May 8, 2020

Despite missing one game and leaving two early last season, Chris Carson finished fifth in the NFL and second in the NFC with 1,230 rushing yards. He ended up as fantasy RB9 overall. But injuries continued to be a prominent issue, as he suffered a fractured hip in Week 16. Hip problems also plagued him in 2018 and he broke an ankle that cost him most of his rookie season in 2017. Carson has a long and detailed injury history dating back to his high school days. His very physical running style, which he is unapologetic about, makes him an obvious risk. The Seahawks are publicly confident about his availability for the beginning of the regular season, but fantasy owners cannot count on Carson to remain available. Ideally, Seattle would like to pair Carson with Rashaad Penny when both are healthy, with the former being the inside runner and the latter working on the perimeter. They may also bring back Marshawn Lynch, which could create a full-blown committee situation when all three are available. Carson can play at a RB1 level when he is healthy and not getting much competition for touches. He has averaged 4.5 YPC with two 1,150 rushing yard seasons. But he is not much of a pass-catcher (57 receptions in the last two seasons), and you cannot count on a consistent amount of availability and touches, so he is a low-end RB2 candidate in fantasy drafts. His ADP of 39 is a fair one, as it includes indicators of the impressive rushing totals he can build as Seattle’s projected RB1 when available, and the risk of time missed or some shared touches.--Scott Engel - RotoBaller