Game day update: With backup running back Carlos Hyde listed as questionable, we should expect Chris Carson to get a majority of the carries in his second game back from injury. Last week against the Eagles, Carson produced 41 yards on eight carries and a touchdown, along with two receptions for 18 yards. He ultimately scored 11.9 fantasy points, which is close to his season average of 13.5 points.
This week, he faces an improving New York Giants defense that has only allowed seven rushing touchdowns. ESPN projects Carson, Hyde to score 12.8 and 5.4 fantasy points, respectively.
Friday injury report: The Seahawks released their final injury report for Week 13 and Carlos Hyde is listed as questionable with a toe injury. He got in a limited workout, while Chris Carson got in a full workout and was not included on the final status report.
Chris Carson returned from injury in Week 12, but it was Carlos Hyde who remained the Seattle Seahawks’ majority back. How will this backfield shake out Sunday versus the New York Giants?
Fantasy Football analysis: Seahawks RBs Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde
Carson did have the premier highlight from any Seahawks running back against the Eagles: A 16-yard TD run where he powered through a cadre of tacklers near the goal line and dived into the end zone. However, he carried the ball just seven more times for 25 yards while Hyde took 15 carries for 22 yards. Hyde also out-snapped Carson, 41-25, BUT it’s overblown that Carson’s owners should worry. It was his first week back after missing more than a month due to a foot injury.
When Carson on the field, he showed his prototypical toughness and balance. And it’s realistic to surmise that the Seahawks took it easy on him with the game in hand for much of the second half against the dysfunctional Eagles. He should take on a larger portion of the work moving forward.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Carson is a high-end RB2 against the Giants and a good buy at $6,300. His ceiling would rise if Hyde, who didn’t practice Thursday due to a toe ailment, is inactive. New York ranks 25th against running backs, so the matchup isn’t imposing. Hyde isn’t a safe fantasy commodity even if he does suit up.