Week 2 vs Patriots
Russell Wilson put on a clinic in Week 1 against the Falcons with 322 yards on 31/35 passing and four touchdown throws. It was a reminder that Wilson is still around as one of the best quarterbacks in the league with the youth movement that's been going on. He's also 16-3 at home in primetime in his career. He's up against the Patriots, who will have a much tougher challenge than they did in Week 1 against Ryan Fitzpatrick. Wilson had 348 and three touchdowns in Week 10 of 2016, the last time Seattle and New England met. Wilson checks in as QB7 this week.
There has been quite the debate lately as to who the best quarterback in the NFL is, with some making the argument for Seattle's leader. He's been one of the most consistent quarterbacks ever since he came into the league in 2012. Wilson begins year nine in Seattle against a retooled Falcons defense, one that replaced Vic Beasley with Dante Fowler Jr in the offseason and drafted CB AJ Terrell with the 16th pick of the 2020 draft. It's a good early test for what could be another questionable offensive line for the Seahawks. But if we know anything about Russell Wilson, it's that he rises to any challenge. Sunday will be no different. He is our No. 4 QB for Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
There aren't many quarterbacks that have been as consistent as Russell Wilson over the years. He has four top-three fantasy finishes in the last five seasons and 2020 could be five out of six. DK Metcalf burst on to the scene as a rookie, Tyler Lockett has become one of the best route-runners in the NFL and he has a veteran tight end now in the mix in Greg Olsen. Wilson is going to continue being one of the most reliable signal-callers in the NFL.
Fantasy Downside
The only "flaw" you can maybe find with Wilson in the fantasy world is he won't give you as much upside with the legs as the quarterbacks above him (Mahomes, Jackson, Watson, Murray and, to some extent, Prescott). But he'll make up for it with his arm in what has been becoming a more pass-friendly offense in Seattle.
2020 Bottom Line
Russell Wilson is Russell Wilson. He's as consistent and reliable as they come. Many are going to wait on quarterbacks in drafts again, but Wilson is more than a fine option in the fifth round with Mahomes and Jackson going in the first two rounds of drafts and Prescott, Watson and Murray not far behind. He'll likely post another top-five fantasy finish and continue to prove how elite he is.
Week 17 vs San Francisco
It was a strange game for Seattle last week. Russell Wilson completed only 51% of his passes and threw for only 169 yards in the upset loss to Arizona. He also lost his top two running backs during the game.
Wilson is playing for a division title against the Niners who are 17th in aFPA to quarterbacks. In the first meeting this season, Wilson threw for 232 yards, one touchdown pass and one interception against San Francisco.
We expect similar numbers in Week 17 so if you start Wilson, expect low-end QB1 numbers.
Week 16 vs Arizona
Russell Wilson had a solid game last weekend with 286 yards passing and two touchdown passes. The good news was he completed 76% of his passes and 11 yards per pass attempt. He had an MVP first half but has slowed down slightly in the second half.
Wilson will face the Cardinals who are 32nd in aFPA to quarterbacks, worst in the NFL. In the first meeting this season, Wilson had a modest performance throwing for 240 yards and one touchdown pass.
Wilson is a great play for Week 16. He ranks as a top-five fantasy quarterback against the Cardinals. Start him.
Week 15 at Carolina
Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense had a rough game against the Rams, but we will chalk it up as one bad game. He only threw for 245 yards and it was the first game he didn't throw a touchdown pass since Week 14 of the 2018 season.
Wilson will face a Panthers defense that is ranked 10th in aFPA to quarterbacks. However, there have been recent issues lately with the firing of Ron Rivera and underachieving performances.
Start Wilson as a solid QB1 for Week 15 and expect a bounceback game for the Seahawks.
Week 14 at Los Angeles Rams
Russell Wilson has been quiet in recent weeks. He has only four touchdown passes over the last three games and in that span has thrown three interceptions after only throwing one in the first half of the season. He has not thrown for more than 240 yards over that span.
Wilson will face the Rams who are 22nd in aFPA to quarterbacks. In the first meeting this season with LA, Wilson threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns.
We expect another big day against the Rams who quarterbacks have had big games a lot this season. Start Wilson as a top-five fantasy quarterback for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Minnesota
After putting up MVP numbers most of the season, Russell Wilson has put up two straight so-so performances. Last week, he threw for only 200 yards and one touchdown. After throwing only one interception in his first nine games, he has thrown a pick in each of the last two games.
Wilson will face the Vikings who are 18th in aFPA to quarterbacks. With a neutral matchup, we like Wilson to bounce back with a big game at home on Sunday.
Start Wilson as a top 5 fantasy quarterback for Week 13 against Minnesota and a return to the numbers he was putting up most of the first half of the season.
Week 12 at Philadelphia
After throwing five touchdown passes two weeks ago, Russell Wilson came back down to earth with only touchdown throw last week against the Niners. But don't let that discourage you because San Francisco's defense is very good. Wilson is still in the MVP talk heading down the stretch.
The Eagles are up next and are ranked eighth in aFPA to quarterbacks. That number might be misleading as the Philly secondary has struggled at times this year.
We expect a big game from Wilson, maybe not five TD passes, but at least two and 250 passing yards. Start him as a top-five fantasy quarterback for Week 12.
Week 10 at San Francisco
We had Russell Wilson as our No. 1 quarterback last week and it paid off for anyone who listened. He threw for 378 yards and five touchdowns passes. It's not surprising because he is an MVP candidate and will take advantage of weak defenses. Things will be a little different this week.
Wilson faces the 49ers who are ranked second in aFPA to quarterbacks. The Niners defense has been very good, but Wilson has had success against San Francisco in recent years. Last season, he threw six touchdowns in the two meetings without an interception.
Despite the tough matchup, Wilson should be in your starting lineup as a solid QB1. He is playing very good football even against the better NFL defenses. He won't be the top fantasy QB this week, but he will still give you good numbers.
