FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/21/2013 5:48am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Christine Michael is expected to battle with RB Robert Turbin for the backup duties to RB Marshawn Lynch this year. Michael is expected to see plenty of action. "He's our kind of runner," general manager John Schneider said this month. "He's a tough, intense, up-field, one-cut guy. A very good football player."

Huddle Up: There were no illusions of Michael taking a significant bite out of Lynch's touches, but hearing the GM say positive things about him is reassuring. And if Lynch runs into off-field issues--something he's been prone to do--Michael should leap to the fore of Seattle's backfield backups.

Posted: 1/15/2013 8:54pm et

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said he doesn't think RB Marshawn Lynch (foot) was limited in the team's loss in the Divisional Round game against the Atlanta Falcons. 'I don't think we made as much space for him,' Carroll said. 'I think they did a nice job playing defense against us. We had so many opportunities in the throwing game, it was just there. And so we just kept exercising it.'

Huddle Up: Keying on Lynch was obviously on the top of the Falcons' defensive to-do list after his 132-yard performance in the wild-card win over the Redskins, but while they succeeded in limiting the RB to 46 yards on 16 carries, rookie QB Russell Wilson (385 yards passing, 60 rushing) came within a half-minute of pulling off the comeback win.

Posted: 11/24/2012 12:29am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch is still the horse that drives the team's offense despite the emergence of QB Russell Wilson. Lynch has the second-most carries (212) of any running back in the NFL through 11 weeks, trailing only Houston Texans RB Arian Foster (269). Lynch has 1,005 yards, his fourth 1,000-yard season of his career. He trails only Foster (1,064) and Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (1,128) in the race for the rushing title.

Huddle Up: Lynch, however, has a tough matchup this week in the Dolphins, who have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBS (Huddle Performance scoring). The Seahawks also have only one win in 4 games away from the raucous confines of CenturyLink Field this season.

Posted: 11/12/2012 11:56am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch carried 27 times for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Week 10 game against the New York Jets. He also had one reception for 27 yards, and he lost a fumble. Lynch went over 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive season. He also has four straight 100-yard rushing games, tying a franchise record set by RB Shaun Alexander in 2005.

Huddle Up: Lynch has carried the Seattle offense this year, and now that Russell Wilson has a half-season of experience under his belt and is starting to ignite the passing game even more lanes should open up for Lynch. He's one of the safest fantasy bets as well, a virtual lock for 100 yards and a touchdown on a weekly basis.

Posted: 11/9/2012 7:50pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, wrist) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 9, and is probable for Week 10.

Huddle Up: Lynch missed a practice earlier in the week, but he'll be good to go for a juicy matchup against a weak Jets run defense.

Posted: 11/7/2012 7:46pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back, wrist) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Huddle Up: It's early in the week, and Lynch deserved a day off following 3-straight 100-yard rushing games. As always, monitor his situation the rest of the week.

Posted: 10/19/2012 12:29am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries and added a catch for 13 yards in a 13-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Huddle Up: With rookie QB Russell Wilson struggling in his first encounter with the Niners' rugged D, Lynch was the Seahawks' top offensive weapon as he rushed for 100 or more yards for the third time in 7 games this season. Lynch, however, was kept out of the end zone for the third straight contest.

Posted: 10/11/2012 10:20pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 11.

Huddle Up: Lynch has been dealing with a tricky back all season but hasn't missed a start. He ranks third in the league with 508 rushing yards and that will be a big key in Week 6 as the Hawks will try to control the clock and keep the high-powered Patriots offense off the field.

Posted: 10/3/2012 11:48pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Oct. 3. He is expected to play in the Week 5 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Huddle Up: Lynch has been exactly what he was expected to be so far -- a top-10 fantasy back averaging nearly 15 points a game. He's been on the injury report every week with his back, but so far, so good as Lynch is averaging 25 touches per outing.

Posted: 9/25/2012 1:19am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch carried 25 times for 98 yards in the Week 3 game Monday, Sept. 24, against the Green Bay Packers. He also had one catch for one yard. Lynch entered play with six 100-yard games at home dating back to Week 8 last season.

Huddle Up: Lynch ran hard, picked up some tough yards and gave the Seattle offense a needed second dimension on a night when rookie QB Russell Wilson and the Seattle passing game (130 yards) largely struggled against the Green Bay defense. Lynch clearly remains the Seahawk with highest fantasy value going forward.

Posted: 9/22/2012 11:49pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) is listed probable for the Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Sept. 24.

