Next up for the ever-raging fantasy battles between dual-threat quarterbacks: Russell Wilson versus Robert Griffin III.
This is a tale of two quarterbacks-turned-revelations in which one inspired total shock and awe, and one that fulfilled grandiose expectations.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Wilson all the way down in the third round of 2012 NFL draft. They had already signed “marquee”” free-agent Matt Flynn, who was the presumed starter to the outside world. Wilson would surely serve as the backup that season.
Oh, could those removed from the Pacific Northwest be any more off the mark in their assumptions.
Wilson won the QB battle in short order during training camp and quickly won two of Seattle’s first three games in impressive fashion. Upon season’s end after playing most of the year in relative obscurity, Wilson compiled some awesome statistics—for a rookie or seasoned veteran. He continued his enthralling pace through two playoff games to boot.
In fantasy terminology, Wilson was the No. 10 overall quarterback last season.
RGIII, as he is so affectionately known, exploded out of the gate in Week 1 with 320 passing yards, two touchdowns and a mind-boggling 73.1 completion percentage. He overcame some rookie trials and tribulations before winning his final six starts and leading the Redskins into the playoffs.
Washington was in an absolute fervor over this godsend of a player and fifth-ranked fantasy QB in all of football.
So, in keeping things a bit more succinct, will Wilson and RGIII produce similarly exceptional numbers in the fantasy realm come 2013?
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
The unassuming 5’11’’, 204-pound Wilson surprised opposing teams by beating them up with both his arm and legs.
He took advantage of his diminutive, yet heady nature and rushed for 489 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. He then added 127 yards and one score in the postseason. Said yardage came mostly via scrambling, but there were plenty of designed runs out of the shotgun and read-option.
In terms of arm capabilities, Wilson threw with accuracy all over the gridiron, including deep. He compiled 3,188 passing yards, completed 64.1 percent of passes, notched a 100.0 efficiency rating and tossed a rookie-record 26 touchdowns next to just 10 interceptions. Fans watched with glee as eight of those games produced multiple TD throws, including a four-TD game against the San Francisco 49ers. He then totaled 572 more passing yards—including a 382-yard game—three touchdowns (to just one pick) and a 102.4 efficiency rating through two playoff contests.
The odds-defying rookie put up 275.62 fantasy points for his efforts. Not too shabby.
As for 2013, we expect he’ll do more of the same. Wilson will take advantage of a powerful run game led by Marshawn Lynch and, more notably, new offensive target Percy Harvin as both a receiver and backfield weapon.
Projected Statistics: 3,600 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 60 attempts, 5.0 average, 300 yards and two touchdowns
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
RGIII was prolific in college, but not even his biggest supporters could have projected as extraordinary a season as he produced in 2012.
The former Baylor Bear one-upped his dual-threat counterpart in nearly all categories across the board. He threw for more yards (3,200), rushed for more yards (815), had three more rushing touchdowns (seven) and nailed a 65.7 completion percentage. He didn’t have as many TD passes (20), but his 1.3 interception percentage led the NFL. The same went for his 8.1 yards per attempt.
And, to be fair, these spellbinding numbers materialized in one less game.
Yet, to be fair to Wilson, the Seahawks QB outplayed RGIII in their playoff matchup—Griffin III’s devastating injuries notwithstanding.
RGIII remains the most athletic, explosive and dynamic quarterback in the NFL today (or at least tied with Colin Kaepernick). He is freakishly fast and has a powerful, accurate arm.
But will his multiple severe knee injuries (ACL, LCL) from last year’s playoffs diminish his capabilities in 2013? Will he still accumulate fantasy stats near his 317.50 points last season?
There certainly will be a drop off in production. That said, with all his offensive weapons returning, including WR Pierre Garcon and Alfred Morris leading the ground attack, RGIII will find a way to accrue more than respectable totals.
Projected Statistics: 3,500 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 95 attempts, 6.3 average, 600 yards, five touchdowns
The Verdict
Wilson will produce some flashier passing stats, but RGIII will still rule the day in fantasy land. Either talent is a bona fide QB1 option.
Russell Wilson: 280 fantasy points
Robert Griffin III: 305 fantasy points
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