Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, November 30th at 8:15 PM ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Betting Odds: SEA -5, 50 total via Oddsshark
Network: ESPN
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Russell Wilson (Start, QB1)
It has been a hugely disappointing downtrend from Russell Wilson in the past 3 games. After what arguably was the best start to a season from any quarterback in the modern era, the Seahawks signal-caller has slumped back down to earth with 4 INTs in his last 3 games, averaging less than 275 passing yards in the past 4 games. The fantasy world had become accustomed to MVP-type performances from Wilson on a weekly-basis so whilst regression was probably expected it wasn’t to this level. The Eagles defense is giving up less than 2 passing touchdowns per game so the matchup isn’t ideal either. Still, it is hard to advise on anything but a high-ceiling QB1 status going into this game.
Running Backs
Chris Carson (Start, RB2), Carlos Hyde (Start, FLEX)
The expected return of Chris Carson into this backfield is desperately needed. However, it does negate a breakout performance from Carlos Hyde last time around. Carson has missed 4 games after picking up a troublesome foot injury against the Cardinals in Week 7 and I will go as far as to say the Seahawks have at least lost 2 matchups because they have missed his ability to move the chains and run down the clock. There should still be room for Hyde to be effective, however. He looked determined and sharp against the Cardinals, mustering 95 scrimmage yards and a score on the ground. Hyde had also just returned from a 3-game absence. Both should hold fantasy value in this matchup.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Tyler Lockett (Start, WR1), D.K. Metcalf (Start, WR2), David Moore (Sit, FLEX), Jacob Hollister (Sit, TE2)
The 2 primary receivers in this offense currently sit in the top 6 fantasy wideouts in Yahoo! Even though Wilson hasn’t looked himself in recent weeks, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf continues to put up good numbers. Lockett is the safer bet for consistent production and went a perfect 9 catches on 9 targets with a score last week. Metcalf has been a bit more volatile, catching 3 passes or less in 3 of the last 5 games. He has seen more attention from opposition corners and that should continue with Eagles’ Darius Slay getting the assignment this week. David Moore has disappeared off the face of the earth in recent weeks after approaching FLEX potential. He is no longer an option.
A season-ending injury to Greg Olsen has opened the door for more targets in the tight end room but it is hard to discern who will take advantage. My money is on Jacob Hollister seeing more work than Will Dissly, however, this tight end group was hardly relevant in terms of fantasy anyway so there is little to work with here.
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Carson Wentz (Start, QB2)
It has been an ugly run for this offense under the tutelage of Carson Wentz – the former 1st round pick has a 14:14 TD: INT ratio and is dangerously close to Jameis Winston comparisons this season. The lack of talent at receiver has to be noted and combined with the recent injury to Miles Sanders, Wentz has simply struggled to elevate his game to levels we have seen before. He is often scrambling around aimlessly trying to keep plays alive on early downs in the opening quarter, playing as if his life depended on it late in the 4th quarter. The coaching staff doesn’t seem to know how to address the issue and help him either. He is a start purely on the matchup this week – the Seahawks have shown recent improvements on the defensive side of the ball, especially since the acquisition of Carlos Dunlap on the edge, but Wentz should be able to top 20+ fantasy points this week.
Running Backs
Miles Sanders (Start, RB2), Boston Scott (Sit), Jordan Howard (Sit)
Looking a little rusty after missing a couple of games through injury, Miles Sanders has also suffered from negative game scripts in the Eagles’ 2 consecutive losses. He has averaged 4.8 yards-per-carry over those 2 contests but has seen little work in the passing game. Why? I have no idea. Again this coaching staff seems incapable of getting the best out of its best assets. The Seahawks’ trouble against the run is well documented (they currently give up the 10th most fantasy points to backs) so a positive game script may change Sanders’ fortunes this week. Boston Scott has been effective in spelling Sanders since his return from injury but not enough to offer up a start status here – he is heavily touchdown dependant. In other news, Jordan Howard has been activated from the practice squad and loves to hawk a goal-line TD!
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jalen Reagor (Start, FLEX), Travis Fulgham (Sit, FLEX), Alshon Jeffrey (Sit), Dallas Goedert (Start, TE1), Zach Ertz (Start, TE2), Richard Rodgers (Sit, TE2)
It is hard to get excited about any of these receivers especially when Wentz is playing at the level he is. Travis Fulgham had emerged as a decent WR2 over the season but was held to just 1 reception on 7 targets last week after hauling in just 1 pass on 5 targets the week prior – yikes! The return of rookie 1st round pick Jalen Reagor is responsible for some of that downturn, and the former TCU wideout is the best bet to deliver against the Seahawks. The Eagles need to see what they have in the young receiver and Wentz will surely look his way plenty again after throwing 13 targets his way over the past two outings. Alshon Jeffrey failed to haul in a pass over two games this season and is completely off the radar in Philadelphia.
It is clear to all that Dallas Goedert is the best receiver in this offense – he led the Eagles in targets, receptions, and yardage last week and continues to be the first look in the red zone, notching his 2nd score of the season last week. The potential return of Zach Ertz clouds things a little bit but you could also argue these 2 tight ends are also the top 2 receiving options and should both be started against a leaky Seahawks secondary that rate as one of the worst units in football. If Ertz returns, Richard Rodgers is no longer a viable start despite finding paydirt last week.
-Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1 on Twitter)