Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has a strong case for fantasy MVP among QBs this season. He finished third in overall and position scoring with a whopping 312 standard fantasy points. This number looks even better when you remember that Wilson was roughly the eighth or ninth quarterback chosen in most fantasy football drafts, typically being taken off the board in the sixth round. That's what you call good value, ladies and gentlemen.
Wilson's breakout year came thanks to an increased rushing workload. The third-year passer carried the ball 118 times for 849 yards (7.2 yards per carry average). That rushing total led the next closest quarterback by more than 200 yards.
Overall, Wilson had three games with at least 30 fantasy points, tied with Andrew Luck for tops in the league. Most important, Wilson came through in the clutch with big performances in the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 14 through 16).
If Wilson can maintain that type of production, he will be one of the five most attractive fantasy options at the quarterback position (the others top names being Aaron Rodgers, Luck, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Tom Brady).
"Wilson rushed for 849 yards and six touchdowns, each tops at the position," ESPN's Eric Karabell wrote. "Consider the context at running back, though. Only 15 running backs accrued more rushing yards, 16 players had more rushing touchdowns."
Wilson also threw for 3,475 yards and 20 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
One of the most important and often overlooked factors when it comes to fantasy production is consistency. A guy like Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill may have finished in the top 10 among RBs this season, but he posted just one double-digit game in his first seven outings. Week-to-week dependability is more important than the occasional eruption. That's why Wilson's weekly average of 20.5 fantasy points (ahead of guys like Manning, Brees and Brady) is so impressive. He produced on a consistent basis.
The Seahawks will likely upgrade their wide receiving corps during the offseason, giving Wilson more weapons to utilize. His fantasy production should rank near the top yet again next season.
