In the past two seasons, Russell Wilson has led many Fantasy teams to championships, especially last year, when he finished as the third-ranked Fantasy passer on NFL.com. This is the time of year when Fantasy owners have come to count on Wilson, because the month of December signals the beginning of the Fantasy playoffs. As the postseason begins for many of you, Wilson has started to sizzle at just the right time, and his recent surge appears set to continue at Baltimore this week.
Wilson has leaped to the sixth spot among Fantasy QBs with his recent play (236.88 total points), as he has scored 94.66 points on NFL,com in the past three weeks. He has totaled nine TDs in the past two weeks and has clearly re-emerged as a must-start Fantasy QB. A big reason for Wilson's great recent success is the offensive line. He's been afforded great protection lately as Tom Cable's unit has appeared to gel and the recent insertion of Patrick Lewis at center has proved to be a great move. Wilson has only been sacked three times in the past two games.
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With ample time to throw, Wilson has been seemingly more dangerous and prolific as a pocket passer than ever before. Baltimore ranks 19th in passing yards per game allowed and has a league-low four interceptions. The Ravens allow 18.88 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing QBs, the eighth most on NFL.com. The numbers point to another impressive Wilson performance in Week 14 as your Fantasy playoffs beckon. The Seahawks are making a strong postseason push of their own, and as they have been doing it, Wilson has demonstrated that he is evolving into even more of a complete player. His recent incredible play as a pure passer makes him look like a Fantasy standout again when it counts most, except now he is doing it in more unique fashion than what we have become accustomed to. Knowing he is still ready to thwart defenses with his rushing and scrambling skills at any time makes him an ultra-versatile player who can help you win a Fantasy championship in exciting fashion.
As Wilson has flourished, Doug Baldwin, who has been Wilson's go-to guy throughout his young career so far, has exploded with the best Fantasy stretch of his career. Regarded as a quality PPR WR for depth purposes in the past, Baldwin has suddenly morphed into a must-start Fantasy player over the past four weeks, especially in PPR formats. He has six TD receptions during that span.
Baldwin has totaled 56.90 standard Fantasy points on NFL.com in the past two games as he has rocketed to the 12th spot on the overall receiving ladder at his position. His 125.80 points overall now rank him ahead of notable names such as T.Y. Hilton, Demaryius Thomas and Randall Cobb.
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The Ravens allow 27.27 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing wide receivers, the fourth-most on NFL.com. Baldwin's Fantasy owners should be very confident they will get another strong outing this week, as it does not appear that the Ravens will be the team to cool him off. The Seahawks are intensely focused on nailing down an NFC playoff berth, and Baldwin's experience at key times of the year means he knows what it takes to keep rolling from both the mental and technical perspectives. He'll be ready to seize the big moments as a playmaker and you'll get some fine Fantasy production over the next few weeks as a result.
Tyler Lockett has continued to progress as a receiver recently as well, and he came through with career highs in receptions (seven) and yardage (90) last week. The Seahawks' late –season schedule suggests they can continue to impress in the passing game, and Lockett should be rostered for sure now for quality depth in your Fantasy playoffs. His appeal is starting to rise quickly in keeper and dynasty formats.
Another week of passing heroics means more possible TD runs for Thomas Rawls, who could find the end zone more than once this week as he gets a good amount of opportunities to cap scoring drives, The Ravens allow only 14.51 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing RBs, fourth-best on NFL.com. They allow 97.5 rushing yards per game. But Miami's Lamar Miller rushed for 113 yards against them last week, and the Baltimore defense may spend too much time on the field this week, meaning they will likely yield to Rawls later in the game as he provides Fantasy owners with another good outing.
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Steven Hauschka may be very busy in terms of extra points and a minimum of two field goals can be expected. The Seahawks defense is one of the very best Fantasy starts of the week after shutting out the Minnesota offense last week. The Ravens offense has totaled four interceptions in their past two games, with a pick being returned for a TD in each week. Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are no doubt looking forward to some turnover opportunities.
In other games, Blake Bortles will provide good Fantasy totals again as he faces the Colts. Tyrod Taylor will keep the momentum rolling from last week's strong outing as he takes on the Eagles. Jameis Winston is a fine streaming option against the Saints.
Rookie David Johnson could have his best game yet on Thursday against the Vikings, Shaun Draughn is a very good option as he faces Cleveland, especially in PPR formats. Jeremy Hill will score at least once against the Steelers. Ryan Mathews is worthy of a flex play against Buffalo.
Jeremy Maclin should stay hot against the Chargers. Vincent Jackson is a strong play vs. New Orleans. Allen Hurns will get back into the end zone vs. the Colts and Anquan Boldin deserves PPR consideration as he takes on the Browns.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (vs. Saints) should resurface this week and Zach Miller (vs. Redskins) can be started as well. The Chiefs (vs. Chargers) and Lions (vs. Rams) are quality streaming choices on defense.
