Russell Wilson: Starting Job Will Not Equal Fantasy Football Success for Rookie

Russell Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks' regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but fantasy football owners shouldn't expect success in their league because of that.

Wilson is still a rookie, and he's not surrounded by a ton of talent at wide receiver. His 119.4 quarterback rating has Seattle fans jumping for joy, as it should, but the Seahawks are a run-based team.

They're leading the NFL in rushing yards per game (184) this preseason, and there's no reason to believe that's going to change.

Marshawn Lynch is the offense's most talented player, while players like Leon Washington and Robert Turbin will also vie for carries. The Seahawks used their toughness to win games last year, and they will get by with that again this year.

This isn't to say Wilson won't play well, but he's not going to be the guy in the city where it always seems to rain.

Wilson's receivers are going to be some combination of Sidney Rice, Braylon Edwards, Golden Tate, Ben Obomanu and Doug Baldwin depending on who is healthy. He will also have tight end Zach Miller to throw too.

That's a functioning group of targets, but he doesn't have a game breaker anywhere.

Rice could be that guy, but he's only played 15 games in the last two years combined. He hasn't come close to equaling his breakout 2009 season, and it's wishful thinking to think that he will at this point.

Edwards has played well in the preseason. He's picked up three catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, but it's still unclear if that success will translate to the regular season.

I'm looking for Wilson to fall somewhere around 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. That's not an awful option as your No. 2 quarterback, but Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are better options at this point as rookies.

It's tough not to root for Wilson. If he were three inches taller, I think he's a franchise talent. Even at 5'11'', he's incredibly cerebral and his legs give him electric two-way ability behind center.

Look for him to learn a few things this season. He could emerge as a capable option in his second NFL season, but his momentum will wear off once the regular season hits this year.

Seattle will win eight games this year, but Wilson won't be highlighted enough to make him a reliable fantasy option.