When it comes to fantasy football, the 2022 season has been somewhat tumultuous.
Those who drafted Russell Wilson with high expectations were forced to the waiver wire and found comfort in the arms of his replacement, Geno Smith. When Javonte Williams was lost for the season, most fantasy owners blew their whole FAAB budget on Kenneth Walker III. And as the tight end position became even more of a desolate wasteland, Noah Fant and Will Dissly suddenly became relevant.
If you haven’t yet connected the dots, it’s simple: Fantasy football seasons were saved by the Seahawks. But as we enter Week 14, our saviors are now limping in, and many of us find ourselves back at square-one.
When Smith showed up on Seattle’s injury report Thursday, fantasy managers’ hearts sank. Showing up on the report late in the week is bad enough, but the fact that his throwing shoulder is the problem makes it even worse. Are we to turn to his backup Drew Lock? Is he a better option than the trash sitting on your waiver wire right now like Brock Purdy or Tyler Huntley? Given the matchup against the Panthers, we just might have to, should Smith not be available.
The Seahawks backfield is another potential disaster as Walker, a saving grace for most, hasn’t practiced all week because of an ankle injury. With every day that passes, it sounds more and more like he won’t play.
DeeJay Dallas, the team’s pass-catching back, also has missed practice all week, which leaves Travis Homer and journeyman Tony Jones Jr. as potential options this week. Given how ineffective Jones was last week, Homer seems to be the guy you need to add. Keep your expectations in check, but take solace in the fact that the Panthers rank 22nd in DVOA against the run and are allowing 135.7 rushing yards per game with 13 rushing touchdowns allowed all year.
The injury bug is taking a massive bite out of Seattle right now, and it’s everywhere. DK Metcalf is questionable, which means Marquise Goodwin may be needed. Dissly is banged up, so Fant might have an edge. Even the defense, which has dramatically improved over time, also finds itself riddled with injuries.
You will need to keep a watchful eye for the next 24 hours as your Week 14 saviors could be named Lock, Homer and Goodwin. It sounds crazy, but that’s what the 2022 season has been all about.
Howard Bender is the VP of operations and head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on Twitter @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy sports advice, player projections, injury updates and more.
