2010 NFL Preview: Seattle Seahawks

I expect Pete Carroll to be successful with the Seahawks…eventually. They just don’t have the pieces in place for it to happen right away.

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule: Difficult
The Seahawks take on the Niners in San Francisco in Week 14, then they play the Falcons at home. They have a nice matchup against Tampa Bay in Week 16, but it’s on the road. Plus, how many Seahawks are you going to rely on in the fantasy championship.

Five Star Fantasy Options
None

Four Star Fantasy Options
John Carlson — Somebody has to catch the ball. Carlson has been effective despite the Seahawks struggles, averaging 53 catches for 600 yards and six TDs the past two seasons.

Three Star Fantasy Options
None

Two Star Fantasy Options
Justin Forsett — For now, Forsett is probably the best option. If Leon Washington is healthy or Marshawn Lynch is acquired, you can all but write Forsett off. Until then, he’s the best option they have in the running game. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield. Very quick and elusive.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh — Housh had a choice between the Seahawks and the Vikings last year. I wonder if he’d still go for the money if he could do it over again. He has good hands and size so he’ll have some moments. He’s just not in a good situation. He is playing with either an old or an inexperienced QB. There isn’t much of a running game to keep defenses honest. There aren’t a lot of other receivers to keep defenses from keying in on him.

Golden Tate — As long as he isn’t too tempted by late night snack runs, Tate should have some moments along the way, but consistency will be an issue.

Seahawks Defense/Special Teams — If Washington returns to form, the Seahawks will have a strong return game. Their defense should improve with rookie Earl Thomas’ arrival.

One Star Fantasy Options
Matt Hasselbeck — He’s old. He can’t stay healthy. He has very few options in the passing game. If you’re taking Hasselbeck as your QB2, you may be drafting the name.

Charlie Whitehurst — He’s going to get his snaps so Carroll can see what he has. It’s hard to gauge a QB that has never taken a snap at this level. When you have a bad line, non-existent running game, and limited options at WR, you can’t get too excited over his prospects.

Julius Jones & Leon Washington — Jones bores me to tears while Washington must prove his back from a horrific leg injury. Jones will have a few solid games if he gets 15-20 carries, but they will be few and far between. Forsett’s skill set is similar to Washington, which could limit his fantasy impact.

Deon Butler — Butler has good speed, but will likely be fighting for crumbs after Carlson, Housh, and Tate have been fed.

Half Star Fantasy Options
Louis Rankin & Quinton Ganther — Since the Seahawks’ RB situation is so cloudy, this duo should at least be mentioned. They could get meaningful carries at some point of the season. That said, You surely don’t need to draft them unless they ascend up the depth charts (unlikely) during Training Camp.

Deion Branch — Branch has had too many injuries to be a factor any more.

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