Robert Turbin: Why Backup Running Back Is a Must-Add for Fantasy Owners

Robert Turbin is owned in just 12.8 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues and 16 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

That number needs to increase. Like, right now! Trust me on this one, fantasy owners—you want to snag Turbin while you still can.

Here's the thing: Those pesky back spasms that have bothered Marshawn Lynch for the past few weeks are now threatening to keep him out of the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Pete Carroll had the following to say on the matter (via Danny O'Neil of The Seattle Times):

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"We'll have to take him day by day," Carroll said, "and see how he responds to the work, and we really won't know until the end of the week unless something changes. The process that he's gone through, he is aerobically in good shape. We need to get him back his football legs and get him enough reps to do that. He'll go real light today, and he'll continue to progress as we go through the week. We'll just have to wait and see.

"I can't call it for you now."

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Now, I know what you're thinking. But Tim, it's not like the matchup against the Cardinals is all that great. They were ranked 12th in fantasy points allowed to running backs last season, giving up 17 points on average per week. And there's no guarantee Turbin will see the majority of the carries if Lynch doesn't play.

Both are true. And I'm glad to see you've done your research. But I will counter with the fact that the Cardinals were ranked 24th in run defense a season ago, giving up 124.1 yards per week and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Plus, back spasms aren't a new development for Lynch. He missed a game last year to the same ailment. And while Leon Washington will get his touches, he's far from a guy that Seattle can rely on to carry the load.

No, the physical Turbin is the man for that gig. The Seahawks' entire offensive game plan is built around running the ball and hitting teams with play-action passes to keep them honest. They need a back that can step into the game and run in a physical, downhill manner.

I'm not telling you to expect the same results with Turbin that you get with Lynch. There is a reason why Skittles Beast Mode starts. But I am telling you that if Lynch doesn't go, Turbin will get a lot of touches on Sunday.

In a year when there are so many questionable running backs in fantasy, that is valuable. And given Lynch's history with back spasms, Turbin could be relied on for more than just one week this season.

So what are you waiting for? Why are you still reading this? While I appreciate you seeing this article to the end, go add Turbin to your team. Do it now before the Lynch owner in your league realizes he needs a handcuff.

Hurry! 

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