Week 2 at Los Angles
Christine Michael got the start in Week 1, but that was probably short-lived as Thomas Rawls was named the starting RB for Seattle for Week 2. Michael carried the ball 15 times for 66 yards, but only had five receiving yards, which means despite more plays on the field, Christine wasn't as effective as Rawls.
Michael will face an average Los Angeles defense, but just won't get as many touches this week. Keep him on the bench and keep an eye on how the Seahawks use both running backs (although we are seeing a trend that favors Rawls).
Week 1 vs. Miami
Christine Michael did not go into training camp as the No. 1 back, but that's what he will be in Week 1. Michael, who is in his second stint with the Seahawks, won the job in training camp and will have the most opportunities to start.
Michael's NFL pedigree is not very good. He has only started 2 games in four seasons. His season-high is 192 yards. So, this was a surprise to fantasy owners who were taking Thomas Rawls high in early drafts.
It could be a good start for Michael who will face a Dolphins run defense that was last in the NFL in aFPA to running backs. The Rawls factor is still there, as last year's breakout player will still get touches, but Michael has more fantasy value in Week 1 as a low-end RB2.
Fantasy Upside
After leaving in a trade to Dallas last season, Christine Michael returned to Seattle and was the starter for two games because of injuries to Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls. The Seahawks have always liked Michael and felt he fit their system
Fantasy Downside
S.J. Prosise is penciled in as Rawls backup, so Michael will start off as a third back on the depht chart. Despite going into his fifth season, Michael only has started those two games late last season and there probably won't be many more unless there are injuries.
2016 Bottom Line
Michael is still the kind of guy that give you some depth in deep leagues. But he has very little overall value in fantasy. A late round flier might pay off if someone ahead of him on the depth chart can't get on the field.
Week 19 vs Panthers
Marshawn Lynch is probable to play so Christine Michael will probably be relegated to his backup. In a starting role last week, Michael carried the ball 21 times for 70 yards and will still get touches on Sunday, but probably not enough to warrant fantasy value. Keep an eye on injury report in case Lynch can't go. Then Michael moves up the ladder for the week although still a shaky play overall.
Week 17 at Arizona
After a pretty good game in Week 15, Christine Michael struggled last week. He carried the ball only six times for 6 yards as the Seahawks did not show much confidence in him and the running game. Fred Jackson was the running back who was the field the most (49% of the snaps) which Michael was relegated to backup status.
Michael still figures to be the main ball carrier as the flow of last week's game put force the Seahawks to use Jackson more. But even if Michael increases his touches, he should stay on the bench because of the uncertainty of his role.
Week 16 vs St. Louis
In this first game back with Seattle after a stint in Dallas, Christine Michael rushed 16 times for 84 yards, both career highs. He is expected to get the bulk of the carries again this week.
St. Louis is the opponent and the Rams rank 24th in aFPA to running backs. With a favorable matchup and expected frequency, Michael ranks a low-end RB2 for Week 16.
Week 9 vs Philadelphia
Christine Michael only played 17 percent of the snaps last week and had just 5 touches. That should be pretty much his role unless Darren McFadden is all of the sudden ineffective. And with a tough matchup against the best run defense in the NFL, Michael should not even be a fantasy option for Week 9. Keep him on the bench.
Week 8 vs Seattle
With Joseph Randle in the doghouse with legal problems, Christine Michael is clearly the backup running back in Dallas. He only played 10 percent of the snaps last week, but that should rise. The Dallas running back situation has been volatile all season so even though Darren McFadden is the starter, things could change very quickly.
This is not a great matchup for the Cowboys as the Seahawks are 3rd in aFPA to running backs. Even if Michael sees more snaps and touches, the chances he puts up good fantasy numbers are not good. Keep him on the bench for Week 8, but store him on your roster because he could end up being the starter in the second half of the season.
Week 7 vs New York Giants
Although the QB situation in Dallas has been settled for this week (Matt Cassel will get the start), nobody really knows about the running back situation. Reports have trickled out of Dallas that Christine Michael could get the majority of snaps against New York as the Cowboys have not been thrilled with the play of their other backs.
Michael is an unproven commodity as he only had 54 career carries, but the word "potential" comes out a lot when people talk about him. The Giants are 12th in aFPA to running backs this season, so this isn't a favorable matchup either way. Michael is a risky selection for your lineup, because one play could put him right back on the bench. If you have a need for an RB3 or flex, Michael is probably worth the risk on Sunday.
Fantasy Upside
Seattle loves Christine Michael. They think he can be productive if they need him. At 5'10" and 221 pounds, Michael can give you the power look or serve as a speed back.
Fantasy Downside
Like all the other running backs on the Seahawks not named Marshawn Lynch, Michael just doesn't see the ball enough. While the 24-year-old averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season, he only saw 35 touches and can be left undrafted in all but the deepest fantasy leagues.
Bottom Line
Unless something happens to Lynch, Michael just won't get enough touches to have fantasy impact. No way he should even be on your roster let alone be drafted.
