Chris Carson Cements Lead Back Role for Seahawks

Why did it take everyone 15 weeks to realize this?

The Seahawks backfield has been a difficult read all season long, as varying times have seen Chris Carson, Mike Davis, or Rashaad Penny seemingly taking over the role of lead back. But with Penny missing some time due to injury and Mike Davis’ touch count decreasing, Chris Carson has stepped up in a big way down the stretch for Seattle. Sunday against San Francisco was more of the same, with Carson turning 22 carries into 119 yards and a TD and catching all six of his career-high 6 targets for another 29 yards. The receiving production may end up being a fluke, but Carson is averaging 83 rushing yards per game over the last 5 games — with 4 TDs in that span — and those numbers seem to speak for themselves. 

Even if Mike Davis returns to a more primary role and/or Rashaad Penny returns, Chris Carson is still a strong play as the lead back in the league’s top rushign offense. Seattle is fighting for their playoff hopes, so the time for backfield experimentation is done — Pete Carroll will be riding the hot hand from here on out, and recently Seattle’s hot hand has been Carson.

Next up for the Seahawks is a primetime matchup with the Chiefs at home, who have allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Even if Seattle falls down early and must resort to the passing game, Carson is a solid RB2 play for Week 16.

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  • Fan of Boston sports, hazy IPAs, and chicken pot pie. Frequent user of obscure movie quotes that nobody else finds funny.

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