Huddle Up: Lynch figures to be good to go as he has been the first 2 weeks, compiling 207 yards and a TD on 44 attempts.

Posted: 9/21/2012 9:22pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) practiced in full Friday, Sept. 21.

Huddle Up: Lynch took a positive step Friday after being limited in practice Thursday. Stay tuned through the weekend, though, as the Hawks don't play until Monday.

Posted: 9/17/2012 11:16am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch carried 26 times for 122 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He did not record any receptions. Lynch has an NFL-high 1,148 rushing yards since Week 9 of last season, averaging 104.4 yards per game during the span.

Huddle Up: Lynch is the workhorse of the Seattle offense, one that has had little success throwing the football. He'll continue to get 20-plus carries as long as he can hold up to the work; fantasy owners should ride him accordingly.

Posted: 9/13/2012 9:56pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 13

Huddle Up: Good news for Lynch's fantasy owners as the RB participated in a rare practice. Of course, no one should try to outguess a tricky back, so check Lynch's status up until kickoff Sunday.

Posted: 9/12/2012 9:17pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Huddle Up: Lynch was a non-participant last week in practice and then shouldered the RB load (21 of team's 33 carries) in Sunday's opener. Nothing's ever certain when it comes to back ailments, but more of the same could be in store this week. Stay tuned ...

Posted: 9/9/2012 5:33pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch has been informed that he will not suspended at this point for his offseason driving under the influence arrest. The NFL will wait until the case is resolved before deciding on a possible punishment which likely will not occur until 2013.

Huddle Up: This is one hurdle Lynch's fantasy owners have cleared, but they're still not worry-free as his bothersome back nearly prevented him from playing in Week 1.

Posted: 9/8/2012 8:07pm et

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the team likely will not make a decision on RB Marshawn Lynch (back) until they see him work out during pregame warmups.

Huddle Up: Ah, the dreaded GTD. As usual, Seattle has a late Sunday afternoon kickoff as well, leaving Lynch's fantasy owners in a bit of a bind. Best guess says he plays, but even if he does, the question will be how much.

Posted: 9/8/2012 1:14am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back), who is questionable for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, has failed to run for 100 yards in five career matchups with Arizona. He has just one career touchdown in those five games.

Huddle Up: With back spasms bothering Lynch all week, the streak without a 100- yard game could grow to 6 games. And with the Seahawks liking what they've seen from rookie RB Robert Turbin, there will be no reason to overextend Lynch in the opener. Check for updated injury reports Sunday and start Lynch with caution.

Posted: 9/7/2012 4:41pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) practiced Friday, Sept. 7, and is listed as questionable in Week 1. 'He looks good but it's still day to day,' head coach Pete Carroll said.

Huddle Up: It looks as though Lynch is on track to start, though how much he will play is a Skittle of a different color. Robert Turbin could see plenty of action with Lynch recovering from back spasms. Whoever starts the game should be considered a fantasy starter, with the other being a possible flex play. Unless something changes over the weekend, of course.

Posted: 9/6/2012 11:16am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch will be a game-time decision for Week 1. RB Robert Turbin will get the first-team reps during practice and will start if Lynch is unable to go.

Huddle Up: With the Seahawks playing a late game, Lynch owners may not have all the information necessary to make their lineup decision. Ideally you'll have Turbin on your roster and can choose between Lynch and Turbin once the Seahawks make their decision.

Posted: 9/6/2012 10:54am et

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said the team is taking a day-to-day approach with RB Marshawn Lynch. "We really won't know until the end of the week unless something changes," Carroll said. "The process that he's gone through, he's aerobically in good shape, we need to get him back his football legs and get him enough reps to do that. We'll continue to progress throughout the week."

Huddle Up: Lynch owners should have Robert Turbin stashed in case Skittles can't go in Week 1. It would be nice for him to get in some practice time prior to Sunday, but either way you'll need to track his availability right up through Sunday.

Posted: 9/5/2012 11:00pm et

Updating a previous report, while Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) could miss the Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals due to back spasms, it is unlikely a suspension will come down from the NFL for his off-field conduct. Lynch was arrested in California for DUI during the offseason, a violation which falls under the league's substance-abuse policy. He was previously suspended three games under the personal-conduct policy, and there was some question whether his arrest would subject him to the possibility of further discipline. The league generally tries to inform a team by Monday or Tuesday if a player will be suspended for the upcoming game.

Huddle Up: Lynch may be off the hook this week, but the league could rule any time. The NFL, though, may wait until the case goes to court and a verdict is rendered. Of more immediate concern, though, is Lynch's back after he missed practice for the second straight day. If Lynch can't go or is limited, rookie backup Robert Turbin would get the call.

