Week 15: Lynch vs 49ers
Marshawn Lynch rushed for over 100 yards two weeks ago when the Seahawks dominated the Niners on Thanksgiving. He is still getting 20 carries per game and really playing like we expected.
The Niners are only 15th in aFPA to running backs so it is reasonable to say that Lynch can repeat his performance from Week 13, especially since he is at home.
Should be a tough, defensive battle, but Lynch is a solid RB1 for Week 15.
Week 14: Lynch vs Eagles
Marshawn Lynch is distracting off the field with his media issues and hints of retirement. Overall, he is still getting it done on the field with a 100-yard game against a very good San Fran defense last week.
The matchup against Philly is good this week as the Eagles are 24th in aFPA to running backs. Expect a steady dose of the Beast from the Seahawks and some numbers to help some fantasy owners kick off their post season in a good way. Start Lynch in all leagues as a solid RB1 for Week 14.
Week 13: Lynch vs 49ers
It wasn't a great rushing performance last week for Marshawn Lynch who averaged only 2.6 yards per carry, a season low. It was expected against one of the better run defenses in the NFL so you can largely ignore the results.
Lynch will face the Niners defense that is ranked No. 1 in aFPA to running backs. He has had some success against San Francisco in the past, averaging 85 rushing yards per game with five touchdowns in 8 games.
Mostly because of the matchup, Lynch ranks lower than usual. He should still be in your starting lineup but as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. Temper expectations.
Week 12: Lynch vs Cardinals
Marshawn Lynch has now put up back-to-back 100+ rushing yard games although this past week he didn't get in the end zone. He did not practice on Thursday, but that seems to be to give him a breather and rest his bad back. We fully expect Lynch to be on the field this Sunday.
He will face division rival Arizona who he has had moderate success against in the past (4.4 yards per carry). The Cardinals rank 4th in aFPA to running backs this season which will push Lynch out of the top 5 running backs for Week 12. He is still a solid RB1 when he plays, so make sure he is in your starting lineup.
Week 11: Lynch vs Chiefs
Marshawn Lynch has had back-to-back 20+ carry games and scored six touchdowns over that stretch. Those six scores doubled the amount he had the first seven weeks. More importantly, Seattle seems to be getting back in Beast Mode and they are winning doing it.
One thing to be concerned about is Lynch's health. He is banged up (ribs and calf) and did not practice on Thursday. He is expected to play, but coach Pete Carroll might take the foot off the gas a little bit and get Robert Turbin some more carries.
Lynch will face the Chiefs who are 10th in aFPA to running backs. Although the matchup leans towards KC, Lynch is still going to get his touches and have some success. Start him as a solid RB1 for Week 11.
Week 10: Lynch vs Giants
The Beast was back, at least for one week, as Marshawn Lynch had a major impact on the Seahawks offense last Sunday. He only rushed for 67 yards extending his streak of non-100 games to seven, but he did score two touchdowns and caught five passes for 76 yards. The touches are still there overall and when Lynch gets involved in the passing game, it's a bonus.
This week, Lynch will face a New York defense that is 18th in aFPA to running backs. He is hurting a little bit (calf) and sat out practice on Thursday, but we expect him to play on Sunday. Start Lynch as top 5 fantasy running back in a week with many teams on byes. He is a good start in all leagues and formats.
Week 9: Lynch vs Raiders
Marshawn Lynch's numbers continue to be down and his numbers overall have been disappointing for fantasy owners. He has not scored a touchdown since Week 3 and has only three the entire season. The yardage hasn't been there either. You have to wonder if the contract distraction hasn't affected Lynch as well, but he still seems to be running hard. One factor is the touches. He has had only 20+ carries in two games this season.
The Raiders can help heal things for Lynch. They are awful against opposing running backs ranked 31st in aFPA. So, if the Seahawks get the ball to Lynch enough, expect a big week. Start him in all leagues as top 5 fantasy back for Week 9.
Week 8: Smith vs Panthers
Marshawn Lynch's numbers have been very average the past couple weeks and that might be part of the reason the 'Hawks have struggled. It's important that 'The Beast' is the center piece of the offense because that's how they have won.
We might see that this week because the Panthers are 30th in aFPA to running backs. It's a great chance for Lynch and the running game to break out. Make sure he is in your lineup as a top 5 fantasy running back.
Week 7: Lynch vs Rams
Marshawn Lynch, like the rest of the Seattle offense, had bad fantasy outings last week. The Beast has only 61 yards rushing with 32 of them coming on one play. Although we expect a bounce back game from Lynch, it won't be easy.
St. Louis has done very well defending opposing backs and rank 6th in aFPA to running backs this season. Lynch has had good and bad games in his career against the Rams, but he should be good enough this week to help your team. Start him as a top 5 RB1 for Week 7.
Week 6: Lynch vs. Cowboys
It has been up and down season for Marshawn Lynch. He has only one 100-yard rushing performance and one touchdown the last three games since his two-touchdown performance in Week 1.
He has good matchup this week against a Dallas run defense that has been average against opposing running backs. Lynch rates as one of the best fantasy running backs for Week 6. Start him in all leagues and formats.
