Chris Carson's Receiving Ability Could Spell Big Things for His 2019 Fantasy Value in PPR Leagues

After finishing fifth in rushing yards (1,151) in the NFL last season, Seattle Seahawks' running back Chris Carson is seemingly going overlooked in fantasy this year.

The biggest reason for this has likely been the risk of Rashaad Penny stealing snaps, due to Carson's lack of involvement with the passing game to this point in his career. However, Seahawks' head coach Pete Carroll seems to have big plans for Carson this season.

“Chris (Carson) may have the best hands on the team. He will catch the ball more this year, for sure.” #Seahawks https://t.co/m0uymUApRQ
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) August 11, 2019

Having now played 18 games with the Seahawks over two seasons, Carson has caught a total of 27 passes, which is why many figured Seattle doesn't like that part of his game. However, Carroll not only said Carson has good hands, he talked him up as having the best hands on the entire team. With 36 percent of the passing targets last season unaccounted for, it appears Carson could pick up some of that slack.

Tyler Lockett is obviously going to benefit most from all of the open opportunity — but Brian Schottenheimer quietly used their RBs heavily in the passing game last year. Seattle threw to their backs on 26% of their first and second down pass attempts, the ninth-highest rate.
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) August 11, 2019

If Carson will be used in the passing game this season, he needs to be reevaluated for fantasy, especially in PPR leagues. Currently, Carson is being drafted as RB24 (52 overall) in PPR leagues, which is barely valuing him as an RB2.

In 14 games last season, Carson finished as RB15 in PPR leagues, which means we are drafting him assuming there is a big drop-off. Raising his catch total from 20 to 35 is realistic given the recent report, which would make him an absolute steal at RB24.

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