Last season was a tale of two parts for Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks offense. Both for NFL purposes, as well as fantasy football. The “Let Russ Cook” notion was in full effect through the first eight weeks. He was averaging 318 yards and 3.5 passing touchdowns per game during this span. This was one done on 297 attempts.
The second portion of the season was a much different story. In the final eight games, Wilson was averaging 209 yards and just 1.5 touchdowns per game. This was done on only 36 less pass attempts. With a massive cooldown from his scorching start last season, many fantasy players are wondering how to approach Wilson this draft season.
Consistency
Since entering the league in 2012, Wilson has played every game of every season. Not only is he durable and a sure bet to be out on the field, but he will be producing at an elite level. Wilson has been selected to the Pro Bowl in seven of his nine seasons as an NFL quarterback. Not convincing enough from a fantasy standpoint? Let’s dive a little deeper. His positional finishes in fantasy football since 2012 have been QB9, QB8, QB3, QB3, QB11, QB1, QB9, QB3, and QB6. That is a solidified quarterback; one who is still somehow underappreciated.
Situation
Wilson and the Seahawks find themselves under the same head coach that has been there throughout the duration of Wilson’s career. Pete Carroll, entering his 12th season, has notoriously stated that they need to run the ball more. Don’t fret. In the offseason, the Seahawks parted ways with offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer, who has been there since 2017. During his time there, the offense ran at a much slower pace.
With the addition of new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, the offense expects to pick up the tempo. Waldron spent the last three years under offensive mastermind, Sean McVay, in Los Angeles as the passing game coordinator. We can expect Waldron to bring a wide variety of plays to Seattle. This will benefit the offense tremendously, because, according to star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who stated, “Teams just started to figure us out,” a more complex playbook will keep the offense rolling.
What to Expect
In a perfect scenario, Wilson would produce the numbers that set fire to the fantasy football world in the first half of last season, for the entire 2021 season. Can that happen? Sure. However, realistically, I do not think that level of output is sustainable.
With that being said, I am expecting him and the rest of the Seahawks offense to be elite. Wilson has proven year in and year out that he is a star. D.K. Metcalf is now entering his third year in the league, and I think he is just scratching the surface of what he can do. A physical specimen, and improving each year, I think Metcalf takes another leap in 2021. Couple this with their other stud receiver, Tyler Lockett, and chef Russ will certainly be back in the kitchen cooking.
Conclusion
Russell Wilson is as consistent as they come. Finishing every year as a QB1 since coming into the NFL, 2021 will be no different. With a plethora of offensive weapons surrounding him, the ability to scramble and provide some rushing points, and the addition of a new offensive coordinator who intends to speed things up and install complex plays, Wilson is a safe bet to finish top six at the position; while having a legitimate chance at finishing as the overall QB1 this season. Don’t let the back half of last year scare you from missing out on what could be one of the best seasons of Wilson’s career. Draft him confidently in your fantasy football leagues.
