Divisional Round at Atlanta
Thomas Rawls exploded last week against the Lions when he ran for 161 yards and a touchdown (the rushing total was his highest of the season). The Seahawks are hoping they can ride Rawls on the road against the Falcons, after he missed the first meeting with them this season.
Atlanta is only 26th in aFPA to running backs, so that is an advantage for Rawls. He could help your team this week, but is a second-tier running back behind better options for the Divisional Playoffs.
Wild Card Round vs Detroit
Thomas Rawls ended his season on a sour note with 16 carries for 22 yards over the last two games. He did score a touchdown but his touches were not there. The Seattle offense played well, but it was the passing game that drove them.
The Lions are 17th in aFPA to running backs, so there so advantage either way. We just don't think Rawls will get enough touches to make a major impact. Out of the 8 featured backs playing this week, he ranks 6th. If you have a better option, take it.
Week 16 vs Cardinals
The good news is Thomas Rawls had 23 touches last week. The bad news is he had 39 total yards from scrimmage. Rawls seems to be healthy, but his fantasy numbers have been mixed since his return.
The Cardinals are next up for Seattle and are ranked fourth in aFPA to running backs. That tough matchup pushes Rawls back to a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 16. The touches should be there, but will the production follow? It hasn't happened enough to be sure.
Week 15 vs Los Angeles
Thomas Rawls had average production last week against Green Bay, but the most bothersome fact about him since his return are the touches. He is only averaging about 14 touches a game, and considering there aren't many other options, we would like to see a higher total.
Rawls will face the Rams this week, who are 13th in aFPA to running backs. We expect the struggling Seahawks offense to turn it around at home this week against LA, so start Rawls as a solid RB1 on Thursday night.
Week 14 at Green Bay
Thomas Rawls is doing exactly what we thought he was going to do when the season began. It just took him 13 weeks to do it. After being out for eight weeks, Rawls finally eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark and scored two touchdowns last week. The Seahawks have not had much stability at running back and they are hoping a healthy Rawls will give them that.
This week, Rawls will face the Packers, who are 16th in aFPA to running backs. With snow expected Sunday, he should be a major part of Seattle's game plan. Start Rawls as a low-end RB1 for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Carolina
Thomas Rawls played close to 60 percent of the snaps last week, but his numbers were average. He only carried the ball 12 times for 38 yards. But with C.J. Prosise still out, Rawls will continue to get the bulk of the carries.
Rawls will face Carolina this week, who is first in aFPA to running backs, so this matchup won't be easy for Seattle. We expect Rawls to get more carries and touches, but his production will be limited by the Panthers defense. Start him as a low-end RB2 for Week 13
Week 12 vs Tampa Bay
Thomas Rawls returned last week and not a moment too soon. The Seahawks eased him into the lineup, playing him 60% of the snaps, but that number should rise with C.J. Prosise probably out for the rest of the season.
Rawls had 17 touches, and that number will be higher this week. The Seahawks are playing Tampa, who is 25th in aFPA to running backs this season. That means a good matchup, plenty of snaps and plenty of touches, which means a high ranking. Start Rawls in all leagues and formats as a solid RB1 for Week 12.
Week 11 vs Philadelphia
Thomas Rawls was a high fantasy draft pick during the preseason. However, he only played two games before breaking his leg. He is expected to be active this week and will be involved with the offense (although the Seahawks are expected to ease him in).
With limited touches, Rawls should still make enough of an impact to have some value against a pretty good Eagles run defense. Rawls rates as a solid RB3 or flex for Week 11, so expect him to have more value as he gets more games under his belt.
Week 3 vs San Francisco
Thomas Rawls' start to the season has been disappointing, especially for those who drafted him as an RB1. He only carried the ball seven times last week for negative 7 yards. He also only played 22% of the snaps.
If that trend continues, Rawls' value diminishes greatly. For Week 3 against a run defense that has not been good so far this season, he should still be on the bench. Keep an eye on this situation and see if the numbers (both touches and snaps) improve.
Week 2 at Los Angles
Thomas Rawls only played 27 percent of the snaps in Week 1, but did still have 15 touches for a total of 56 yards. Expect those numbers to be higher this week, as Seahawks coach Pete Carroll announced Rawls would be the starter against the Rams. Seattle has claimed he has always been the starter, and they were rewarding Christine Michael for a great preseason, although Week 1 numbers saw Michael on the field a lot more.
The Rams are tough up front, but the Niners did a good job running the football. Neither side has a distinct advantage, so we will roll with the fact that Rawls will see more playing time, more touches and more rushing yards. Start him as a low-end RB2 for Week 2.
