Week 1 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Marlon Mack (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. It's a good matchup, as the Bengals were just 27th in aFPA to RBs last season). Vegas has set the over/under in this game at 48, the fifth-highest total of opening weekend; however, even if Mack doesn't play, Michael will not see enough volume behind Jordan Wilkins for starter consideration in any fantasy lineups.
Divisional Round at Dallas
Michael got 10 carries for 47 yards last week and could get a similar amount of carries this week. But Dallas' run defense is solid, and Michael could find the sledding tough. If you must start him, make it as a flex play. He doesn't offer much in PPR leagues.
Week 14 vs. Seattle
Michael got a team-high nine carries last week but had just 19 yards. He might have some motivation going against his former team, but he's in a committee with James Starks and Ty Montgomery. Montgomery, because he also lines up at WR, is the only one who is a viable fantasy option at this point.
Week 10 at New England
Definitely a red flag the past couple weeks with Christine Michael. He went from 18 to 16 to 10 to 5 carries over the last four games. With Thomas Rawls close to returning and C.J. Prosise expected to get more snaps, Michael is in limbo.
Since the Seahawks will probably platoon the backs this week, Michael still has some alue as a solid RB3 or flex.
Week 9 vs Buffalo
Christine Michael's touches fell to 12 this week as the Seahawks are using C.J. Prosise more in recent weeks. Thomas Rawls could be coming back to the lineup soon, which means Michael's quick rise could send him back to a running back by committee situation.
But until Rawls is officially back, Michael is still considered the No. 1 back and a with a neutral matchup at home against the Bills this week, still has value.
We expect Seattle to focus on running the football until QB Russell Wilson gets his game straightened out, which means a solid RB1 ranking for Michael in Week 9.
Week 8 at New Orleans
Christine Michael did have 19 touches last week, but was limited to 55 yards from scrimmage and was kept out of the end zone. The Seahawks, in general, have had trouble running the ball, but that could change this week.
The Saints are 30th in aFPA to running backs, so if Pete Carroll is willing to pound the ball with Michael, it could be a big day.
With this matchup and the amount of touches, Michael is a very good play for Week 8. Start him as a solid RB1.
Week 7 at Arizona
For the third straight game, Christine Michael had over 20 touches last week, and he registered his second multi-touchdown game of the season. He only had 83 total yards from scrimmage, but there is little doubt of his role at this point.
Arizona is fifth in aFPA to running backs, so even if Michael continues to get his touches, it could be a rough day for the Seattle running game. We still like Michael's fantasy value for Week 7, so start him as a low-end RB1 against the Cardinals as the touches should still be there.
Week 6 vs Falcons
With Thomas Rawls still out, Christine Michael is the man in the backfield for Seattle. Michael has put up solid numbers so far this season including a 100-yard effort against San Francisco. The matchup this week against the Falcons is favorable as Atlanta is 20th in aFPA to running backs in 2016.
If you own Michael, the Rawls injury has helped as Michael's touches would be reduced. With the good matchup and the expected number of touches, start Michael as a solid RB1 for Week 6.
Week 4 at New York Jets
With Thomas Rawls out injured, there is no doubt Christine Michael is the man in Seattle for now. He ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns last week, and looked very comfortable in the role. Michael will be the main ball carrier again this week.
However, it won't be as easy as the Jets are ranked 3rd in aFPA to running backs. They have been very good against the run and will force QB Russell Wilson to make plays in the passing game.
Even with a negative matchup, Michael is worth a start as a solid RB2. Expect at least 20 touches which should give him some decent Week 4 numbers.
Week 3 vs San Francisco
Christine Michael actually was on the field for 71% of the snaps last week, which was surprising considering many thought Thomas Rawls would be the main guy for the Seahawks. Michael ended up with 13 touches and 86 total yards from scrimmage.
It will be interesting to see if Seattle keeps going to Michael. For now, we will assume they will. The Niners come in only ranked 30th in aFPA to running backs to start the season. Start Michael as a low-end RB2 for Week 3.