For more in-depth Fantasy Football playoff analysis from Scott and his team at RotoExperts.com, register now for the Xclusive Edge Fantasy Football package right here and take advantage of a very special Fantasy Football playoffs discount offer for Seahawks fans by entering the promocode "seahawks" at checkout. You can also watch Scott on the Fantasy Sports Network (FNTSY) with the new app on AppleTV.
Team photographer Rod Mar went with the Seahawks on their business trip to Minnesota and had this perspective of the team's exciting 38-7 win over the Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis dons his Drake-inspired "Hotline Bling" holiday sweater for the December road trip to Minnesota.
Running back Thomas Rawls makes his first carry of the road trip, hauling snacks for the running back group as the road trip begins.
Seahawks fans are always on hand when the charter buses leave the interstate and head through Sea Tac to the airport for departure.
The Seahawks board their Delta charter flight on Friday afternoon, bound for Minneapolis, Minnesota for the matchup with the Vikings.
On Saturday, the team headed to a local college for a brief walk-thru. Safety Marcus Burley listen to music on his Bose headphones on the bus ride.
The team practiced on a local field covered by an indoor bubble. Defensive backs Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas held a discussion while the offense took the field for their portion of the walk thru.
Each road trip, the team takes a brief visit to the stadium of the next day's game. Running back Thomas Rawls took a phone call while sitting at his locker as the team got familiar with the surroundings at the University of Minnesota.
Receiver Doug Baldwin leads the way as the team walks off the turf at TCF Bank Stadium, permanent home of the University of Minnesota football team and temporary home of the Vikings while their new stadium is being built.
On game day, Kay Ruekberg of East Lansing, Michigan, got to check off the second item of her bucket list as she met Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson as he boarded the bus headed to the stadium.
At the stadium, quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll studied the surroundings during early pregame warmups.
Back in the locker room, receiver Doug Baldwin watched tape as he mentally prepared for the game ahead.
Linebacker Frank Clark applies eye black before the team took the field.
Offensive linemen Garry Gilliam and Justin Britt lead the way as the Seahawks make their way down a tunnel taking them from their locker room to the field.
Seattle's defense set the tone from their opening series on the field, stuffing league-leading rusher Adrian Peterson on his first two carries.
Seattle's defense came out on fire, and Bobby Wagner and Bruce Irvin congratulate Frank Clark after his sack of Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the first quarter.
Seahawks tight end Luke Willson stepped up in the absence of the injured Jimmy Graham, catching this tough pass and absorbing a big hit for a 14-yard gain and a first down.
The Seahawks went right back to Luke Willson on the very next play and he outran the Vikings defense for a 22-yard gain and another first down.
The Seahawks offensive line, including J.R. Sweezy, Patrick Lewis and Justin Britt, gave quarterback Russell Wilson time to throw from the pocket.
Tyler Lockett led all receivers with seven catches, this one for nine yards on Seattle's first scoring drive.
Running back Thomas Rawls celebrates after he scored the Seahawks' first touchdown of the game
Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin celebrates after tackling Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson for a one-yard loss in the first quarter.
After that, it was K.J. Wright and Kam Chancellor's turn to upend Vikings star Adrian Peterson, this time after a three-yard gain on a pass from Teddy Bridgewater.
Seattle rookie linebacker Frank Clark notched a sack of Minnesota's Teddy Bridgewater for a five-yard loss at the end of the first quarter.
Seahawks fans once again showed up and showed out on the road, flooding the stadium in blue and green, with 12 flags and signs supporting their team.
Running back Thomas Rawls found room up the middle as some Washington State University fans showed their Cougar colors in the stands.
Head coach Pete Carroll walked back to the benches to confer with defensive linemen Michael Bennett and Brandon Mebane.
Seattle's defense waits for the Vikings to come to the line of scrimmage.
Seattle's defense was stifling the Vikings who tried a reverse, only to have cornerback Deshawn Shead make a diving tackle for a six-yard loss on the play.
Seahawks fans and Vikings fans managed to enjoy the game together in the stands.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett hauled in a 29-yard pass from Russell Wilson then was hit hard by Minnesota's Antone Exum, Jr. who was penalized for unnecessary roughness while safety Robert Blanton grabbed Lockett's facemark.
Defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson (Maryland)
Running Back C.J. Prosise (Notre Dame)
Offensive Lineman Mark Glowinski (West Virginia)
Wide Receiver Rodney Smith (Florida State)
Wide Receiver Tyler Lockett (Kansas State)
Defensive End Cassius Marsh (UCLA)
Running back Troymaine Pope (Jacksonville State)
Tight End Jimmy Graham (Miami)
Defensive Lineman Ahtyba Rubin (Iowa State)
Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls hits a hole created by center Patrick Lewis in the second half. Rawls tallied 101 yards on 19 carries in the victory.
Defensive End Cliff Avril (Purdue)
Linebacker Mike Morgan (USC)
Running Back Tre Madden (USC)
Wide Receiver Tanner McEvoy (Wisconsin)
Strong Safety Kam Chancellor (Virginia Tech)
Linebacker Ronald Powell (Florida)
The game is not even three hours old yet, but linebacker Bruce Irvin is already reviewing tape of the game on the return flight to Seattle.
