Russell Wilson

Week 4 at 49ers

He didn't fully cook against the Vikings, but Russell Wilson still hit almost 300 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort in Week 3. Now he'll try to avoid losing three straight for the first time in his career as he faces the 49ers on Sunday. Wilson threw six total touchdown passes against the 49ers in 2020. Fantasy owners certainly wouldn't mind a repeat of one of those performances, preferably his four-touchdown outing in Week 8. He clocks in at No. 10 among fantasy quarterbacks this week in what almost amounts to a must-win for the Seahawks, with the division leader going to be 4-0 with the Rams and Cardinals squaring off Sunday.

Week 2 vs Titans

Now that's the Russell Wilson we know and love. Four touchdown passes against the Colts and Wilson is back on track. Here's hoping that continues against the Titans, who got absolutely shredded by Kyler Murray in Week 1. Wilson is back among the top options this week at the quarterback position and a very good DFS option as well in Week 2. Let Russ cook.

Fantasy Upside

Wilson was on fire during the first half of 2020. He had 14 passing touchdowns in the first three games and at least three passing touchdowns in six of his first seven games. If Seattle goes back to letting Russ cook, he can return Seattle to a high-powered passing offense. He still has D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and now adds TE Gerald Everett to the mix. He can still sling the ball. Seattle just has to let him.

Fantasy Downside

The downside to Wilson is what we saw in the second half of 2020. In seven of his last eight games, Wilson had two or fewer touchdowns and in five of those games, he threw either one or zero touchdown passes. Seattle became more of a run-based offense and the passing offense lost some of its luster as a result, making Wilson a volatile QB1. And while things seem to be fine now, there was also that little matter of Wilson supposedly not happy in Seattle and the trade rumors that began to swirl around him. Wilson and Pete Carroll have seemingly patched things up now, but it will be really interesting to watch their connection as the season progresses, especially if things go south.

2021 Bottom Line

Wilson should still be viewed as a QB1 and a mid-round pick. The Seahawks brought in OG Gabe Jackson to help beef up the line and Shane Waldron, who was the Rams' passing-game coordinator, is now the offensive coordinator for Seattle. He also still adds some rushing value which has gained more importance in today's game.