The Seahawks receivers are going to be some of the more popular plays on this Divisional Round slate and rightfully so. With the running back situation not looking as concrete as it once was with Chris Carson at the helm and the Seahawks as underdogs, Russell Wilson ($6,600) could be forced to throw the ball more often than not in this game. Choosing between DK Metcalf ($6,800) and Tyler Lockett ($6,600) could prove to be a difficult task but thankfully for you, I’ll break it down for you.
Fantasy football analysis: Seahawks WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett
Metcalf has certainly put his name on the map as of late and made a statement on the big stage against the Eagles. Receiving nine targets, he pulled down seven of them for 160 yards and a touchdown on his way to a 32 DKFP performance. Not only was that his highest fantasy output and yardage of the season but it was the most receiving yards by a rookie in an NFL playoff game. What that kind of hype, it’s hard not to like him against the Packers. Metcalf has quickly emerged as the perceived WR1 in this offense that was once thought to belong to Lockett. Metcalf’s target share in the red zone is still slightly under Lockett but we’re talking about very close numbers. Metcalf sits at 21% while Lockett is at 27%. What Metcalf does bring that Lockett struggles with is a safe floor. Metcalf receives more of the consistent work while Lockett has been more of the downfield threat. Metcalf is a perfect cash game piece to put in your lineup is about as close as a lock on this four-game slate as you can get at the receiver position.
Lockett, on the other hand, is a perfect tournament option to use. The buzz is so high on Metcalf that people will naturally look in his direction and rightfully so. While Metcalf is posting the eye-popping numbers, we know that Lockett can also do the same and all it takes is one big catch from him. Lockett also has a soft matchup in coverage against CB Tramon Williams, who allowed an average of 13.1 YPR on 35 receptions this season. As I mentioned earlier, Lockett does have a slight advantage in the red zone over Metcalf, which could end up being the biggest difference-maker if that opportunity arises. With the Seahawks running back situation in flux a bit and them potentially playing catch up, Lockett could serve to benefit in this type of game.
DFS Recommendation
Overall, this is not an easy decision if you’re looking to choose between the two. In Showdown, if you’re building for a Packers win, I think both players fit well into those lineups with Wilson as your captain. In Classic, I think Metcalf is your option in cash and then Lockett is your tournament pick. On a four-game slate, it’s hard to consider either of these guys a fade but you certainly have reasons to go one way or the other.