Week 2 vs. New York Jets
The Raiders could not have hand-picked an easier home opener against the NFL's version of 'Trust the Process' for Beast Mode's homecoming. The Raiders have the second-highest implied team total in Vegas at 28.5 points and are double-digit favorites. That's a whole lot of positive game script for Lynch to cash in on in Week 2. Consider him a top-10 RB in all formats this week.
Week 1 at Tennessee Titans
Beast Mode is back! What should you expect? Better results among running backs in standard leagues than PPR, where he is a low-end RB1 and mid-RB2, respectively. The Titans are a middle-of-the-road 12th in our aFPA vs. PPR RBs from a year ago. However, they allowed the second-fewest PPR points overall to fantasy running backs, only allowing a rushing touchdown in six games last season. One of those games, though, was against Oakland's top-five offensive line. Therefore, start Lynch.
Fantasy Upside
Beast Mode is back and he's playing for his hometown team (until they move to Las Vegas). After a year of retirement, Lynch enters his age-31 season. His upside is undeniable, based on his track record in Seattle of four consecutive seasons of 1,400 total yards and 12+ total touchdown from 2011 to 2014.
Fantasy Downside
Can he stay healthy? Lynch missed nine games in 2015 before retiring, only rushing for 3.76 yards per carry. That season he managed 11.5 PPG (PPR), high-end RB3 numbers. That's not going to be a good enough return on investment though with an ADP in the third round. Lynch is also reportedly only slated to get about 200 carries this season, as well, with capable back-ups DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard behind him.
2017 Bottom Line
If you're spending a third-round pick on Lynch, you're banking on his previous touchdown upside as well as an Oakland offense that Latavius Murray score 12 touchdowns last season. That's a risky venture though, given the questions surrounding Lynch's expected volume and ability to make it through the season.
Week 19 vs Panthers
Marshawn Lynch missed last week's game but says 'I am good to go' for the Divisional Playoffs. Lynch should get the bulk of the carries if he is active. He has not had a carry since November 15th so there could be some rust, but Lynch is a veteran and should be serviceable.
Carolina ranks 10th in aFPA to running backs. Lynch has 17 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown in the earlier meeting this season. He will be one of the higher ranked backs this weekend in a weak pool although the health issue should also be in the back of your mind.
Week 18 at Minnesota
Marshawn Lynch will play this weekend for the first time since November 15th. The good news is he will be fresh. The bad news is he could be rusty. The Seahawks will need him for his veteran status and also because the running game will be important in frigid Minnesota.
The Vikings are 7th in aFPA to running backs so it won't be easy sledding for Lynch. He did not face them in the first meeting. Still, the running back crop is weak on Wild Card weekend, which pushes Lynch to the top of the list only behind Adrian Peterson.
Week 11 vs San Francisco
Marshawn Lynch popped up on the injury list late last week (abdomen) and is questionable for Week 11. He ended up with 9 touches and definitely was limited by the injury, although he did score a touchdown.
Lynch has a great matchup against the Niners who are 26th in aFPA to running backs. In the first meeting with San Francisco, Lynch ran for 122 yards and a touchdown. He carried the ball 27 times, but with the injury, we expect the touches to be around 20. That's still enough for Lynch to be considered a solid RB1 for Week 11.
Week 10 vs Cardinals
The bye week came at a great time for Marshawn Lynch who is not on the injury list for the first time this season. He had back-to-back 20-plus carry games before the break and appeared to have his 'Beast Mode' mojo back. The matchup isn't great as the Cardinals are 9th in aFPA to running backs. However, he did rush for 113 yards against Arizona in one meeting last season. Start Lynch in all leagues and formats as a solid RB1 for Week 10.
Week 8 at Dallas
Marshawn Lynch had his first 100-yard rushing game last week and a touchdown as well. Beast Mode is getting healthier and the numbers are starting reflect that. We all know he is capable of big games each week and that's how Seattle uses him, so this is good news moving forward for Lynch owners. Dallas is ranked 23rd in aFPA to running backs this season, so the advantage leans towards Lynch. He rates a solid RB1 for Week 8, so start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 7 at San Francisco
Marshawn Lynch did not look 100 percent on Sunday and only averaged 3.2 yards per carry. He did get 18 touches coming back from injury and also scored a rushing touchdown, so it wasn't a bad fantasy day for him.
Lynch has had success at times versus the Niners. The matchup is favorable this season as San Francisco is 28th in aFPA to running backs. We expect Lynch to be back closer to 20 touches this week and have more success. But we also think the Seahawks could rely on the passing game more, so that gives us some hesitation with Lynch's rating. Start him as a low-end RB1 for Week 7.
Week 6 vs Carolina
This week, Marshawn Lynch is listed as probable, which means he will be in uniform Sunday afternoon. He missed two games total and was limited in one other. Lynch will probably go back to his usual workload, which is good news for his owner. He also gets a good matchup against Carolina, who is 22nd in aFPA to running backs. Start Lynch in all leagues and formats, but only as an RB2 for Week 7.
