Week 3 vs New Orleans
Rashaad Penny had almost twice as many touches Week 2 as he did Week 1 and he scored a touchdown last Sunday to make him fantasy relevant. We expect the Seahawks to use him like that on a regular basis, earning about 10-12 touches per game.
The Saints are up next and have a very good run defense. The matchup is tough and the 'Hawks will probably ride RB Chris Carson in Week 3 so keep Penny on the bench,
Week 2 at Pittsburgh
Rashaad Penny only averaged seven carries per game last season. This past Sunday he had only six which is worrisome because he was drafted with the assumption the Seahawks would use him more. He ended up with only 18 rushing yards on the day.
Penny will face a good Pittsburgh defense in Week 2 and until we see more touches his fantasy value might only be a handcuff for Chris Carson. Keep him on the bench or even the waiver wire.
Week 1 vs Cincinnati
We expect to see Rashaad Penny more involved in the offense as Chris Carson's backup. The Seahawks love what he brings to the table so his touches should be almost twice of that they were his rookie season.
Seattle faces Cincinnati who was 29th in aFPA to running backs last season, Even with a very favorable matchup, Penny should remain on your bench for Week 1. We expect Carson to carry the majority of the load this week, but Penny is still good depth on your roster as he will eventually rate an RB3 or flex down the road.
Fantasy Upside
The Seahawks love Rashaad Penny and he didn’t disappoint during his rookie season when he carried the ball. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry and showed that explosiveness that made him a first-round draft pick. His workload should increase significantly as Chris Carson’s backup, especially with Mike Davis gone who had 146 carries last season. Seattle ran the ball more than any team in the league last year and we don’t expect that to change.
Fantasy Downside
Seattle was very conservative with the usage of Penny. He only had 85 carries which hurt his fantasy stock in 2018. And of course, being a backup comes with risks, especially if the starter remains healthy.
2019 Bottom Line
Penny should almost double his touches this season and that puts him in play as an RB3. His ADP of 80 is accurate where he should be taken. Grab him in the seventh round and expect 700 rushing yards from him. Grabbing him as a handcuff for Carson in that round isn’t a bad idea either considering the pedigree he came into the league with.
Week 15 at San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks love Rashaad Penny and would like to get him the football more. But Chris Carson has been the focus in the Seattle running game so Penny's opportunities have been limited. He did carry the ball eight times last week for 44 yards. 10 touches is probably his weekly limit at this point when everyone is healthy. That keeps him on your fantasy bench for Week 15.
Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Rashaad Penny had only seven carries last week but made the most of them. He rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. The eye test says Penny is ready to make more of an impact for the Seahawks and even though he is getting more playing time, Penny remains behind Chris Carson.
Expect around 10 touches against the Vikings who have a very good run defense (sixth in aFPA to running backs). That won't be enough to warrant a start for Penny. Keep him on the bench for Week 14.
Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers
Rashaad Penny had his breakout game last Sunday, running the ball 12 times for 108 yards and a touchdown. He has been stuck behind Chris Carson and Mike Davis, but with Carson out, Penny got his opportunity and made the most of it. However, Carson will return and Davis is still ahead of him on the depth chart, but there is no doubt the Seahawks see a lot in the rookie and will get him more touches after last week's performance.
The Seahawks will face the Packers who are 16th in aFPA to running backs. Penny will be more involved moving forward. But with Carson back, Penny is still a bench player Week 11 and will get limited touches.
Week 10 at Los Angeles Rams
Rashaad Penny is back in play with the injury to Chris Carson. He received 7 touches last Sunday and could get more as Mike Davis' backup. Penny has only 42 carries on the season, but the Seahawks feel he is ready to take on a more involved role.
Penny goes against the Rams defense that is 11th in aFPA to running backs. He should put up some stats but not enough to warrant a fantasy start. Keep him on the bench for Week 10.
Week 3 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Rashaad Penny ran the ball 10 times for 30 yards on Monday, but the Seattle running back situation is muddled. Penny was only on the field for 37 percent of the snaps and is still listed second on the running back depth chart. The Seahawks are relying more on the passing game early in the season.
Penny will face a pretty good Dallas run defense. The tough matchup and snaps being spread out among several running backs don't bode well for Penny's fantasy status. Keep him on the bench for Week 3.
Week 2 at Chicago Bears
Rashaad Penny didn't have a great NFL debut, carrying the ball seven times for eight yards. He did catch four passes for 35 yards, though, which gave him some PPR value. And he did have more touches than starter Chris Carson.
Penny is still nursing a sore finger he injured in August, so we expect similar touches early in the season. The Seahawks face an average Bears run defense in Week 2. Don't expect any crazy numbers from Penny and keep him on the bench this week.
