Week 13 vs 49ers
Seattle just can't run the football. They're hoping to find a spark from Adrian Peterson. It will be really interesting to see how that plays into Alex Collins' role, who had just 27 yards on eight touches against Washington. Those still holding onto hope from Collins can take solace in the fact that Collins did score a touchdown in the first meeting with the 49ers, totaling 78 yards on 12 touches. But most likely, most of you out there have long since cut ties with Collins.
Week 12 vs Washington
Alex Collins is officially the top back in Seattle for the rest of the season after Chris Collins underwent season-ending neck surgery. Unfortunately, Seattle is still struggling to run the ball in general. Collins hasn't had 50 rushing yards (or even 50 total yards for that matter) since Week 6. In fact, that's still his only game this season with over 50 rushing yards. Seattle also still sprinkles in DeeJay Dallas and Rashaad Penny (when healthy), so Collins is a flex at best and a risky one at that.
Week 11 vs Cardinals
It's looking like at least one more start for Alex Collins as Chris Carson seems unlikely to return this week. Seahawks fans are probably hoping Carson comes back soon as Collins continues to drag his way through, with less than 50 yards in three straight games. He gets the Cardinals this week, 12th in our schedule-adjusted rankings against running backs. Collins also just doesn't see much work in the passing game, yielding most of that work to Travis Homer, limiting his PPR potential. He's a flex at best in Week 11.
Week 10 vs Packers
While Russell Wilson is back from IR, it's still possibly a couple of weeks for Chris Carson, so Alex Collins will still lead the charge in Seattle's backfield, though he really hasn't done too much while Wilson and Carson were out. He's still the top fantasy back in Seattle, but right now, that's not saying too much. Perhaps having Wilson back will change Collins' fortunes, but he faces the 12th-ranked rushing defense in DVOA in Green Bay. He's an ok flex, but nothing more.
Week 8 vs Jaguars
Seattle loves to mix up their runnings but despite only seeing 22 snaps against the Saints, Alex Collins still touched the football 17 times. Unfortunately, those touches only accumulated 44 yards, as Seattle's offense continues to be stymied with Geno Smith as quarterback. Jacksonville presents an easier opportunity for Collins. He's a worthy RB2 as Seattle seems to still be rolling with him, even with Rashaad Penny returning.
Week 7 vs Saints
Alex Collins did indeed take over the lead role with Chris Carson out and he responded with 98 total yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. He got banged up during the game but is trending toward playing Monday. Seattle is expected to have Rashaad Penny back this week, so it will be really interesting to watch how Seattle divvies up the work amongst the running backs. For now, Collins is a borderline RB2 against the Saints, who do boast the league's No. 2-ranked rushing defense in terms of yards allowed per game.
Week 6 vs Steelers
With Chris Carson inactive in Week 5 against the Rams, Alex Collins took over as the lead back in Seattle and had 17 touches. He totaled 72 yards. Collins may get another start. Carson missed practice Wednesday, so he may not be available again with that neck injury. Collins is a decent flex option but has a tough matchup against a Steelers defense that ranks in the top 10 against the run.
Week 5 vs Rams
Alex Collins saw an increased workload in Week 4, almost splitting carries evenly with Chris Carson. That workload may increase even more in Week 5 as Chris Carson didn’t practice Tuesday with a neck injury, leaving his status up in the air for Thursday. If Carson can’t go, Collins becomes a very solid flex option, with the possibility of close to a full workload potentially.
Week 11 vs Cardinals
In the constant shuffling of backs with Chris Carson injured, it was Alex Collins who took the lead role in Week 10 with 12 touches for 47 yards and a touchdown and seeing the most offensive snaps among him, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer. But Carlos Hyde could be back Thursday for Seattle and Hyde would almost certainly be the lead back if he is back on Thursday. But until we know for sure, Collins now looks like the best bet among Seattle's running backs.
Week 12 vs. Oakland Raiders
Alex Collins scored a touchdown last week, but got only seven carries compared to 17 for rookie Gus Edwards. The growing concern is that Collins has lost his job, and if Edwards continues to look more efficient with his opportunities – 5.6 yards per carry compared to 3.6 for Collins – then he may completely take over. Fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with Collins for one more week, monitoring the timeshare in the Ravens backfield.
Update:
Collins is expected to be out, so Gus Edwards gets a big bump.
