Week 1 vs. Miami
Everyone thought Thomas Rawls would become a fantasy stud in 2016 after a breakout season last season. However, he will not be the starter in Week 1. Christine Michael won the job training camp, and although Rawls is still part of the Seahawks plans, it was surprise.
It will be interesting to watch how Rawls is used, how many snaps he plays and how many touches he gets - all unknowns at this time. That really has lowered his fantasy value to the point where a player who was being taken as high as the second round in some drafts will be on many owners benches to start the season. And that's where he should be based on what we are seeing now in Seattle.
Fantasy Upside
With the retirement of Marshawn Lynch, Thomas Rawls is the clear No. 1 running back in Seattle. Rawls started seven games last season and averaged 108 yards per start and one of those starts was shortened by a broken ankle. The injury didn't require surgey and the 'Hawks expect him to be ready for training camp. Rawls doesn't have a lot of mileage on the tires. He had only 286 carries in college and 147 last season as a rookie. With his impressive work in 2015, Rawls is poised to put up some good overall numbers as the starter this season.
Fantasy Downside
For a running back, there is always some concern when there is a lower body injury. Will they be the same running back we saw before the injury? So, although Rawls is expected to be ready to go Week 1, will he be as good as he was in 2015? Another factor is the offensive line which the Seahawks had to redo with four new starters.They are not expected to be one of the better units in the league. Also, don't expect Rawls to see many balls in the passing game which also could mean he could come out of games on third down.
2016 Bottom Line
Rawls is good candidate for a breakout 2016. Yes, we got a taste of that last year, but he now has a chance to become one of the top 10 overall running backs in the league. Rawls has an ADP of 38 which has him going in the fourth round in both PPR and Standard leagues. Rawls actually should go earlier so don't be afraid to grab him in the 3rd round. We have confidence the injury will not negatively affect him.
Week 14 vs Baltimore
The future is now for the Seattle running back situation. Thomas Rawls continues to impress with Marshawn Lynch still sidelined. Rawls had his fourth 100-plus yard rushing performance and has looked good doing it.
He will face an average Baltimore defense this week who is 15th in aFPA to running backs, Rawls who has averaged 25 touches per game over the last three weeks should get the ball at least that much. Start him in all leagues and formats as a top-5 fantasy running back for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Vikings
With Marshawn Lynch done for awhile, we expect Thomas Rawls to be very much involved in the offense with plenty of touches and yardage. He has 51 carries over the past two games for 290 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with a tough matchup this week against Minnesota who is No. 1 in aFPA to running backs, we expect ton of carries again by Rawls and some fantasy numbers that will help your team in Week 13. Start Rawls a solid RB1 for against the Vikes.
Week 12 vs Pittsburgh
With Marshawn Lynch out after undergoing hernia surgery, the Seahawks will turn to Thomas Rawls, who rushed for 209 yards last week and scored a TD. He also had a receiving touchdown. However, he is listed as questionable with a knee injury, so keep an eye on the active list. He is expected to play.
The matchup is a tough one, as the Steelers rank No. 1 in aFPA to running backs. However, if Rawls plays, he will get volume, which should equate to a big day. Start him as a solid RB1 for Week 12.
Week 11 vs San Francisco
Despite Marshawn Lynch being bothered by an abdomen strain and only receiving 9 touches, Thomas Rawls did not benefit from the situation. He carried the ball twice for 19 yards, but that was it. Lynch is listed a questionable, but if he plays, Rawls has little value and should remain on the bench. If Lynch has to sit out, then Rawls becomes an RB3 at least for Week 11.
Week 4 vs Detroit
If you had Thomas Rawls in your lineup, or even on your roster, kudos to you. He rushed for 104 yards as Marshawn Lynch was not 100 percent and limited last Week.
Rawls is a good handcuff for Lynch, because if Beast Mode is unable to go, Rawls has value. He is definitely a player to watch along with the injury list on Monday night.
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