Fantasy Upside
Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 4,219 yards in 2016, as the Seahawks passing game has progressed since Wilson took over at quarterback. He has also established himself as one of the premier big-play QBs in the NFL. Usually, when he needs to make one, he does. Doug Baldwin, Jimmy Graham, and Tyler Lockett have become a formidable receiving force, which is part of the reason for the increase in passing yards every year Wilson has been in the league.
Fantasy Downside
Despite the career-high in passing yards, it was considered a down year for Wilson. His passing touchdown total dropped from 34 to 21 and his interceptions rose from eight to 11. He also had a career-rushing low with only 259 yards. One reason for the drop-off, especially in the rushing yardage was the fact Wilson got banged up in September and never seemed 100 percent. After finishing as a top-5 fantasy QB the previous two seasons, he was the fantasy QB10 in 2016.
2017 Bottom Line
The early season injuries give an indication Wilson is due for a bounce back season. Even towards the end of last season, he starting running more, averaging 28.4 rushing yards per game over his last seven starts. Wilson has an ADP of 60 and has been the sixth quarterback off the board, which is where he belongs. Wilson will not be a top-tier quarterback but will be right on the outside as a solid QB1.