Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 9th at 4:25 PM ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Betting Odds: SEA -6.5, 48 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Russell Wilson (Start, QB1)
The Seattle Seahawks have been eliminated from playoff contention, but that doesn’t mean that can’t attempt to play spoiler. With a Cardinals win, and a Rams loss, the Arizona Cardinals would be the NFC West champions and secure a home playoff game. You can also be guaranteed that Russell Wilson will be prepared and keep things competitive. Wilson is coming off of back to back QB1 weekly finishes, including a 30 point outing last week. Arizona has been solid defending the position, but that should hardly matter. Russ is a nice low-end QB1 this week.
Running Backs
Rashaad Penny (Start, RB1), Deejay Dallas (Sit)
Rashaad Penny has been the true definition of a fantasy “league-winner”, averaging 21 points per game in the past four weeks. Expect plenty of volume for Penny, as the Seahawks look to close out the season on a positive note. Penny has always been a talented player but unable to stay healthy during his four-year career. However, with health and opportunity, his production has been off the charts. Penny is hot right now and there is no chance you can bench him.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Tyler Lockett (Start, WR2), DK Metcalf (Start, WR2), Gerald Everett (Sit)
DK Metcalf has his biggest week of the season last week, in Week 17, scoring three times and finishing with 31 fantasy points. It was the first time since Week 8 that he scored more than 12 points, and he did so in dominant fashion. Perhaps Metcalf closes out the season on a high, and in a game where there could be fireworks, he belongs in your lineup. Tyler Lockett is a tougher call, however. While Lockett is still inside the Top 24 fantasy receivers on the season, Lockett has struggled these past two weeks. Anyone who’s ever rostered Lockett knows that he is an up and down, boom or bust player, and that remains the case. A weekly WR1 just 33% of his starts, and weekly WR3 or worse player 60% of his starts, it is always difficult to trust Lockett but also frustrating when he goes crazy on your bench. Lockett is a speculative flex play, and if you are a heavy underdog, he belongs in your lineup. It would not be a bad choice to keep him on your bench too.
Gerald Everett is the third option in a heavily concentrated offense and belongs on your bench this week.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray (Start, Low-end QB1)
Kyler Murray was in full control last week, dominating the Cowboys with efficiency and with his legs. Murray has been every bit the fantasy monster managers hoped for during the draft season. Arizona should have its full complement of starters in the game, for most of the game because the Rams kickoff at the same time. They can still secure the division with a win and an LA loss. Murray is a top fantasy option this week at quarterback.
Running Backs
Chase Edmonds (Start, If healthy RB2), James Conner (Start, RB2 if healthy), Eno Benjamin (Start, RB2 if both are out)
Chase Edmonds (rib, toe) and James Conner (heel) are both on the injury report this week, and their status is up in the air. Conner has been limited in practice this week but Edmonds has yet to practice this week. Managers will want to pay close attention to the Friday afternoon injury report. Conner could play, and if he does he is an excellent RB2 start this week. If Edmonds and Conner go, they both can be a solid flex play, just as they have for most of the season. If neither back is able to play then Eno Benjamin is a great cheap option in DFS. He will get plenty of opportunities, has fresh legs, and could be a sneaky stat should the team decide to rest its backs.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Christian Kirk (Start, Flex), A.J. Green (Sit), Antoine Wesley (Start, Low-end Flex), Zach Ertz (Start, low-end TE1)
Last week Antoine Wesley had a big game, and he has been trending up since Christian Kirk began to underperform, and DeAndre Hopkins left the lineup. Wesley has been splitting snaps with A.J. Green over the course of the last few weeks, and his playmaking has separated him. Wesley is the exact type of player that could have a big game to close out the season, with the team battling injury and getting ready for the playoffs. Kirk on the other hand has faded in the second half, outside of a single big game. It would be hard to trust him or Green in your lineups.
Zach Ertz continues to grind out fantasy points, and has finished as a weekly TE1 each of the last four weeks. He is a great start again this week and a solid cheap option in DFS.
-Marc Salazar (@oldsnake77)