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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

With the current Tight End landscape out there in fantasy football, I will be covering a few TEs that are likely un-owned in your league. To start this rabbit chase, I am going to attempt to sell you on Dawson Knox. Dawson was never on my radar until he caught his first TD of the season in week 3 for the Bills. He also had a long catch-and-run prior to that TD, which also caught my eye.

Just look at this monster of a man:

What we know:

• 6’ 4” 254lbs
• Former High School Quarterback turned Tight End.
• Walked on at Ole Miss and never caught a TD, yet had 18.9 yards per catch in his 2018 season with lots of mouths to feed in a potent offense. Looking at you AJ Brown and DK Metcalf
• Buffalo likes what they saw and traded up to grab him in the 3rd round of the 2019 draft 
• 40 time – 4.64
• Still learning and is only 22 years old 
• Saw 63% snap share in week 3

What I think:

Looking at the 3-0 Bills I am intrigued. Mind you, they started with a Patriots like schedule. Jets, Giants and Bengals. Looking at their roster they have a small group of WRs that are not ideal redzone targets. John Brown has looked good, but is 5’ 11” and is more of a deep threat. Cole Beasley is 5’ 8” and your typical slot receiver. Zay Jones is 6’ 2” and has had his time to show he is a capable receiver... spoiler, he is not.

The Bills have been in favorable game plans to focus on their rushing game with Singletary/Gore/Allen leading the charge. The match-up this week against the Patriots will be the first time the Bills will need to put up points in droves to stay alive. Knox should see a few opportunities to stretch the field and potentially get into the end-zone. He’s an agile TE with great hands. He can line up inline or flexed out and should be getting more snaps as his coaches have been praising him for his blocking skills as well.

Happy hunting and good luck this weekend!

If you read my last player highlight, I covered Tight End Dawson Knox. He continues to be a hot add, but the tight end landscape is more barren then ever and makes me yawn just thinking about covering another deep speculative add. This week I am going to cover the 4^th quarter darling from the Monday night game, Allen Lazard. What caught my eye with Lazar was Aarons confidence going to him on back to back plays with the game on the line. In a game where it looked like every receiver on the packers had stone hands, it was a breath of fresh air.

What we know:

6’ 5” 227 lbs

23 years old

4.55 40 time

38” vertical jump

Was recruited to Notre Dame, Stanford, and others but ultimately chose Iowa State where his father and brother both player. Athletic genes.

Started for the Cyclones as a true Freshmen.

Finished his college career 7 receptions and 678 yards away from breaking school records in both categories

Rodgers lobbied for him to get into the game in the 4^th quarter

What I think:

With Allison and Adams likely out this week for the packers, it will be the same group of stone handed receivers on the field for the packers this week against the Raiders. This could be the time that Lazard needs to prove himself on the field and earn a larger role with the offense moving forward. Allison and MVS have not been very sharp this year. When Allison returns I feel there might be opportunities for fresh young legs to work more in the mix IF he proves himself this week.

What I am looking forward to is if Rodgers continues to look his way this week. In Rodgers post game interview, he said that Lazard has been doing this all year in practice and dropped that touchdown right where it needed to be. They seem to have the chemistry and anyone that develops trust with Rodgers is worth a roster spot. Worth noting that Rodgers sits next to Lazard at meetings. Can’t be too many seats next to Rodgers in those team meetings…

Overall, this is a complete dart throw. But one that could pay off if he turns into the third option for Rodgers in that offense.

Happy Hunting and good luck this week!