. A victory this week, and you will advance to the league Super Bowl in Week 16. There's a lot on line for both you and the Seahawks this week. You can bet Pete Carroll has his team well-prepared mentally to coolly check off another big goal for this season. You should take the same approach. Don't overthink things and make informed decisions. You know by this point who your key guys are to take you to the championship round. Of course, there will be some challenging lineup decisions at positions where you don't have surefire standouts. We'll help you make some of those decisions here. Once you make a call, stick with it and don't second-guess yourself. We give you the in-depth info you need to set your lineup with confidence.
Running Backs
Dalvin Cook vs. MIA: Injuries have curtailed his overall outlook this year, and Fantasy players don't believe he is a safe start. But with an offensive coordinator change and the need to take pressure off the QB, Cook should be set for a consistent workload. The Vikings need Cook to help them establish a more consistent running presence and he can also help as a receiver out of the backfield. Cook can be a big key to regenerating offensive balance for the Vikings against a Miami team that has allowed 1,478 rushing yards to running backs, fourth-most in the AFC.
Jaylen Samuels vs. NE: The rookie proved he can be an asset in the passing game for the Steelers, and he is a viable RB2 play in PPR formats. James Conner may miss another week and Samuels will have more reception opportunities as the Patriots focus heavily on containing the Steelers standout WRs. Samuels caught seven passes for 64 yards last week and the Patriots have allowed 80 receptions to RBs, fourth most in the AFC. Samuels is a quality RB2 or flex play for respectable PPR totals. If Conner does play, though, you may have to consider an alternative option.
Jalen Richard vs. CIN: This is more of a desperation play in PPR formats, but some Fantasy teams are faced with such a situation. The Raiders have come to play in recent weeks and may even outpace the Bengals on the scoreboard. Richard is a deeper flex play, but Cincinnati has allowed an NFL-high six receiving TDs to opposing RBs.
Chris Carson vs. SF: The Seahawks have been consistently imposing their rushing will on opponents, and did so against a Top 10 unit in rushing yards allowed to RBs last week (Minnesota). San Francisco is 13th in that regard and Carson averaged 5.3 yards per carry against the 49ers in Week 13. Expect an even better outing this time. Carson wore the Niners defense down two weeks ago and expect him to build on the momentum from 90 yards and a TD against a strong Vikings front wall.
Wide Receivers
Josh Reynolds vs. PHI: The Rams offense should bounce back this week in a big way against a very vulnerable Philadelphia pass defense. The Eagles have allowed 29.45 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing WRs on NFL.com in the last four weeks, the third-highest total in the league. Reynolds is the third WR in the L.A. passing game, yet he is a frequent TD threat and Philadelphia has allowed six scoring passes to the position in their last four.
Tim Patrick vs. CLE: He was a surprise contributor last week in Denver's first game without Emmanuel Sanders. Patrick paced the Broncos with seven catches for 85 yards on 10 targets. Case Keenum frequently looked Patrick's way on key passing downs. The Browns have allowed 184 receptions and 2,334 yards to opposing WRs, fifth-most in the NFL in both categories, and Patrick suddenly looks like a respectable possession target for Keenum. He's worth consideration if you need a WR3 in a PPR format.
Tyler Lockett vs. SF: A double dose of Seahawks in this week's rundown, as Carson is a strong recommendation as a RB2 and Lockett is a must-start as a WR3. Enjoying a career year, Lockett registered his ninth TD of the season in Week 13 against San Francisco with a 52-yard scoring reception. Look for him to get into double figures for the first time ever in the TD department this week. The Niners have allowed 20 TD receptions to WRs, most in the NFL.
Allen Robinson vs. GB: He has not scored in his past four games, but expect a better outing from Mitchell Trubisky against the Packers this week, which will translate into quality Fantasy production for his best WR. Green Bay has allowed 19 TD passes to WRs, and San Francisco is the only team to have surrendered more. The Packers have allowed 27.51 FFPG to WRs, third most on NFL.com.
Tight Ends
Ian Thomas vs. NO: The rookie has quickly stepped in for the injured Greg Olsen and made his presence felt. Thomas has caught 14 passes in his past two games and was targeted 11 times in Week 14, catching nine passes for 77 yards. Cam Newton already seems to be confident in Thomas on key passing downs.
Evan Engram vs. TEN: He has not been as impressive as he was in his rookie year, but Engram did total 77 receiving yards in Week 14 and may be needed to step forward again with Odell Beckham Jr.'s availability uncertain. Consider Engram this week if the TE position is still giving you trouble.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield vs. DEN: The rookie has looked very impressive, with crisp mechanics, quick reads and the confidence to throw downfield without fear. The Broncos have allowed three 300-yard passers in three of their last four games, including last week against San Francisco. Consider Mayfield a back-end Fantasy QB1 this week.
Josh Allen vs. DET: Another first-year QB who is making serious noise, Allen has rushed for 335 yards in his past three games, and those kinds of numbers from a passer elevate his statistical floor and push him right into starting consideration. Allen's passing numbers don't sparkle, but he is not afraid to take chances and the Lions have allowed 1,034 passing yards in the past four weeks, fourth most in the NFC during that span. Allen's rushing and passing totals will be enough to make him another back-end QB1 type this week.
Seahawks Fantasy Focus
Russell Wilson threw four TD passes in Week 13 against the 49ers and is a certain Top 10 Fantasy QB this week. Doug Baldwin scored in that game also and should get some flex consideration in standard leagues. The Seahawks defense is now Top 7 on NFL.com and is a prime Fantasy start this week. The unit has scored 30 points on NFL.com the past two weeks and 16 against the Niners two weeks ago. In that game, the Seahawks registered three sacks, three turnovers and added a Bobby Wagner return for a TD. With Wagner playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level, the Seahawks defense has recently regained recognition as a strong Fantasy play.
For more Week 15 advice and tips from Scott Engel and the RotoExperts team, get theXclusive Edge Fantasy Football Packageon RotoExperts.com. Use promocode "seahawks" at checkout for a special discount.
