The NFL season is almost here. You know what that means. It’s fantasy football time. Which players should you draft? Who should you stay from? All 32 teams have guys you need to target for your team this upcoming season. So, we’ll cover all of them before the start of the season. Up next are the Seattle Seahawks

*statistics from ESPN*

Players You Need To Target

WR DK Metcalf (projected 227.38 fantasy points)

The former Ole Miss product missed just one game last year. Other than that, he was Seattle’s best receiving weapon by a long shot. He finished with his third 1,000-yard season in four seasons, catching eight touchdowns in 2023.

As the team’s primary deep threat, he averaged 16.9 yards per reception (sixth-most in the league). More importantly, he’s consistent. Metcalf had 13 games with double-digit fantasy points. His best performance came against Dallas in week 13, putting up 37.4 fantasy points (six catches, 134 yards, and three touchdowns).

Though he finished as the WR21 at the end of the year, I expect Metcalf to finish in the top 15 this season in fantasy. With head coach Mike Macdonald stating he wants to get the ball to the big wideout a lot by moving him around, he is a must-draft player on this Seattle team. He is WR2 material at the very least.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (projected 182.33 fantasy points)

The team’s WR3 last year, he was mainly used in the slot. But, with a new coaching staff in place, he is another guy to draft onto your team.

The Geno Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba connection is looking CRAZY 🔥

Many NFL scouts reportedly believe Njigba will take a “massive step” this next season.

This duo is going to be CINEMA. pic.twitter.com/5lPGLeBEBz

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 9, 2024

Believe in it. The former Buckeye showed he is a smooth, reliable weapon who is still 22 years old. Yes, he failed to record 100 receiving yards in any game last year. But, when you have Metcalf and Tyler Lockett ahead of you, it’s hard to show what you can really do.

But, the fantasy potential is there. He had nine games of at least five targets, including 11 of them against the Cowboys and finishing with seven catches for 62 yards.

It’s not surprising to say he’ll pass Tyler Lockett this upcoming season in targets. Lockett isn’t getting any younger, plus he’s inconsistent (more on him in a bit). Smith-Njigba is due for a breakout sophomore season, making him a target for all fantasy managers looking for a WR3 and possibly more.

#Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald on Jaxon Smith-Njigba:

“He’s definitely gonna be a massive piece of what we’re trying to do offensively.” pic.twitter.com/nyBWwBdo5n

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 13, 2024

Players To Avoid

WR Tyler Lockett (projected 181.8 fantasy points)

Despite being brought back on a two-year deal worth $34 million, the fantasy downfall of Lockett is slowly showing itself.

For the first time in his career, Lockett failed to record 1,000 receiving yards. More importantly, he had just 11.3 yards per reception (a career-low and ranked him as WR71 in that category).

The veteran wideout was widely inconsistent in 2023. Alternating between single- and double-digit performances throughout the year both excited and frustrated fantasy managers who had him on the team.

If there is such thing as a fantasy turn-off, it’s Lockett. With nine single-digit fantasy performances (week 17 vs. Philadelphia: 2.0 fantasy points) plus the emergence of Smith-Njigba, Lockett is no more than a late-round pick this year. He’ll have a big game or two, but not enough to help managers in the long run.

Rookie To Target

TE AJ Barner

The former Michigan product may not see the field as much this season. But, with his competition being Pharoah Brown for the TE2 spot on the team, he’s worth a stash.

Michigan's AJ Barner may not be a marquee name but @Nate_Tice believes he can complement Noah Fant and valiantly fill the void left by Colby Parkinson's departure pic.twitter.com/2kA6enN0kc

— Cigar Thoughts 🎙🏈 (@CigarThoughts) May 1, 2024

Other Players To Target

• QB Geno Smith: Not QB1 material like he surprisingly was in 2022, but draft him knowing he won’t be any more than a solid backup/QB2. Finished with at least 16 fantasy points in the final four games played.

Thank you for reading! We have a lot more fantasy content for you in store, so make sure to check back soon for more team breakdowns in the coming days and weeks! Visit us at Belly Up Fantasy Sports so you don’t miss out! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!

Featured Image: Steph Chambers/Getty Images