Week 5: Lynch vs. Redskins
Marshawn has had two really good games and one bad one. The bad one was a bad day for Seattle so chalk that up to being a fluke. Lynch has three TDs and is getting the workload he always has.
It might be a little tougher this week on the road in Washington. The Redskins have been very good against running backs this season. Still, the 'Hawks will rely on him heavily which should produce enough results to help you win. Start him in all leagues as a solid No. 1 starter.
Week 3: Lynch vs Broncos
After a stellar Week 1, Marshawn Lynch's Week 2 performance was far from 'Beast Mode'. He only had six carries and we found out after the game, he was having back issues. Lynch did catch a TD pass so the week wasn't a total loss.
Lynch did not practice on Wednesday, but was back Thursday for the 'Hawks. He will face the Broncos and if healthy, is a great option at running back. We rate him a top five back for Week 3.
Week 2: Lynch vs Chargers
For people who thought Marshawn Lynch would be anything less than a 'Beast', they just had to look at Week 1. Lynch's carries weren't cut back (20), and he reached the end zone twice which means he is still the man in the red zone. More important, the Seahawks love running in between the tackles and that is where Lynch excels.
The Chargers run defense is average, but they are expected to target Lynch as the key to stopping the Seahawks so expect some tough yards early for Lynch. Nonetheless, Lynch is one of the top 5 backs for Week 2 after being the top back in Week 1. Start Lynch in all leagues and all formats.
Week 1: Lynch vs Packers
The workhorse of the Seahawks has been Marshawn Lynch the past three seasons averaging over 300 carries per season. He should still be the star of the offense, but will the Seattle back off on him a little more this season? The short term answer is no.
Lynch can beat you in many different ways. He has a great matchup Week 1 against the Packers who were not great against the run last season and lost BJ Raji who was a run-stopper. Lynch faced Green Bay in 2012 and ran for 98 yards that game and a touchdown.
The Beast is a very good play for Week 1. The Seahawks are not going to worry about carries early and Lynch will still be the main focus of the offense. Against Green Bay, expect him to have a big day and start him as a RB1 and possibly a top 5 back for Week 1.
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.
