Countdown to 2021 fantasy football drafts: Russell Wilson No. 46

Russell Wilson had his second-most passing yards and most passing touchdowns in 2020, but he and the Seahawks left a lot on the table on the passing game. In his first eight games of the season he averaged 317.5 yards and 3.5 touchdowns. But, in the final eight games of the season he averaged 208.9 yards and 1.5 touchdown passes per game. Will Wilson be able to put together a full MVP-like season in 2021?

To commemorate the 2021 NFL season, we’ll be counting down the 75 best fantasy football players in the league. Picking a Top 75 is subjective, especially when you are projecting a whole season of accumulated fantasy points, but that’s part of the fun. We’ll assume what I see as an average league, which is 12 teams, .5 PPR scoring and a roster of 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, & 1RB/WR/TE. Kickers and defenses need not apply.

Change is the nature of the NFL beast, so trades and injuries will likely impact this list as we go along, but hey, this isn’t rocket science. We’re here to have a little fun and build up some much needed anticipation for a league cast in the shadow by baseball, soccer, hockey, etc. Sarcasm aside, the NFL is addictive and we’re here to give your daily fix as we close in on the season.

The official and often updated fantasy football drafting tiers can be found here.

No. 46, Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks, QB

Despite a lackluster second half of the season, Wilson still finished as the sixth-best fantasy quarterback in the league in 2020. Much of the blame for their rapid offensive decline can be given to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Known as a old-school, establish the run kind of coordinator, Shottenheimer couldn’t adjust his offense and went back to his default run-first position. The hope this season is that new OC Shane Waldron will bring with him innovation from Sean McVay’s Rams offense.

Competition for touches

I don’t see Pete Carroll ever going all out with a passing offense, so Wilson isn’t likely to hit 600 pass attempts anytime soon. But he did hit his season high with 558 attempts last season and if Waldron can get the offense to be more dynamic, the passing game should remain the key.

Team offensive expectations

Expectations will remain high with Wilson, Tyler Lockett, and D.K. Metcalf making up one of the best passing attacks in the league. How well they play for 17 games is another question, but as long as health isn’t a problem, they are going to put up yardage and touchdowns with the top teams.

What’s his upside?

Wilson’s upside is a full season like the first eight games of last year, which would be record breaking. We cant expect those kinds of numbers consistently, but his upside is very much in the realm of league MVP with his two great receivers and his ability to avoid pressure and gain yards with his legs.

What’s his downside?

Wilson should always be able to cobble together an above average season for fantasy, but if Carroll once again gets stuck in his establish the run ways, Wilson could see fewer attempts and lean more toward his downside. It would be a shame with all the firepower they have.

Projection

375/540, 4,300 yards, 43 touchdowns, 9 interceptions