Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson finished as fantasy's No. 3 overall scorer last season thanks to a significant boost in rushing (career high 849 yards and six touchdowns on the ground last year). As a result, he was drafted as a top five QB option in fantasy this year. Unfortunately, he hasn't played like one.
In standard scoring leagues, Wilson has posted 15 points or less in five of seven games this year. He has failed to top 12 points in two of his last three games. It's not that Wilson is having a bad season per se (he's improved greatly on vertical passes); it's just that other areas of Seattle's offense have regressed and Wilson isn't yet capable of making up the difference.
According to ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner, Wilson is tied for 33rd in short pass (10 yards or fewer) fantasy points per game (4.8). That's the same mark as Peyton Manning who has been relegated to the bench in countless leagues due to his struggles this year. But that's not the only area where Wilson is lagging.
"Rushing prowess may initially look to be Wilson's favor, as only two quarterbacks have more fantasy points per game on rushing plays (Cam Newton and Tyrod Taylor), but that ranking doesn't reflect how far Wilson has fallen in this category," Joyner wrote. "His 3.9 points per game this season is barely more than half as much as his league-leading 7.6 points per game in this category in 2014.
"The bottom line here is barring a significant increase in short pass or rushing production, Wilson is going to continue to put up point totals that place him on the borderline of QB1 and QB2 - well below his preseason draft status. Fantasy owners should try to parlay him into a player with more immediate upside potential."
Overall, Wilson has been an undisputed fantasy disappointment. It's up to you whether or not you want to cut bait with him at this point.
