Russell Wilson Fantasy News and Statistics

After spending four seasons at NC State, where he broke the record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception, Russell Wilson decided to go to spring training with Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies. Upon his return to football, Wilson transferred to Wisconsin, where he threw 33 touchdowns against only four interceptions and was named the Big Ten Quarterback of the Year. He also set the FBS single-season record for passing efficiency at 191.8. Despite his collegiate success, Wilson’s height deterred many pro teams, and he wasn’t selected until the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The sixth quarterback taken, nobody expected Wilson to be as great as he has turned out to be thus far.

In the 2012 offseason, the Seahawks signed career backup Matt Flynn to a three-year contract to be the starting quarterback. However, Wilson’s work ethic, magnetic personality and preseason success led head coach Pete Carroll to the surprising decision to start the rookie. Wilson was an effective game manager, racking up over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns while throwing just ten interceptions. He was named to the Pro-Bowl, though the Seahawks finished 11-5 primarily on the strength of their defense and running game. The team beat the Redskins in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Falcons in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

In 2013, Wilson became the first player in NFL history to post an efficiency rating over 100 in each of his first two seasons in the league, and he was named to his second Pro Bowl. Wilson led the Seahawks to a 13-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks beat the Saints and 49ers on their way to Super Bowl XLVIII. In the Big Game, Wilson threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in a dominating 43-8 victory. He became the shortest quarterback ever to win the Super Bowl.

Wilson led the defending Super Bowl champs to a 12-4 record in 2014. Along the way, he rushed for over 850 yards and six touchdowns, best in the league among quarterbacks. The Seahawks beat the Panthers in the Divisional Round but fell behind 19-7 with five minutes remaining in the NFC Championship game after Wilson threw his fourth interception of the game. He led an improbable comeback, though, and the Seahawks won 28-22. In the Super Bowl, down 28-24, Seattle had the ball at New England’s one-yard line with 25 seconds remaining. Rather than run the ball, Carroll elected to throw a quick-slant, which was picked off by Patriots corner Malcolm Butler to end the game.

During the 2015 and 2016 seasons, as the running game stalled behind a terrible offensive line, Wilson was asked to throw the ball significantly more than in seasons past. Over those two seasons, he passed for over 8,300 yards and 55 touchdowns against only 19 interceptions. Wilson led the Seahawks to ten wins in each season, though the team lost before making it to the Super Bowl both years.

In recent campaigns, Wilson has been forced to run for his life. Seahawks GM John Schneider has spent liberally on the defensive side of the ball while leaving Wilson precious few quality receivers or blockers. Consequently, he has accumulated nagging injuries that have diminished his running ability. For Wilson to be successful in 2017 and beyond, he will need more help from his offensive line.