Week 3 vs New Orleans
Chris Carson had very similar numbers Week 1 and Week 2 with the exception that he scored two touchdowns in the season opener. This gives us a good look at how Carson will be used most of the season. The Seahawks want to get RB Rashaad Penny so that means Carson will not be getting 25 touches every game, but he should be around 18-20.
Carson will face the Saints who were ranked third in aFPA to running backs in 2018. New Orleans has been good against the run so Carson's numbers should be similar to the first two weeks. The matchup puts him as a high-end RB2 for Week 3. Start him, but don't expect a 100-yard day from him.
Week 2 at Pittsburgh
Chris Carson was solid in the season opener with 21 touches and 80 yards from scrimmage. More important was he had two touchdowns which made him one of the better Week 1 running backs, Part of the preseason buzz was Carson would be more involved in the passing game and he was the most targeted Seahawk on Sunday with seven.
Carson will face the Steelers this week who are actually fifth in aFPA after one week. The Steelers defense is supposed to be improved although they didn't look that way against Tom Brady. Still, the matchup on the road is tough enough to rank Carson as only a high-end RB2. He should get the touches and if you are his owner, hopefully, the touchdowns again.
Week 1 vs Cincinnati
We saw what Chris Carson can do when he is healthy and with a Seattle offense that is expected to thrive again in 2019, Carson will be a beneficiary. The one thing you will see from the back this season is more involvement in the passing game which makes his fantasy stock even higher. Carson finished the season strong rushing for over 100 yards his last three games.
It's a great matchup for Carson in Week 1 when he faces Cincinnati who was ranked 29th in aFPA to running backs last season. The Bengals defense is expected to struggle so this is a great opportunity for the 'Hawks offense to get off to a fast start and that includes Carson.
Start Carson Week 1 as a solid RB1 in all leagues and formats. He actually has the highest prediction has far as scoring touchdowns and should be around the 80-100 yard rushing mark. We expect at least 4 targets in the passing game which should help his overall productivity.
Fantasy Upside
After an injury-plagued rookie season, Chris Carson took over the No. 1 running back spot for the Seahawks and helped them become the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL. He rushed for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns, but the 247 carries is what stands out because it shows his durability and the ‘Hawks confidence in him.
Fantasy Downside
Carson only caught 20 passes last season so although the rushing numbers were solid, the lack of involvement in the passing game limits his fantasy standing. But there is another factor that could hurt Carson and that is second year back Rashaad Penny. Penny was thrown into the offense slowly last season but he still averaged 4.9 yards per carry and will definitely see the football more in 2019.
2019 Bottom Line
Carson will still be the main workhorse for Seattle’s running game, but we expect his numbers to dip slightly. He still will break the 1,000-yard rushing mark and his ADP has him going early fifth round. This is a pretty good spot to grab him as the backs drop off after that. Carson will give you a solid RB2, but if he is your RB1, you will be disappointed.
Week 18 at Dallas Cowboys
Chris Carson had three 100+ rushing yard games to end the season. This is more about philosophy rather than game plan. Seattle thinks they can run to a Super Bowl. Expect more of the same in the playoffs.
Carson will face Dallas who is 12th in aFPA to running backs. He carried the ball 32 times for 102 yards in an earlier meeting with the Cowboys. Expect more of the same as the Seahawks are confident they can keep running over people. Carson is a good play because of volume in Week 18
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Chris Carson has three straight games with 20 or more carries so he has proven to be the workhorse for Seattle. He has rushed for 325 yards over that span and four touchdowns. This is what the Seahawks expected from him and now they are getting it.
Carson will face the Cardinals who are 26th in aFPA to running backs. He did not play in the first meeting in Arizona but expect him to have a big game on Sunday. Start Carson in all leagues and formats as a top 5 fantasy running back for Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Carson has become a workhorse in recent weeks and put up huge numbers last Sunday with 28 touches and a season-high 148 total yards. The Seahawks have had a very good running attack and seem to be riding Carson at this point so expect those type of numbers to continue.
The matchup is very good for Week 16 as the Chiefs are ranked 27th in aFPA to running backs. With Rashaad Penny out, there should be even more carries for Carson. Start him as a solid RB1 this Sunday night.
Week 15 at San Francisco 49ers
Chris Carson had 22 carries last week which was his highest total since Week 8. It produced 90 rushing yards and his third rushing touchdown in the last four weeks. We know that the Seahawks rushing attack revolves around a healthy Carson, so expect the 20+ touches to continue.
Carson will face the 49ers for the second time in three weeks. He had 16 touches for 108 yards in the game and was a little more involved in the passing game. Expect Carson to be solid again this week against San Fran. Start him as a solid RB2 for Week 15.
Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Although the Seattle running backs are all getting playing time, Chris Carson remains the No. 1 back. Last week, he had 15 touches which produced 108 total yards. Carson should be in the 15-20 touch range on a weekly basis. He has produced when he has been healthy.
Carson will face the Vikings who are sixth in aFPA to running backs. Despite a tough matchup, we expect Seattle to keep riding the NFL's number one rushing attack. Carson will put up enough good numbers to justify a start in Week 14 as a high-end RB3 or flex.
Week 13 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Chris Carson had 16 carries for 55 yards an scored a touchdown for the second straight game. He continues to be the main ball carrier, but is still splitting carries with two other running backs. Carson still has been effective when healthy and the Seahawks are the best rushing team in the NFL.
Carson will face the Niners who are 18th in aFPA to running backs. In one game against San Francisco last season, he rushed for 93 yards. Carson's touches should remain around that 15-20 mark which makes him a solid RB2 for Week 13.