Posted: 9/5/2012 5:05pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) participated in the morning walkthrough Wednesday, Sept. 5, and is expected to be limited during practice Wednesday afternoon.

Huddle Up: The Seattle running back situation is muddled because of Lynch's back spasms. If he is out, Robert Turbin becomes a great spot start. If he plays, though, neither back figures to have a huge output—the Seahawks would likely split the work between the two this week. Monitor Lynch's status through the weekend.

Posted: 9/4/2012 6:33pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) is suffering from back spasms, and the team is uncertain if he will be able to play in Week 1, against the Arizona Cardinals.

Huddle Up: This isn't the way Lynch's fantasy owners wanted to open the season as back issues almost always are tricky. Hopefully, though, those GMs relying on Lynch as their top back were able to draft Robert Turbin in the late rounds and will be able to plug in and play the rookie this weekend if needed.

Posted: 8/29/2012 12:01am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (back) has been dealing with a sore, tight back. He did not practice Tuesday, Aug. 28, and he will be held out of the preseason finale Thursday, Aug. 30, according to head coach Pete Carroll.

Huddle Up: Game 4 of the preseason is one thing, but Week 1 of the regular season is a whole other ballgame. On the surface, it would seem Lynch should be fine for the opener, but we're not going to try and outguess a back ailment, either. Definitely a situation to monitor.

Posted: 8/23/2012 12:04pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch did not practice again Wednesday, Aug. 22, which was his second consecutive day missed with a back injury. He probably won't play in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 24.

Huddle Up: No reason to risk Lynch, who will carry the offensive load for the run-heavy Seahawks this season. This doesn't feel like a big red flag, but a workhorse RB with a sore back before he even pops the top on a 300-carry season isn't ideal. All of the backs in that second tier have question marks, so Lynch fits right in.

Posted: 8/7/2012 11:20am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch appeared in midseason form during a team scrimmage Sunday, Aug. 5. He broke a 70-yard run during the work out.

Huddle Up: It's worth noting that Lynch was run down from behind on that 70-yard burst by rookie linebacker Bruce Irvin. No indication yet that Lynch's offseason off-the-field exploits will earn him a Roger Goodell vacation, and with Seattle unsettled at the quarterback position he's in line to carry the bulk of the Seahawks' offensive load.

Posted: 7/22/2012 12:52am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch issued an apology for his recent DUI arrest. "I want to apologize to my family, the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL and the 12th Man for the negative attention resulting from my recent actions," Lynch said in a statement released by the team. "This is not the type of community leader I have been over the last two years or the one I'm striving to become. I want to assure everyone that I will work to be better and look forward to a very exciting, and very successful season with the Seattle Seahawks."

Huddle Up: Lynch is looking to get out in front of the incident in hopes of avoiding a stiff penalty from Roger Goodell, gently using the apology to remind everyone he's kept his nose clean for a couple years. We'll find out soon enough if Goodell is playing along.

Posted: 7/18/2012 10:08pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch's DUI arrest could prove to be costly as a suspension for conduct detrimental or substance abuse defaults his four-year, $31 million contract and voids his guaranteed money, according to a league executive.

Huddle Up: Ouch!!! Lynch just signed for Matt Forte-type money in March, but this latest arrest could flush it down the toilet.

Posted: 7/17/2012 7:19pm et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch is likely to be disciplined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after driving recklessly and failing a field sobriety test Saturday, July 14. In 2008 Lynch hit a pedestrian and drove off, and he was suspended three games in 2009 after a weapons charge.

Huddle Up: The Seattle Times reports Lynch had two near collisions in his Ford Econoline van, which led to his arrest for DUI. He is scheduled for a court appearance Aug. 14. Dude is out of control and it's possible that he always has been. Goodell will slap him hard.

Posted: 7/17/2012 12:36am et

Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch was arrested was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence in Oakland, CA over this past weekend, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Huddle Up: Uh oh. Lynch could be in big trouble. Remember, in 2007 he was detained by police when his ex-girlfriend alleged he tried to kill her and attempted to sexually assault her. The prosecutor ended up not filing charges. But then in 2008 Lynch pled guilty to hit-and-run on a pedestrian in Buffalo. Then in 2009 he was busted for felony gun possession and got three years' probation, plus a three-game suspension from Roger Goodell. If this DUI thing is true he'll get at least a four-game suspension -- maybe six or more, if General Zod is in a bad mood.