Russell Wilson is back doing Russell Wilson things averaging more than 20 fantasy points per game in 2017. While Wilson is running less than he did early in his career, he remains top-5 in rushing yards among NFL quarterbacks. Now a savvy 28 years old, Wilson’s success is primarily derived from his arm, evidenced by a top-10 ranking in numerous key efficiency metrics on PlayerProfiler.com.
Disregarding his injury-plagued 2016 campaign, Wilson posted a +15.0 or higher Production Premium, a 95.0 or higher passer rating, and a 65.0 or higher Total QBR from 2012 to 2015. Efficient passing combined with tactical scrambling pleases the fantasy gods and raises Wilson’s fantasy football ceiling to 25 or more fantasy points per game. Indeed, when great volume meets great efficiency do the NFL’s best quarterbacks become heroes and fantasy football folklore.
Volume + Efficiency
Russell Wilson has finished in the bottom half of the NFL in pass attempts each year since he entered the NFL. He is the only quarterback this decade with five or more full seasons as an NFL starter to average less than 500 pass attempts per season.
Fortunately, the Seahawks are changing their offensive philosophy in 2017. For the first time since Wilson arrived in Seattle, the team’s play calling is skewing pass-heavy. This season, Wilson’s full potential is being unlocked. The Seahawks are top-10 in Team Pass Plays, Red Zone Attempts, and Deep Ball Attempts.
Don’t be surprised when Russell Wilson rides a pass volume surge straight to the No. 1 fantasy football quarterback position this season.
