Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. Thursday, NFL Network
Has any starting running back taken more abuse from fantasy analysts than Marshawn Lynch?
He’s been called plodding, boring, unable to make anyone miss. He’s only 25, but sometimes he’s talked about as if he’s Thomas Jones.
Analysts can’t seem to get past Lynch’s yards per carry, which sits below 4.0 for the third straight year.
PFF isn’t any kinder in its evaluation. Through 12 weeks, Lynch rates 54th among tailbacks with a -1.4 rating, behind teammate Justin Forsett and luminaries such as Lance Ball and Brian Leonard.
But in CBSSports.com fantasy scoring, Lynch ranks 14th. He’s gone over 100 yards rushing in three of his last four games and has scored a TD in seven straight.
Of course, Lynch’s production is a function of his heavy workload. He’s gotten at least 24 touches in four straight games.
Despite all his deficiencies, Lynch has turned in outstanding performances against some of the toughest run defenses. He ran for 135 yards at Dallas and 109 yards at home against Baltimore.
Now he gets to face a Philly defense that has been gashed at times by the run. The Eagles allow 4.3 yards per carry, have given up nine rushing TDs and have yielded the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
You also have to wonder about Philly’s motivation, traveling cross-country on a short week with their playoff hopes basically gone.
No one runs harder than Lynch. Look for the Seahawks to try to pound the Eagles to keep the pass rush at bay. Lynch isn’t in the same stratosphere as LeSean McCoy talent-wise, but for this week he’s a high-end RB2.
McCoy, dealing with a toe injury, is expected to be fine for the game.
Perhaps no player has a better matchup than Eagles tight end Brent Celek, who’s averaged 5.5 catches over his last six games.
The Seahawks give up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
WR Riley Cooper should get another start with Jeremy Maclin likely sidelined. He’s averaged four catches and 73 yards over the past two games.
If you own Doug Baldwin, start him with confidence as a flex. The spry slot receiver is almost guaranteed to lead Seattle in targets with Sidney Rice ruled out. Baldwin has already posted five games with at least four catches, and his average of 16.4 yards per catch is high for a slot man.
PFF is very high on Baldwin in real-life football, ranking him 14th among WRs (+6.3).
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