Fantasy Football 2012: Breaking Down the Seattle Seahawks

What can the Seattle Seahawks do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.

Inside the Locker Room
with Dan Raley, Freelance Writer

Was Marshawn Lynch simply in beast mode for a new contract or can owners count on a repeat performance?
The big attraction to Lynch is he’s a self-starter. He plays with attitude. He was just as good in his previous season with the Seahawks without a contract incentive hanging over him. He stands to benefit from having a better quarterback (Flynn) and sturdier offensive line (if Russell Okung can stay healthy). If all goes well, Lynch’s fantasy numbers should be very, very good.

What are reasonable fantasy expectations for Matt Flynn in his first year as the starter?
Flynn, in his limited appearances with Green Bay, showed himself to be a big-numbers guy, every fantasy player’s dream. Another six-touchdown passing game is a stretch, but count on him for maybe two or more per game, plus 200-plus yards per outing — or double what Tarvaris Jackson provided as last year’s Seattle starter.

Is there a pass-catcher on this roster who will be an every week fantasy starter in 2012?
Probably not. The Seahawks insist that Sidney Rice, after having offseason surgery on both shoulders, will be healthy and Flynn’s No. 1 target. However, Rice’s five-season pro track record indicates he’s an extremely fragile player. Remember, undrafted rookie free agent Doug Baldwin was the top receiver in 2011 and Golden Tate remains on the roster as well. Seattle also signed free agents Terrell Owens and Braylon Edwards prior to the start of training camp, but it's anyone guess if the two mercurial veterans will contirbute anything on the field, let alone make the team.

Athlon's Best Bets

Sleeper: Matt Flynn, QB
Deep-Sleeper: Doug Badlwin, WR
Overvalued: Sidney Rice, WR
Top Rookie: Robert Turbin, RB
Bounce-Back: Zach Miller, TE
Top IDP: Chris Clemons, DL

2012 Draft Class

Fantasy Impact: The Seahawks added Matt Flynn to compete with Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, but Russell Wilson will get a chance to win the job in preseason camp. Wilson lacks ideal size but can be a starter in the NFL. Robert Turbin is a physical back like Marshawn Lynch, so playing time could be sparse in 2012.

Fantasy Playoff Run: Weeks 14-16 (ARI, vs. BUF, SF)

Marshawn Lynch was the only fantasy-relevant Seahawk last season, ranking fifth among RBs. He gets the 49ers and their top-ranked rush defense from a year ago in the fantasy title game. He was the only back to rush for 100 yards and score a TD against San Francisco last season. Matchups against Arizona and Buffalo, ranked in the bottom 12 against the run last year, should be a bit kinder.

Dominate Your Fantasy Football League! Click here for the ultimate online resource for mock drafts, positional rankings, Athlon's Top 250 and more.

You can order your award-winning Athlon Sports NFL Fantasy Football preview magazine here.