2012 Team Outlook: Seattle
QB Russell Wilson, SEA (QB - #25) - Gamble (high risk)
Wilson entered preseason as the dark horse in what Coach Carroll wanted us believe was a three-horse race with Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn for the starter's job. The least experienced of the three, Wilson faced the longest odds to lead the team in September and looked at least a year or two away from getting his shot. All that has since changed. Wilson's outstanding pre-season performance has vaulted him past Flynn and made Tavaris Jackson (now a Buffalo Bill) expendable. But don't expect Flynn to roll over just yet. A QB battle between he and Wilson could last through the season.
UPDATE (8/26): Coach Pete Carroll announced Russell Wilson will be his opening day starter.
QB Matt Flynn, OAK (QB - #35) - Gamble (high risk)
Flynn was able to translate a body of NFL work that included only two regular season starts into a three-year deal with Seattle worth $19.5 million. He did set a Packers franchise record for passing yards in one of those games, so he's not going to fly under the fantasy radar.
UPDATE (8/26): Russell Wilson's outstanding pre-season performance has elevated the rookie to opening day starter. Don't expect Flynn to roll over just yet. A QB battle between the two could last through the season.
RB Marshawn Lynch, SEA (RB - #4) - Gamble (high risk)
Lynch had a career year in 2011 and it earned him a rich four-year contract extension. He was in line to carry the load again this season and was shaping up to be an early-round target in fantasy drafts until his July 14th arrest for driving under the influence.
UPDATE (7/27): Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio believes the NFL can't suspend Lynch without a guilty verdict in his DUI case. Lynch has pleaded not guilty and a lengthy court battle would at least help him avoid suspension in 2012.
RB Robert Turbin, SEA (RB - #59) - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Turbin is built like a tank and can move – at least on the track. Give him a little time to develop at the pro level and he should be a real chain-mover. He could very well enter the 2012 season as Marshawn Lynch's primary backup -- or replacement, if Lynch's DUI case leads to a suspension.
RB Leon Washington, NE (RB - #70) - Deep-league Only
In leagues that reward return stats, Washington is a mainstay. He's in line to see more time in the backfield with the departure of Justin Forsett. Draft him as a return specialist; consider any additional rushing and receiving numbers as gravy.
RB Kregg Lumpkin, --- (RB - #101) - Low Potential
With Tampa Bay last season he had more receptions than carries. Lumpkin should make Seattle's roster as a special-teamer and would be used as a third-down specialist if Leon Washington got injured.
