FanProphet

Seattle Seahawks

If Hasselbeck and Alexander come back 100% healthy this team has the ability and the coaching to compete in the NFC. As a whole this team is good. However, in terms of fantasy production (with the exception of Alexander) I am having a hard time finding much value.

Shaun Alexander: Stop him and the Seahawks go poof. Before Alexander’s early season injury he only managed to average 2.9 ypc and after his return he only managed 3.6 ypc, well below his career averages. Is Alexander slowing down? If not, he’s definitely capable of contributing huge rushing and TD numbers. If he is slowing down, you may want to look past him and draft a back with more upside. In my opinion, Alexander is now a mid-late first round pick.

Matt Hasselbeck: A middle of the road QB worthy of a draft selection, but not as your first option. Hopefully for Seattle’s sake Hasselbeck’s shoulder is completely healed. May fill-in wonderfully as a bye week replacement or an injury replacement, but I would only draft him for added depth.

Deion Branch: Somebody help me, I’m confused. Wasn’t this guy supposed to bring quality and reliability to Seattle at the WR position? I mean everybody spoke of Branch as if he is a  top 20 receiver. It was never that Brady liked to spread the ball around, it was a matter of having to spread the ball around evidenced by Branch’s inability to perform in Seattle. He’s never had a 1000 yard season, and he has never caught more than 6 TD’s in any given season. On the other hand, this may be the year for Branch to show his value. Branch is a 1st WR option for Seattle, but nothing more than a 2nd or 3rd WR option on any fantasy roster.

Nate Burleson: Burleson showed tremendous promise with the Minnesota Vikings in ‘04′ when he caught 68 passes for over 1000 yards and scored 9 TD’s. Over the previous two seasons he’s only managed to catch a combined total of 48 passes for 520 yards and only 3 TD’s. The NFL’s version of Harry Houdini! If you’re expecting Burleson to pick-up where he left off in ‘04′, don’t hold your breath.

D.J. Hackett: Behind Burleson on the depth chart but caught more passes and scored more TD’s and played in less games. You never know, with the lack of talent at this position Hackett could work his way into the starting lineup. Look for him as a possible free-agent pick-up.

DEFENSE: Forty-one sacks but only 26 takeaways in 2006. That’s enough to remain a 2nd defensive option for bye week replacement. On the other hand, playing in the NFC West’s run and gun style, this unit could possibly find its way into your starting lineup.

Josh Brown: You always need two kickers so make sure your first kicker doesn’t share a bye week with Brown. Brown is a mid-level kicker but in the high-scoring NFC West he could have a great season.