It’s been a roller coaster for fantasy football managers who selected DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett. With Tyler Lockett on the reserve/COVID-19 list since Thursday, and with Metcalf presumably recovered from foot and back injuries, some managers are wondering, “Who can I trust in Week 15?” So, let’s walk through the most likely fantasy expectations for Metcalf, Lockett, Freddie Swain, and D’Wayne Eskridge heading into Tuesday’s game against the Rams.
DK Metcalf Week 15 fantasy outlook
Metcalf practiced in full on Friday after missing practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Despite the midweek scare, Metcalf was never at serious risk of missing the first game of his NFL career. Currently the WR21, he’s clearly been a disappointment for managers who drafted him at his WR6 ADP. But what I find most interesting is how well he did while Geno Smith was quarterbacking midseason vs. how poorly he’s performed once Russell Wilson returned from his finger injury.
Since Wilson’s return in Week 10, Metcalf has caught 17 passes on 36 targets for 174 scoreless yards. Essentially, he’s been a WR5. If Lockett remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Metcalf would be worth starting as a WR3+ despite the tough matchup against the Rams. But if Lockett returns, Metcalf would be a risky WR3/4 with only a little upside. In other words, many managers might have better options to choose from.
Tyler Lockett Week 15 fantasy outlook
As highlighted above, managers rostering Lockett are in wait-and-see mode. Unlike Metcalf, he’s stepped up since Wilson’s return, collecting 12+ points in his last four games, including an impressive 5-142-1 receiving line last weekend against the Texans.
This week’s opponent, the Rams, will be far more formidable on defense. If he’s back on the field, Lockett would be a WR3 with WR2 upside. Simply put, he’s clicking right now with his longtime quarterback.
D’Wayne Eskridge Week 15 fantasy outlook
The Seahawks’ second-round pick in this year’s draft, D’Wayne Eskridge has been used sparingly this year, as expected. The relatively “old” 24-year-old rookie enjoyed his best game two weeks ago against San Francisco: 3 catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. But he’ll remain a fringe performer as long as Lockett and Metcalf are starting.
Eskridge missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practices with a foot injury and returned on Friday. If Lockett sits, he’d be a WR5 (6-8 fantasy points) with deep-league streaming potential (9-12 points) if things break right.
Freddie Swain Week 15 fantasy outlook
A 2020 sixth-round pick, Freddie Swain was not expected to play much of a role in such a top-heavy offense, especially when Seattle invested a high draft pick on Eskridge. But Swain has been a fairly consistent offensive presence, although in a limited capacity.
He owns a 20-219-3 receiving line on 34 targets. In a game script that should favor LA, I would expect a heavy dose of the passing attack in the second half. If Lockett is sidelined, Swain realistically could crack 10 points. If Lockett returns, Swain would revert to his usual TD-dependent self.