2013 Fantasy Outlook: Russell Wilson

Information is constantly changing in the NFL and fantasy player values can change at any moment. Having updated, informative news can help you not just at your fantasy football draft but during the regular season. Feel free to glance at our recent articles to make sound decisions throughout the year.

To help you get ready for draft day you will notice articles for ADP advice, cheat sheets, mock drafts and projected stats for Russell Wilson here. During the season, you can also find regular weekly ranking articles at this section as well.

Welcome to Russell Wilson’s fantasy football outlook archive. At this section of Wilson’s player page you will notice our past thoughts and advice for fantasy football.

August, 2012: Wilson’s Fantasy Value Trending Up After Winning Starting Job

While the Seahawks had an open competition at quarterback heading into the preseason, it was reasonable to believe Matt Flynn would get the nod to start the season. After all, Flynn has had success in the few starts he had back in Green Bay and Seattle gave him starter money in the open market this off-season.

Scratch who idea, as rookie Russell Wilson played terrific in a backup role against the Titans and Broncos, which sparked a start in the teams’ week three contest against the Chiefs. Wilson then went on perform like a poised veteran in Arrowhead, a Stadium known for being one of the loudest in the league.

Shortly after this performance Wilson was handed the starting job.

Because no quarterback at Wilson’s height (listed 5’11) has had sustained success in the NFL, it’s understandable he fell outside of the first round, which is where he was projected to go if he was a few inches taller.

Only time will tell if Wilson can consistently make plays with this arm in key situations, but the Seahawks are going with him this season and I believe he will give them exactly what they want; a game manager that won’t make many mistakes and presents matchup problems to the defense with his ability to run the football.

Wilson’s skills as a runner will help the running game, as it should freeze a linebacker making life easier for Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin.

For an “undersized quarterback” Wilson actually has a strong arm, and doesn’t necessarily need functional space to throw the football down field. He’s also elusive in tight spaces and has a good feel for the rush.

Wilson is helped by the ability to quickly reset his feet – after side stepping the rush – then delivering an accurate football.

While Wilson will be more of a game manager as a rookie, his running ability makes him a worthy QB2 to start the season in fantasy leagues. I like his upside and once his receiving core is at full strength, we could see Wilson develop into a weekly starter in 12-team leagues down the stretch.

	Passing Stats			Rushing Stats
	Yards	TD	INT	Yards	TD
2012 Projected Stats	3,344	18	10	478	2

May, 2012 – Early Fantasy Projections

It’s going to be a fun ride while it lasts talking about Russell Wilson’s chances of being a starting quarterback. Wish the kid luck, but he will have to prove he can play within the pocket, like every quarterback who sustains long-term success at this level.

Size is the question mark, but I feel like he’s with the perfect coach to beat the odds. Pete Carroll is a defensive minded head coach, but if there’s a Bad News Bears coach in the NFL, it’s Carroll.

He’s done things his way, and it seems he’s helped players who may not fit the conventional size, speed or strength into quality talents. Look at Chris Clemons, Doug Baldwin, heck he’s even gotten the most out of Marshawn Lynch.

Wilson has an opportunity to start this year, and I do believe we will see him on the field at some point, but likely not right away. Wilson is a later round stash at dynasty leagues, with some upside as the quarterback situation is up for grabs.