Week 10 at Los Angeles Rams
Tyler Lockett has been quiet lately except for the fact he has been scoring touchdowns. However, even that didn't happen last week. He only has eight catches in his last three games and some of that might be because of the return of Doug Baldwin who has been QB Russell Wilson's favorite target in recent years.
This week, Lockett faces the Rams who are 22nd in aFPA to wide receivers. He has averaged just under four catches per game in his career against the Rams with only two touchdowns in seven meetings. For Week 10, Lockett should be in your lineup with the favorable matchup. Start him as a low-end WR2.
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Tyler Lockett had another touchdown last Sunday and has scored one in every game this season but one. He only had two catches last week, but still remains a main target for QB Russell Wilson. It seems that the Seattle passing game is heating up, but there is also an issue for Lockett as Doug Baldwin and David Moore are major targets as well. So you aren't sure each week who will be Wilson's favorite.
Lockett will face a Chargers defense that is ranked 28th in aFPA to wide receivers. With the good matchup, Lockett ranks a high-end WR3 or flex for Week 9.
Week 8 at Detroit Lions
Tyler Lockett has touchdowns in his past two games before Seattle's bye week. He didn't really put up great numbers as the Seahawks No. 1 and now with Doug Baldwin healthy again, he will return to his role as the No. 2. He still has fantasy value and will still put up some big numbers on various weeks.
Lockett will face the Lions defense that is ranked 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. He still is playable this week as a WR3 or Flex on Sunday.
Week 6 at Oakland Raiders
Tyler Lockett only had three catches but they went for 98 yards and a touchdown last week. The Seahawks relied more on the run against the Rams so Lockett was only targeted five times, but that was more than any Seattle receiver.
It's a good matchup for Week 6 as Seattle takes on a poor Oakland pass defense. Even though Lockett still is ranked behind teammate Doug Baldwin, Lockett still has some fantasy value this week against the Raiders. Start him as a WR3 or flex.
Week 5 vs. Los Angeles Rams
With the return of Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett falls back to his No. 2 spot on the receiving depth chart. Last week, Lockett caught five passes for 53 yards which is the norm for him with Baldwin in the lineup. Expect more of the same with an occasional big game mixed in.
Lockett will face an average Rams pass defense. He should still get targets and he remains the Seahawks deep threat, but Baldwin in the lineup relegates Lockett back onto your fantasy bench for Week 5.
Week 4 at Arizona Cardinals
With No. 1 receiver Doug Baldwin making progress on the health front, Tyler Lockett continues to be strong in his absence. Lockett was in the end zone for the third straight week and had a season-high 77 receiving yards. The only negative might be his targets, which are less than six per game at this point.
Lockett has a tough matchup against the Cardinals, who are ranked eighth in aFPA to wide receivers. But his big-play ability makes him a threat to have a big game each week. Start Lockett as a low-end WR2 for Week 4 against Arizona.
Week 3 vs. Dallas Cowboys
With Doug Baldwin out, Tyler Lockett is the temporary No. 1 receiver in Seattle. He did lead the team in targets last Monday with seven, which turned into five catches for 60 yards. He also reached the end zone for the second straight week—good news for owners who grabbed Lockett late in most drafts.
Lockett will face a Dallas defense ranked 21st in aFPA to wide receivers. The Seahawks' offensive line has struggled to protect QB Russell Wilson which has impacted all of Seattle's skill players.
Lockett is still a decent play for Week 3 as a high-end WR3 or flex option. Keep him in your starting lineup as we expect these recent numbers to be his floor.
Week 2 at Chicago Bears
With Doug Baldwin out for a month or more, Tyler Lockett moves into the No. 1 receiver spot for Seattle. Lockett was only targeted four times in Week 1 but he made the most of those targets with three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown.
The Seahawks face a tough pass defense on the road in Chicago. We expect more targets for Lockett, which gives him the potential for some very good fantasy numbers while Baldwin is out.
Start Lockett as a WR3 or flex option for Week 2 as the matchup could limit his production on Sunday.
Week 1 at Denver Broncos
With the departure of Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett can lock in that No. 2 WR spot in Russell Wilson' receiver pecking order. Lockett has shown signs of being a big-play receiver and that could be the case on Sunday.
But the matchup isn't great against the Broncos' pass defense. Because of that, Lockett will probably not be much of a factor for Week 1. Keep him on the bench but expect him to still have an impact on the Seahawks' offense moving forward.
Fantasy Upside
Tyler Lockett is the No. 2 receiver in Seattle. His numbers have been fairly consistent in this previous three seasons. The good news for Lockett is that two primary weapons in the passing game aren't with the team anymore—Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson. Lockett will have more opportunities so his numbers should be better in 2018.
Fantasy Downside
Many expected Lockett to have a breakout year last season, but his numbers were the lowest of his career. There will be some younger receivers nipping at his heels as well as veteran Brandon Marshall, so he needs to produce when he gets opportunities. One big number is touchdowns. He had six his rookie season but only three the past two seasons.
2018 Bottom Line
The departure of Graham and Richardson leaves 101 catches and 16 touchdowns unaccounted for, so Lockett could get some of those numbers. But the three-year trend makes you wonder if he will. His ADP is 144 but we suggest you take him a little higher. He will be depth at this point but the potential is there to increase his numbers.
