Fantasy Upside
Doug Baldwin has put up monster numbers the past two seasons averaging almost 1,110 receiving yards, 86 receptions, and 10 touchdowns. The numbers might have been even better if QB Russell Wilson didn't struggle with injuries last season. Baldwin has put up consistent WR1 numbers after being mediocre for his first four seasons. He has also shown durability, having not missed a game since 2012. There is no doubt he is Wilson's favorite target and that is not likely to change.
Fantasy Downside
A glaring stat from last season was Baldwin's drop from 14 touchdown receptions to 7. The 14 in 2015 might have been an anomaly as he had never scored more than 5 before that season. Still, the cut in half was disappointing.
2017 Bottom Line
With Wilson healthy, Baldwin's numbers should continue to be very good and he could end up having career-highs in 2017. His ADP is 26 and he ranks as the WR10 fantasy receiver, so choosing him in the early-second round will still give you value. Baldwin will be a consistent WR1 all season long.
Divisional Round at Atlanta
Doug Baldwin caught only two passes for 44 yards last week against Detroit. Earlier this season against the Falcons, Baldwin caught four passes for 31 yards. He has shown he can come up with big games, so he will always be a consideration. The Falcons are 26th in aFPA to wide receivers, so the advantage favors Baldwin.
Baldwin is a decent play for the divisional playoff game. He falls short of being a top-tier fantasy wide receiver for the weekend, but he is still someone you should consider for your lineup.
Wild Card Round vs Detroit
Doug Baldwin had a monster game in Week 16 then came back to earth last week. Still, Baldwin has been the most consistent receiver all season in Seattle's passing game and with Tyler Lockett out, we expect that to remain the case.
Detroit is 6th in aFPA to wide receivers, but even with the touch matchup, Baldwin should be considered for your starting lineup. He isn't a top flight receiver for the Wild Card weekend, but he is in the next tier and a 100-yard game is not out of the question.
Week 16 vs Cardinals
Doug Baldwin had five catches for 35 yards and a touchdown last week. He has been getting his share of receptions, but the yardage totals have been low. That was also his first touchdown since Week 10. The Seattle passing game has been struggling overall, but it still can make an impact.
This week, the Cardinals are the opponent. Baldwin had six catches for 69 yards in the first meeting. Arizona is ranked 26th in aFPA to wide receivers. Although the matchup is good, the Seahawks offense's inconsistencies make us cautious. Start Baldwin has a high-end WR2 for Week 16.
Week 15 vs Los Angeles
Doug Baldwin has been quiet over the last three games, which has been a reflection of the Seattle offense. Against Green Bay, he caught six passes for 46 yards. His targets (11) were fine, but the 'Hawks offense has struggled overall.
The Rams are next up for Seattle, and Los Angeles ranks 25th in aFPA to wide receivers. Baldwin only had three catches for 20 yards in the first meeting back in Week 2, but we expect better numbers than that. However, until we see Seattle back in-sync on offense, we will be cautious with projections for their skill players. Start Baldwin as a high-end WR2 for Week 15.
Week 14 at Green Bay
Doug Baldwin continues to be consistent in 2016. He had seven receptions for 65 yards against Carolina and has still been Russell Wilson's favorite target on most days. Baldwin could use some more targets to make his overall numbers would be better, but the Seahawks have always spread the wealth in their system.
Baldwin faces the Packers this week, who are 26th in aFPA to wide receivers. He had a monster game last year against Green Bay with 92 receiving yards and a touchdown. Expect more of the same from Baldwin, which should be good enough for a fantasy start as a low-end WR1 for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Carolina
Doug Baldwin was targeted eight time last week, which produced seven catches for only 34 yards. It was his third-lowest yardage total of the season, and although the receptions helped in PPR leagues, it was not a great fantasy outing for Baldwin.
This week, a good matchup against Carolina (who is 27th in aFPA to wide receivers) should get Baldwin back on track. Expect a big day for Baldwin against the Panthers, and start him as a low-end WR1 for Week 13.
Week 12 vs Tampa Bay
Well, Doug Baldwin throwing a touchdown pass last week was not part of our Week 11 preview, but Baldwin owners got one as a bonus. Add four receptions for 104 yards and it was a pretty good day.
It could be even better this week, as Baldwin faces Tampa Bay, who is 29th in aFPA to wide receivers. QB Russell Wilson seems healthy and back on track, and that has helped Baldwin.
Start Baldwin in all leagues and formats as a solid WR1 for Week 12.
Week 11 vs Philadelphia
Doug Baldwin has struggled to match his numbers from 2015. However, many pundits feel that QB Russell Wilson's struggles have a lot do with it. Last week, Baldwin scored three touchdowns which could be a good sign for Seattle and his fantasy owners.
The Seahawks face Philly this week, who is 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. If Wilson is healthy and back to form, Baldwin should become one of the top fantasy receivers in the league again.
Start him in Week 11 as a low-end WR1. We expect Baldwin to get back on track for the rest of the 2016 season.
Week 10 at New England
