Week 1 vs Cincinnati
Tyler Lockett takes over the No. 1 receiver spot for QB Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Doug Baldwin has retired and that should increase Lockett's targets. He has the potential to be a WR1 during this season if he stays healthy.
For Week 1, Lockett faces a Bengals defense that was ranked 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. We expect Cincy to take a step back with their secondary. We also expect Lockett to be Wilson's main red zone target. He scored 10 touchdowns last season and that is possible in 2019.
We like Lockett moving forward, but for Week 1, we only rate him a high-end WR2. He should start in all leagues but he won't be as much a stud in the opener as Seattle will probably run the ball a lot against Cincinnati's poor run defense.
Fantasy Upside
Tyler Lockett set career-highs in everything last year and in 2019, there is no doubt he will be the No. 1 receiver for QB Russell Wilson with the retirement of Doug Baldwin. Lockett had the fifth most touchdowns (10) of any wide receiver in the NFL and was just shy of the 1,000 receiving yard mark, which was 300 more yards than his previous career-high. He also had three touchdown receptions that were over 50 yards, and was sixth in the NFL in yards per catch.
Fantasy Downside
The focus will be on Lockett this season as the No. 1 receiver. Opposing defenses will be paying more attention to him. It is also questionable whether he can repeat the numbers even as the No. 1 receiver. The Seahawks will run the ball a lot this season again and the passing game could suffer if the long balls don’t happen as they did in 2018.
2019 Bottom Line
Lockett put up some good numbers in 2018 and he should put up similar ones this season. His receptions and yardage should go up slightly, but we aren’t as confident that he is going to get double-digit touchdowns again. Lockett has been going around the fifth or sixth rounds and ranks a low-end WR2 at this point. If you can get him as your third receiver, you are really getting good value.
Week 18 at Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Lockett scored his first touchdown in four games which could be a good sign. He was a touchdown machine at the beginning of the year including scoring one against Dallas in the first meeting this season between the two teams.
The Cowboys pass defense has been tough in 2018, ranked eighth in aFPA to wide receivers. Lockett will have some impact but it could also be the other receiver Doug Baldwin who is the focus of the passing game. Lockett is a decent play Week 18, but not the best.
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Tyler Lockett had four receptions for 99 yards last week and has been a beneficiary of a solid Seattle passing game. The downside is he has not scored a touchdown since Week 13. We expect the Seahawks to play to win on Sunday even though they have already clinched a playoff spot.
Arizona is up next and is ranked 24th in aFPA to wide receivers. Lockett had five catches for 53 yards in the first meeting this season with the Cardinals. We expect slightly better numbers at home this week so start Lockett as a solid WR2 for Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Tyler Lockett has been quiet over the past two games including the touchdown column, as he was held out of the end zone over that stretch. QB Russell Wilson has been spreading the ball around more which has been one of the issues as Lockett's targets have been low for a potential No. 1 receiver.
That could all change this Sunday night as the Chiefs are up next and are ranked 21st in aFPA to wide receivers. Lockett remains a player who should be in your starting lineup but the targets are worrisome so make it as a WR2 for Week 16.
Week 15 at San Francisco 49ers
With Doug Baldwin banged up, Tyler Lockett remains the No.1 receiving target for the Seahawks. The problem is the Seattle passing game has been in a slump and of course that affects Lockett. Seattle only had 72 passing yards last week and Lockett had 42 of them.
We don't expect Seattle's passing game to stay down for long. The 49ers are up next and are ranked 29th in aFPA to wide receivers. That should help. Start Lockett as a solid WR2 for Week 15.
Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Tyler Lockett has been targeted more than any Seattle receiver this season, but those numbers have fallen in recent weeks. Last week he was only targeted twice after coming off a 100+ yard receiving day. He only had one catch but it was for 52 yards and a touchdown. So even a bad day overall for Lockett had a silver lining.
Lockett will face Minnesota who is ranked sixth in aFPA to wide receivers. The targets are a slight concern, but the overall play by Lockett this season and the fact he has nine touchdowns keeps him fantasy relevant. Start him Week 14 as a low-end WR2.
Week 13 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Tyler Lockett has been consistent with five receptions in each of the last three games. He did record 107 receiving yards for his first 100+ yard performance of the season. Lockett also scored a touchdown, his eighth of the season. The Seahawks offense is playing well and the fantasy value of the players has risen including Lockett.
The Seahawks will face the Niners who are 16th in aFPA to wide receivers in 2018. We expect to see Lockett get his targets and numbers again this week. Start him as a solid WR2 for Week 13.
Week 12 at Carolina Panthers
Tyler Lockett has 10 receptions the last two games for 138 yards and touchdown. If he can consistently get those numbers, his fantasy ranking will rise. It helps that the Seahawks offense has adjusted and QB Russell Wilson is getting more time to find his receivers.
Lockett will face the Panthers who are 16th in aFPA to wide receivers. The passing game has settled in and although the receiving yards are not as much as last season, Lockett is benefitting from it. Start him as a low-end WR for Week 12.
Week 11 vs. Green Bay Packers
Tyler Lockett scored another touchdown on Sunday and has one in every game but two this season. He recorded five catches, the most since Week 4, for 67 yards. The touchdowns have been the driving force behind Lockett's fantasy success this season and he was the most targeted receiver last week which had not been the case the previous two games.
Lockett has a great matchup this week against Green Bay who is ranked 29th in aFPA to wide receivers. Until Lockett stops putting up consistent numbers, he will have good value although it would help if he can keep around the five reception or more mark each week. Start Lockett as a WR3 or flex for Week 11 against the Pack.
