Christine Michael has had a wild ride in his NFL career so far, and I do not expect that wild ride to end anytime soon. You may recall the hype last year as some folks thought Michael would run away with the Dallas job when given the chance. After being cut by the Cowboys, spending time on the Redskins practice squad, then being re-signed by the Seahawks, Michael is back to wreak havoc on Fantasy owners.
Expectations for week 1 were an even split but giving Michael the nod to start. The good news here is that Michael made the most of his carries vs Miami. He had 15 carries for 66 years (4.4 YPC) and added 2 catches for 5 more yards. Not a great game by any means but nice to note he had a better game in a near even split with Rawls. (Rawls stat line – 12 carries 32 yards (2.7 YPC) and 3 receptions for 26 yards)
I expect Rawls' usage to increase in the weeks to come but if he continues to disappoint then our favorite hype train should pick up more steam.
We also want to keep an eye on Russell Wilson and his ankle injury. Pete Carroll says it is nothing serious, but if for some reason Wilson misses time, the whole Seahawks offense will take a major hit.
All in all, I am usually the first one to hop on a hype train but I would temper expectations this year. I expect this backfield to be a time-share the whole season with both backs earning carries and having RB2/flex appeal depending on matchups. I can not see a scenario where Michael is the workhorse unless Rawls suffers another injury. In which case, CHOO CHOO!
2016 Prediction
654 rushing yards and 5 TD’s