NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Seattle Seahawks.
Must Own:
Marshawn Lynch, RB: Lynch's stock is down just a bit this season, mostly because of concerns about his workload, but to me he's as reliable an option as there is. In three seasons with the Seahawks Lynch has never failed to score at least 11 touchdowns or eclipse 1,200 yards rushing. Expect Lynch to keep finding the end zone, and racking up yardage.
Percy Harvin, WR: Last season's injuries really upset fantasy owners last year, and his stock has tumbled very far. He was a Top 10 guy for most players in 2013, but now his ADP is near the end of Round 4. He's the 20th WR off the board, which is a mistake. His talent hasn't gone anywhere, and healthy Harvin has Top 10, or even Top 5 upside. He's got a very good quarterback to boot, and with Russell Wilson entering his third season, it wouldn't be shocking to see Seattle entrusting him with greater responsibility.
Defense/Special Teams: Last season Seattle's D was the best in fantasy, and they've been Top 5 for quite some time. They lost a couple of big players from last year, but the core of Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas remains. Harvin is also an elite return man, so this is the only D/ST worth reaching for.
Russell Wilson, QB: Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III get a ton of love for their throwing/rushing combo, and I'm wondering why Wilson doesn't get the same respect. He's come in just under 100 rushing attempts in both of his first two seasons, and he had four rushing TDs as a rookie.
He's in those players' class as a rusher, and he might be the best passer of the bunch. 2014 could be a breakout season for him statistically.
Steven Hauschka, K: As good as Wilson is, and as valuable in close as Lynch has proven, sometimes Seattle's offense stalls out. In those cases, Hauschka has proven himself to be one of the most reliable legs in the NFL, converting on 94 percent of his attempts last season.
Sleepers (Best format)
Doug Baldwin, WR (PPR): With Golden Tate gone, there will be many passes now heading Baldwin's way. If Percy Harvin gets hurt, then you have yourself a No. 1 WR. His ultimate upside isn't great, but with enough opportunity he could become a must-start.
Christine Michael, RB (Standard): If Lynch gets injured Michael has tremendous upside in the same vein as San Francisco's Carlos Hyde. The problem is that as long as Lynch is good to go, the opportunities for Michael to play will be few and far between.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Robert Turbin, RB (Standard): Michael is viewed as the top backup to Lynch, but for a few years Turbin was looked at as a hot handcuff. He's currently listed as the No. 2 back on the depth chart, and Michael's had previous fumbling problems.
Paul Richardson, WR (Standard): Richardson has gotten some hype as a possible shocker this year, and for good reason. He had a great season in his final year at Colorado, and despite not being the biggest target he managed to find the end zone 10 times. The names ahead of him on the Seahawks depth chart are not Pro Bowlers, so don't be surprised if this rookie makes noise.
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