It takes more than a Super Bowl ring to make it in the world of fantasy football. Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback has won over the minds of fans and critics alike, but what of fantasy football owners?
The Seahawks themselves do not exactly set Russell Wilson up for statistical success with their run-heavy status quo, but the Seattle quarterback has been able to contribute offensively due to his versatility. Though the Seahawks threw the ball just 825 times over the past two seasons, Wilson ranks in the top 10 in points scored over that period due to his versatility.
Wilson may be the most capable passer in the ranks of the rushing quarterbacks, as his 3,357 yards passing, 539 rushing, and 26 touchdowns were enough to earn him the eighth highest point total amongst passers last season. Wilson’s only negatives were his three nine point games against San Francisco, Houston, and Arizona respectively. But which direction is the third year quarterback headed in terms of fantasy relevance?
Though it is still very early in draft season, Wilson may be undervalued by the fantasy-obsessed. Ranked 89th overall and 14th on average amongst quarterbacks, Wilson is barely grasping at the realm of relevancy of fantasy starters. Ranked behind Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, and Tony Romo it appears Wilson will have to beat this trio of pocket passers in points in back to back seasons to prove that he is worth your time in fantasy football.
Ranking eighth and ninth the last two years respectively, oddly enough it is not all positive speculation regarding Wilson’s 2014 season. With only three games with 20 or more completions in 2013, Wilson’s lack of pass attempts has scared away many proponents of Seattle’s franchise quarterback. However, a healthy Percy Harvin should help the cause.
Though Golden Tate, Wilson’s top target from a season ago has left for Detroit, do not expect regression from the third year gunslinger. While Wilson and Tate connected for 12 scores last season ranking Tate 28th amongst receivers, but there are few in the game today who are better with the ball in their hands than Harvin. With the adorably inaccurate Christian Ponder at the helm in Minnesota, Harvin averaged over eight yards per attempt whereas everyone else on the team had less than six yards per touch. At the very least, the presence of Harvin will open up the field for Wilson as a true home run threat.
So why not knock your draft out of the park and wait on a quarterback like Wilson? Though he is in one of the most run-heavy offenses in the game today, Wilson makes the most of his touches either with his legs or his arm. Furthermore, his supporting cast led by Harvin is more than capable of picking up the third year quarterback when he is down. Regardless, the defending Super Bowl champion has shown his floor of fantasy production, and is ready for a breakout year in his third year in the league.
Quite simply the choice is easy, wait on a quarterback like Wilson and you will have a back to back top 10 scoring quarterback with potential for a breakout year. You have to like those odds, and buy Wilson as a starter in the 2014 season.