Christine Michael took command of the Seahawks’ primary RB role with his strong Week 3 performance

The Seattle Seahawks are known for their power running style of offense and their hard-nosed, stout defense. However, in 2015, the Seahawks were forced to adjust their scheme as both Marshawn Lynch and Thomas Rawls succumbed due to their respective injuries. Seattle was instead forced to transform into a passing offense. Rumors swirled throughout the offseason that Seattle would return to their run-first mentality behind Rawls, who was deemed Lynch’s heir apparent shortly after the rusher’s sudden retirement.

Rawls dealt with his lingering ankle injury for the majority of spring and summer workouts and began the preseason on the PUP list. He was activated from the list midway through exhibition play but did not see any game action until the finale where he has barely utilized.

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In Rawls’ lengthy absence, Christine Michael slowly worked his way into the coaching staff’s good graces and was awarded the start in the season opener despite Rawls’ limited availability. Michael out-touched Rawls Week 1 17-to-15 and ultimately out-gained him in total yardage 71-to-58. The following week, Rawls would regain his presumed starting job, but it was the beginning of a downward spiral for the second-year back. He would suffer a leg injury early in Week 2, exit the contest and did not return. On the day, Rawls lost seven yards on seven rushing attempts.

Not only did Rawls lose yardage that day against the Los Angeles Rams, but he may have lost his spot atop Seattle’s running back depth chart. Michael once again came to the rescue in Week 2’s loss to the Rams and was the lone bright spot on the offense. He finished the game with 60 yards on 10 carries and a 6.0 YPC average in relief of Rawls.

With Rawls inactive in Week 3, Michael shined and all but solidified himself as the most reliable rusher on the Seahawks with his dominating performance against the San Francisco 49ers. He would find the end zone twice in the first quarter to give Seattle a lead that they would not give up on their way to a blowout victory. Michael concluded the afternoon with a 20-106-2 stat line, a 5.3 YPC average and added a pair of receptions for five yards to his rushing totals.

If Michael’s commanding performance on Sunday wasn’t bad enough for Rawls’ chances to step back into the starting lineup upon his return, his latest setback could seal it. Rawls learned that he was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his fibula on Monday and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future, further cementing Michael’s place on top.

Seattle’s backfield appears to be a mess for fantasy owners, but is it?

For Rawls owners, it is not the time to drop him just yet as he still is a valuable asset when healthy. You never know if Michael could get bitten by the injury bug as well. Perhaps he could be packaged into a deal and traded to another team in an attempt to get something in return for a player who garnered a decently early-to-mid round selection in the fantasy draft.

For Michael owners, he is a tremendous value for a player selected in the latter portion of the draft or picked up off of the waiver wire. He should be considered as a mid-range RB2 who’s upside seemingly grows larger as the young season progresses. Michael could very well produce enough to border the RB1 tier if he continues his success. If Michael has another outstanding statistical output in a tough Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets, consider selling the rusher high in the trade market. As Michael was not a likely high draft choice, he could be buried on the bench of a fortunate team with running back depth and could be packaged in a deal to acquire a starter at a position of need.

There is no determining how Seattle’s backfield will play out by Week 17. Injuries, scheme and a player catching fire all can play a role in who garners the touches on a given Sunday. However, keep in mind that the Seahawks are a running team with a no-nonsense head coach in Pete Carroll. He tends to ride the hot hand and so should the fantasy owner. Right now, and at least until Rawls returns and showcases the form of his rookie year, Michael should be considered the running back to own and start on a weekly basis in Seattle. Michael’s biggest threat while Rawls is on the mend is C.J. Prosise, but he will likely only be appropriated on passing downs and in spot situations so keep on rolling with the new and improved C-Mike.

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Anthony Cervino is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Anthony, check out his archive or follow him on Twitter @theRealNFLguru. Feel free to tweet or message Anthony with any fantasy or NFL-related questions. He will always get back to you.