Week 12 at Carolina Panthers
After missing the game against the Rams, Chris Carson was back in the starting lineup last week against the Packers. He rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown. When he has been healthy, Carson has been the primary back although he will not be a 20+ carry guy with Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny still getting touches.
Carson will face the Panthers who are 14th in aFPA to running backs. He should still get his share of the touches, but the Davis and Penny factor will limit the production. Start Carson as a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 12.
Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers
Coach Pete Carroll made a surprise announcement on Wednesday telling the media Chris Carson would play Thursday night. Carson had missed last week's game and most people thought he would be out with short week, but he will get his starting job back.
The Packers are this week's opponent and are 16th in aFPA to running backs so it's a neutral matchup. Carson should see his share of touches, but backups Mike Davis and rookie Rashaad Penny will be in the mix. So, start Carson only as a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 11.
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Chris Carson had another 100-yard rushing effort last week against Detroit, his third in the last four games. No doubt the Seahawks want him to be their featured back but a nagging hip injury has hindered that. He was limited in practice this week, but is expected to play.
The Chargers are his next opponent and are ranked 15th in aFPA to running backs. As long as Carson is active, he's a good play for Week 9 as a solid RB2. Start him against L.A.
Week 8 at Detroit Lions
Chris Carson has made his mark as the No. 1 back for the Seahawks for the first half of the season. Even as the primary back, he still won't be in on every down as Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny will eat into those touches.
Carson will face a Lions defense that is 29th in aFPA to running backs. This is a great matchup for the Seahawks and raises the value of Carson for Week 8. Start him as a solid RB2 against Detroit.
Week 6 at Oakland Raiders
After Chris Carson missed Week 4, he bounced back with 116 rushing yards against the Rams last week. The Seahawks have shown they can run the football and Carson is the first choice as long as he is healthy. However, Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny are getting snaps.
Seattle faces an Oakland defense that is 20th in aFPA to running backs. We still like Carson to get the majority of the snaps and 20 touches should be his floor. Start Carson as a low-end RB2 for Week 6.
Week 4 at Arizona Cardinals
Chris Carson has established himself as the clear-cut No. 1 running back in Seattle and while things can change in a minute for the Seahawks we expect this to last a little while. Last week, Carson had 34 touches for 122 yards, both career-highs for the second-year back.
Seattle faces Arizona this week, who is ranked dead last in aFPA to running backs. With the way the Seahawks used him last week and a favorable matchup in Week 4, start Carson as a solid RB2 on Sunday.
Week 3 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Although Chris Carson remains on top of the running back depth chart, his numbers don't reflect that status. Carson played only 36 percent of the snaps last week and his touches dropped from 10 to six from Week 1 to Week 2. He did not catch a pass last game either. The frustrating part is he is averaging 5.8 yards per carry—hopefully the Seattle coaches will wake up and get him the ball more because he has been semi-productive.
Carson will face a Dallas defense ranked eighth in aFPA to running backs. With the tough matchup and lack of snaps and carries, Carson is merely a bench stash at this point.
Week 2 at Chicago Bears
Many people entering the season thought Chris Carson would be the No. 2 back in Seattle. However, going into Week 1, the perception changed him to the No. 1 back. He might have been, but the numbers didn't pan out after one game. Carson only had 10 touches for 79 yards, which isn't awful, but more touches would have made for a better day.
Carson will face a Bears defense that is average against the run. Word out of Seattle is that they will rely more on him this week in Chicago.
If that's the case, Carson should probably be in your lineup as an RB3 or flex for Week 2. Keep an eye on the touches which need to be closer to 15 on a weekly basis for him to have consistent fantasy performances.
Week 1 at Denver Broncos
Chris Carson wasn't expected to be the Seahawks' starting running back entering the season, but he will line up behind QB Russell Wilson for the first snap. However, he won't carry the entire load. In fact, expect a running back by committee approach as Rashaad Penny and C.J. Prosise will also get touches.
The Denver defense is expected to be very good in 2018 so it won't be easy for Seattle's running backs. Carson is your best bet for Week 1 but only as an RB3 or flex. This is a situation will that play out the first quarter of the season.
Fantasy Upside
Chris Carson was off to a good start his rookie season until he broke his leg and lost the rest of his season. He is fully recovered and in the mix for playing time. Although he is not expected to be the starter, he should still get enough touches per game to give him some fantasy value.
Fantasy Downside
The Seahawks drafted Rashaad Penny in the first round so he will eventually be the featured back and that could be as soon as Week 1. That means Carson will be in backup role. Plus there are veterans behind him who could also get some playing time.
2018 Bottom Line
Don't expect the Seahawks to run Penny into the ground so someone will get those touches and Carson is first up. Carson is going around the 12th round and has good value there. He won't be a fantasy starter but is good depth at running back.
