Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch's 2014 Fantasy Outlook After Percy Harvin Trade

The Seattle Seahawks won a Super Bowl without much help from Percy Harvin last season, thanks largely to Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch, and they will try to do it again in 2014 after Friday’s trade. 

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports initially broke the news, while Jeff Darlington of NFL.com looked for the rationale behind the move:

In reality, it’s certainly not going to help the Seahawks win this season. That’s not saying Seattle can’t win another Super Bowl, only that getting rid of an elite kick returner and speedy wide receiver doesn’t improve your chances of victory on the field. The good news is that you don’t have much fallout to fear if you are a Lynch or Wilson fantasy owner.

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After all, the Seahawks offense revolves around the running attack, and that is where both Lynch and Wilson shine. Seattle is 31st in the league with 186 passing yards per game but second with 149.8 rushing yards a contest. It may not be a fantasy-friendly offense for wide receivers, but the running back and mobile quarterback are doing just fine.

Harvin has big-play potential, but outside of the three touchdowns he had called back for penalty against Washington, he hasn’t really helped Wilson rack up much statistical production (and those didn’t even count). Harvin only has 133 receiving yards and zero touchdown catches this season.

Lynch’s position as the top option in the Seahawks offense is even more secure now, which may actually improve his fantasy value.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Lynch has 79 carries and 14 catches (which happens to be more than every wide receiver on the team but two now that Harvin is gone), so it’s not as if getting the ball has been a concern. As for the argument that opponents will now stack the box without Harvin there, they were already doing that against Seattle.

If you and I know that the Seahawks are the NFL’s second-best rushing team and 31st-best passing team yardage-wise, opposing defenses certainly do too.

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com also thinks this is a positive development for Lynch's value:

Wilson’s fantasy value may take a slight hit without Harvin as a potential weapon. Yes, Harvin has struggled in terms of actual production, but the threat his speed presented meant that opposing defenses likely shaded his way on passing downs. That opened up other receivers for Wilson to hit.

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Still, Wilson’s top two receivers this season in terms of yardage are Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse. Both of them are still around, and Wilson’s true fantasy value compared to other quarterbacks is his ability to run. Wilson already has 221 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground (Zac Stacy and Doug Martin owners are likely jealous of that production) and will continue to make plays with his legs all season.

He discussed his running ability after gashing the Washington defense for 122 rushing yards on "Monday Night Football," which was the most by any quarterback in 45 years on Monday night, via Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com:

“I don’t think running for me is ever part of the game plan, really. It just kind of happens. If something’s not there, I just try to takeoff and get something positive and keep the drive alive.”

Now that Harvin is no longer on the outside, there may not be as many openings for the receivers and passing game.

All that means is Lynch will see even more handoffs and Wilson will have to run the ball even more. Your fantasy team is going to be fine.