Regardless of what happens with the Seattle Seahawks throughout the remainder of the playoffs, Pete Carroll's squad will be facing questions this offseason. Star running back Marshawn Lynch, who has only appeared in seven games this season due to a sports hernia, is still questionable as he recovers from abdomen surgery. Lynch will turn 30 this offseason and has flirted with retirement in recent years. Given his low output this season - 417 yards, three touchdowns, 3.8 YPC - it's possible that he could finally call it quits even though his contract runs through the 2017 season.
If that happens, it will open the door for Thomas Rawls to truly breakout in 2016.
"This one obviously depends on whether or not Marshawn Lynch returns, but Rawls proved capable of the lead back gig during a dominant rookie campaign," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Somehoe undrafted last year, Rawls put up 830 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 147 carries. His 5.6 yards per carry was the highest in the league among 47 backs who carried the ball at least 95 times. During the six weeks he played at least half of Seattle's offensive snaps, only Devonta Freeman and Doug Martin scored more fantasy points at the position. Not unlike Lynch, Rawls is a tough bruiser who figures to do his damage on early downs and at the goal line. If Lynch moves on, Rawls will certainly be an RB1 option in 2016 fantasy drafts."
Clay is right to point out the similar running styles of Rawls and Lynch, as both ball-carriers like to play with a rare physical edge that wears down opposing defenses. Though Rawls proved to be one of the better pickups in fantasy football before a broken ankle ended his season, it remains to be seen if he can match the impressive heights of Lynch's run with the Seahawks.
Seattle is not the same team it once was under Lynch. While they still finished the regular season third in rushing attempts (501), quarterback Russell Wilson emerged as a legit MVP candidate thanks to his arm. He attempted a career high 30 pass attempts per game in 2015 and Seattle's offense improved as he took more ownership. The Seahawks could lean more towards the pass in 2016, with or without Lynch.
Rawls is a talented young back, but make sure to keep your eye on the handful of surrounding variables before investing in him in fantasy football.
