Coming off a bye, the Seahawks enter a very critical matchup against the NFC West leading Arizona Cardinals. Their key offensive players will have to be at the top of their games after some time off to rest and retool. Fantasy owners must have confidence in players such as Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham because of the important roles they will play in such a very pivotal matchup.
Lynch has been running hard and earning his yardage lately, and he'll have to earn all of it against Arizona. The Cardinals allow 90.1 rushing yards per game, third-best in the league, and have surrendered only three TDs on the ground. They allow only 14.91 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs. As Seahawk fans well know, though, Lynch has historically relished the challenging matchups as a Seahawk.
The Seahawks must establish Lynch to keep the offense moving and to also keep a potent Cardinals offense off the field as much as possible. If the passing game can be established early, running lanes will open up for Lynch. By the second half, Lynch can break off some significant runs if the Seahawks have a lead or are keeping it close. He should be locked in as a RB1 this week. The running back landscape in Fantasy is a rocky one, and you can at least count on Lynch for adequate statistical production. He'll sense the playoff atmosphere in a home game on national television, and that kind of spotlight could mean notable heroics that will boost his Fantasy outlook. Lynch should have a solid statistical floor this week with promise for more.
Graham may come out of the bye week strong, as a week off often leads to impressive outings after a rest period. Getting the ball to the star playmaker will likely be a priority as the offense looks to operate more smoothly after some time to reflect and review the schemes. The Cardinals allow only 4.68 standard Fantasy points per game to opposing TEs on NFL.com, third-best in Fantasy Football. But the Seahawks must and will likely make a strong effort to overcome that sort of number. Regaining control of the division must include usage of a tremendous talent like Graham. He's a must-start for Week 10 even with the seemingly formidable matchup.
Russell Wilson had some time during the bye to revisit what would work better overall, and you can be sure he has absorbed lots of film on an opportunistic defensive unit that has intercepted 13 passes. The Cardinals allow only 14.99 NFL.com Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing QBs. So Wilson will have to be very careful in his decision-making. Look for a high percentage approach that allows his receivers to work after the catch. Wilson will certainly encourage his Fantasy owners with a solid outing this week. If the passing game looks smooth and efficient in this matchup, you can have increased confidence in him going forward.
When the Seahawks are moving the sticks in a crisp manner, Doug Baldwin is usually in that mix, and he deserves some PPR consideration as a bye week plug-in for those in larger leagues. Jermaine Kearse has a notable big game pedigree also, and is always a threat for those who are in TD-heavy formats and need a sub as well. Continue to keep Tyler Lockett on your watch list, as he is becoming a more integral part of the passing game. He may be worth a pickup soon if you need receiving help.
Steven Hauschka is the fifth most productive Fantasy kicker on NFL.com, with 77.00 points. The Seahawks defense/special teams ranks third in Fantasy with 87.00 points. The Cardinals rank fourth in passing yards per game and have allowed just 11 sacks. Chris Johnson is enjoying a tremendous rebirth as the Cards are averaging 124.8 rushing yards per game. So the Seahawks defense gets a real challenge this week, too.
The receiving trio of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown is a lot for any secondary to handle, and would seem built to take on the Legion of Boom. But you can be sure, especially with an extra week to prepare, that the Seahawks pass defense will be ready for this game. Familiarity because of a divisional matchup also helps. The Seahawks will remain a Top 7 Fantasy defense for this week.
In other games, Blake Bortles will continue his emergence as a quality Fantasy starter against Baltimore. Tyrod Taylor will deliver a good outing against a Jets secondary that is dealing with injury issues. Kirk Cousins is worth consideration against a vulnerable Saints pass defense.
Darren McFadden is running hard and is a must-start as he takes on Tampa Bay. Giovani Bernard may break off a few nice gainers against the Texans. C.J. Anderson could be good for a score against the Chiefs and the rising Duke Johnson will be a very busy PPR performer as he faces the Steelers.
Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead should both be locked in at WR as the Saints meet the Redskins. Brandon LaFell will get scoring opportunities against the Giants. Tavon Austin will continue to make significant plays as he opposes the Bears. Davante Adams should have his best game so far in a matchup with the Lions.
Charles Clay will be a frequent target for Taylor against the Jets. Eric Ebron should be targeted often in the game vs. Green Bay. The Packers defense will perform well otherwise defensively against the Lions and should be utilized as a streaming option. Pittsburgh is another option to consider in what may be a lower-scoring game against the Browns.
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