Fantasy Upside
There is no doubt the numbers are there for Marshawn Lynch. He has rushed for over 1,200 yards the last three seasons and also has at least 11 touchdowns per season over that span. Lynch runs hard and gives 100% every game. He has been a workhorse for the Seahawks averaging over 300 carries per season since 2011. Seattle loves running the football. Head coache Pete Carroll is not changing that philosophy anytime soon.
Fantasy Downside
Lynch is entering his 8th NFL season. His physical play takes a toll on the opponent but his body as well. The 300 carries he has averaged might not be obtained this year because of his age and the depth behind. The 'Hawks are expected to want to get Christine Michael and Robert Turbin more involved in the offense. Another thing to keep in mind with Lynch, he is not a big threat in the passing game so that hurts his value in PPR leagues. Last the offseason has been dramatic for Lynch. An arrest, a holdout and news about car parking habits all were in the headlines since Seattle raised the Lombardi Trophy. All that might be irrelevant now, but they do raise some red flags.
Bottom Line
Lynch has been a top 5 running back the last three years. He will be close to that again. The biggest concern is the other backs taking carries away from Lynch. He still will be in the 250-275 range, but his stats could suffer a little. Overall he is a great running back to pick up in the mid to late first round if he is there. His ADP of 12 is not accurate. He is still reliable and Seattle will not change their winning formula. I think fantasy owners still get 'Beast Mode' for at least one more season.