Thomas Rawls’ Fantasy Outlook and Waiver-Wire Advice

(Getty)

(Getty)

In a week where standout fantasy football performances were plentiful, there weren’t as many intriguing waiver-wire targets who distinguished themselves.

That is, except for Thomas Rawls.

Seattle Seahawks workhorse running back Marshawn Lynch entered the game questionable with a calf injury, and after just five carries for 14 yards, he left with a hamstring injury. That gave Rawls an opportunity to shine, and shine he did, grinding out 104 yards on 16 attempts.

And he impressed in the process:

There’s a lot to like about Rawls. The undrafted rookie runs with a no-nonsense style. He may not be the most elusive player, but the 5-foot-9, 225-pound back displays good vision, runs downhill and looks to deliver punishment to defenders in his way. Most importantly for fantasy purposes, he received 34 snaps and 16 touches to Fred Jackson’s 21 and four, respectively. The Seahawks, who chose Rawls over Christine Michael and Robert Turbin, clearly trust him in Lynch’s stead.

That said, we probably want to pump the brakes a little bit. His fantasy value is directly tied to Lynch’s health, and according to head coach Pete Carroll, his hamstring injury is “nothing to be alarmed about.”

Rawls is still someone you want to own, especially as a handcuff if you already have Lynch. Fantasy football is often about volume, and it appears he’s going to get a ton of it should Lynch miss any time.

However, as Lynch’s injury doesn’t appear serious, you don’t want to use a high waiver-wire priority or break the bank to acquire the rookie.


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