Week 6 at Oakland Raiders
Doug Baldwin figured to be back to 100% in his second game back from injury but only managed one catch for 1 yard. That was the only target of the day for him. We have to figure he will get more in future games, as he is still considered the Seahawks No. 1 receiver.
Baldwin will face an Oakland defense that is ranked 24th in aFPA to wide receivers. Despite the favorable lineup, the numbers from last week have to be concerning. Still, we know what Baldwin is capable of. Keep him in your starting lineup but as a WR3 or flex for Week 6.
Week 5 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Doug Baldwin returned to the lineup after missing two weeks and was immediately the most targeted Seattle player in the passing game. He caught five passes for only 41 yards, but you have to figure he is just getting warmed up. The only issue is that the Seattle passing game has struggled with QB Russell Wilson having protection issues and the Seahawks having issues moving the ball through the air.
Baldwin will face a Rams defense that is ranked 14th in aFPA to wide receivers so there is some room for improvement. Start Baldwin in Week 5 as a high-end WR3 or flex against the Los Angeles.
Week 1 at Denver Broncos
Doug Baldwin has been pushing to be considered a top receiver in the NFL and 2018 could be the season it happens. His relationship with QB Russell Wilson has made them a lethal combination. Overall, it should be a very good fantasy season for Baldwin.
However, it could be tough sledding Week 1 against a very good Denver pass defense. The Broncos have been good at shutting down No. 1 receivers the past several seasons so Baldwin will be their focus.
Baldwin is worth a start but he has a very low rating for Week 1. Start him as a low-end WR2 against the Broncos in what should be his lowest rating of the season.
Fantasy Upside
Doug Baldwin continues to be one of the NFL's most productive receivers and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. He has great chemistry with QB Russell Wilson and has put up consistent numbers over the last three seasons - averaging 1,062 receiving yards and almost 10 touchdowns per season over that span. Seattle's passing game has developed as Wilson has grown and Baldwin has been a beneficiary.
Fantasy Downside
Baldwin's numbers took a step back last year from his career-highs in 2016 and he isn't in the top tier of receivers. There is also concern over a knee injury that has hampered him in training camp.
2018 Bottom Line
Baldwin's consistency keeps him high in the wide receiver rankings and although he is not a clear-cut WR1, he has the potential to be one. He is going in the third round of most drafts and that is accurate based on his value. Baldwin is a safe pick who will definitely help your team and if he is your second receiver taken, he could give you two No. 1 type players at the position.
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Doug Baldwin had 4 receptions for 35 yards last week in a game where QB Russell Wilson didn't reach the 100-yard passing mark. Baldwin did score his second touchdown in the last three games, though.
It won't be easy for Baldwin in Week 17 as he faces an Arizona defense ranked first in aFPA vs. wide receivers. In the first meeting against the Cardinals this season, he had 5 catches for 95 yards. Even with the tough matchup, we still like Baldwin as a high-end WR2 against the Cardinals.
Week 16 at Dallas Cowboys
Doug Baldwin had his worst game since 2014 with only 1 reception for 6 yards. It was more a result of the blowout by the Rams, although the total numbers over the past five games have been way down for the Seahawks' No. 1 receiver.
Baldwin will face the Cowboys this week, who are ranked 24th in aFPA to wide receivers. The matchup is good but Baldwin's recent performance has brought down his stock slightly. Start Baldwin as a high-end WR2 for Week 16.
Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Doug Baldwin actually had a decent fantasy outing against a good Jacksonville defense. He only had 3 receptions but they went for 78 yards and a touchdown. Baldwin continues to be the best receiver in the Seattle offense and it's not even close with how consistent he has been.
Next, he will face a Rams defense ranked fourth in aFPA to wide receivers. This means Baldwin's stock takes a slight blow. Hopefully, he can at least repeat his performance from last week against a very good defense. In the first meeting on the road between these two teams, Baldwin caught 4 passes for 37 yards. Expect a better outing, but only view him as a high-end WR2 for Week 15.
Week 14 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Doug Baldwin broke out of his mini-slump with 5 receptions for 84 yards. He is still Russell Wilson's favorite and most talented receiver and capable of a big game anytime, even against very good defenses.
That might be the case this week against Jacksonville who is ranked first in aFPA to wide receivers, but don't bet on it. The odds are Baldwin will get held down a bit so we only rank him as a high-end WR3 or FLEX play for Week 14. He should start, but don't expect him to put up great numbers.
Week 13 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Doug Baldwin had his worst fantasy game of the season last week with only 2 receptions for 25 yards. He has actually struggled the last two weeks, but if you own him, don't panic just yet. Baldwin is still the No. 1 receiver for QB Russell Wilson and he will bounce back sooner rather than later.
Baldwin faces a Philadelphia defense ranked 24th in aFPA to wide receivers, so despite the poor recent outings, this is a good matchup for him. Start him as a low-end WR1 for Week 13.
Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers
Doug Baldwin had only 2 catches for 40 yards, but one was a touchdown reception to give him 3 in the last five games. Baldwin had a stretch of double-digit targets, but in the last two weeks he has averaged only 6. He is still Russell Wilson's favorite receiver.
The Seahawks face the Niners, who are ranked 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. In their first meeting back in September, Baldwin had 6 receptions for 49 yards. It should be a tougher task on the road this time around, but we still rank him as a low-end WR1 for Week 12.
