Week 11: Wilson vs Chiefs
The passing numbers for Russell Wilson last week were not very good, but his rushing numbers probably made his owners smile. He had a season-low 10 completions on 17 passing attempts plus two INTs, but made up for it with 107 yards rushing a touchdown. The Seahawks aren't too disappointed because they won the game on the back of Marshawn Lynch (4 TDs), their Super Bowl formula last season.
Wilson will face a very good Kansas City defense this Sunday that is ranked 6th in aFPA to quarterbacks. That matchup along with the awakening of The Beast keeps Wilson on the bench for Week 11. He only rates an high-end QB2 against the Chiefs.
Week 10: Wilson vs Giants
Russell Wilson had one of his worst games of the season statistically last week against the Raiders. His completion percentage was below 50% and he didn't throw a touchdown for only second time this season. We don't expect Manning or Rodgers type numbers, but the consistency is what makes Wilson a fantasy factor.
He will be back home again this week which is where he usually thrives, but both poor outings (OAK & DAL) have been at home. The Giants are 20th in aFPA to quarterbacks so the matchup leans towards Wilson. Start him for Week 10 as a solid QB1 against New York.
Week 9: Wilson vs Raiders
Russell Wilson is coming off a tough game where his numbers weren't great, but he did come through for the Seahawks to help them get a win. The World Champs have been inconsistent and although Wilson had one of his best fantasy days two weeks ago, he wasn't very good last week.
This week, he will face the Raiders who are 25th in aFPA to quarterbacks. The game is at Seattle which always seems to help Wilson. These two factors should help him to very good numbers for Week 9. Start Wilson as a top 5 fantasy quarterback against Oakland.
Week 7: Wilson vs Rams
Russell Wilson was a little off last week against Dallas, completing only 50% of his passes for a season-low 126 yards passing. After throwing two touchdowns in his first four games of the season, he was shut out in that department last week. He was also held to 12 yards rushing after running for 122 yards the previous game.
A good way to get Wilson going again is matching him up with a struggling defense which is the case for Week 7. St.Louis is 29th in aFPA to quarterbacks. Despite this game being on the road, Wilson should be very effective so start him as a solid QB1 against the Rams.
Week 6: Wilson vs. Cowboys
Russell Wilson had an incredible fantasy performance last week rushing for 122 yards and throwing for 200 yards. He also was involved with three touchdowns. Russell has really stepped up his game this season and has become a constant starter in most fantasy lineups.
He will face an average Dallas pass defense this week so we should see some strong numbers once again. Start him as a top 5 quarterback for Week 6.
Week 5: Wilson vs. Redskins
Russell Wilson has had two touchdowns in every game in 2014. Coming off a bye week, he should be ready for more. And he has a great matchup against Washington who has been awful against fantasy quarterbacks.
Expect big numbers from Wilson for Week 5. The extra week of preparation and the shoddy Redskins secondary could produce more touchdowns and even a rare 300 yard passing day. Start Wilson in all leagues.
Week 3: Wilson vs Broncos
Russell Wilson is off to a great fantasy start with four TDs and zero picks. His yardage remains around the 200-yard mark per game, but he looks even more comfortable in the offense.
Wilson's consistency is where his fantasy value will be. He won't throw for 300 yards every week, but he will get into the end zone and add a couple of points with his legs.
Against the Broncos in the Super Bowl last year, Wilson was spectacular. Expect another good performance at home (and that's key). Start him as a solid QB1 for Week 3.
Week 2: Wilson vs Chargers
Russell Wilson was well, Russell Wilson. He was efficient and effective and helped the Seahawks to a win. He threw for 191 yards and completed 68% of his passes. He also added two touchdowns and ran for 29 yards.
Wilson will probably never put up Peyton Manning-type numbers, but he will be consistent which gives him value. He faces a Chargers defense that had trouble with Carson Palmer last week. Expect some success for Wilson and slightly higher numbers overall even though he normally struggles more on the road than at home.
For Week 3, Wilson should be in your starting lineup as a low-end QB1. He will effective in San Diego on Sunday.
Week 1: Wilson vs Packers
Russell Wilson was a mid-draft pick up for many teams in 2014. Some drafted him as a starter. Some as a QB2. And he will be in and out of starting lineups all season long unless we see a dramatic shift in the Seahawks' offensive philosophy.
The 'Hawks start the defense of their title against another contender in Green Bay. The Packers pass defense was in the bottom third of the NFL last season, but it is expected to be better.
Wilson did face them in 2012 in the third start of his career and did not fare well, but that shouldn't have much of an impact in this game.
Wilson is a low-end QB1 for Week 1. He is a better play when the Seahawks are at home which is the case on Thursday. Starting him will help your fantasy team in the opener if you don't have a top 5 QB.
Fantasy Upside
Russell Wilson is not going to be mentioned with the elite quarterbacks anytime soon. But he is a consistent and efficient quarterback at the NFL level. Entering his third year with the Seahawks, he knows his role and plays it well. His numbers are likely to get better as he gains more experience and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll allows him to do more. In each of his first two years, he has been a top 10 fantasy quarterback. He three for 3,357 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 63 percent completions. Those are some solid numbers. Also, he was ninth in the NFL with 18 red zone touchdowns. He also is very mobile and will get you some rushing yards.
Fantasy Downside
Wilson is not spectacular. He won't win a fantasy league by himself and the offense focuses on the running game and relies on defense and that formula is not going to change any time soon. Seattle has attempted and completed the fewest passes in the NFL the past two seasons. Also, despite his ability to run the football, he only had one rushing touchdown last season.
Bottom Line
Wilson falls into that third tier of quarterbacks with the likes RG III, Colin Kaepernick and Jay Cutler. His ADP is 119, but if you can grab him a little higher, he is worth it. I think he gets help with an upgrade of Percy Harvin over Golden Tate. He could be your starter on various weeks because of matchups so if you don't end up with a top tier starter, you can win with him.
