Just a day away before NFL Free Agency is set to begin the Seattle Seahawks started their off-season shopping early as they traded for Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver Percy Harvin.

Harvin, 24, is one of the game’s most explosive playmakers. Despite having a year remaining on his contract the disgruntled wideout made it clear that he no longer wanted to be in Minnesota and demanded a trade.

Rather than risk an ugly situation and a potential holdout, the Vikings sent him to Seattle in exchange for a reported first round and seventh-round pick in April’s draft and mid-round pick in 2014, according to FOXSports’ Jay Glazer.

The move gives Minnesota the 23rd and 25th overall pick in this season’s draft.

Harvin played just eight full games in 2012 after suffering a season-ending ankle injury. He had off-season surgery and appears to be ready for the start of camp.

Durability has been a concern with Harvin. Counting the seven games he missed last season though, he’s only missed 10 games for his entire career. He is often dinged up, but has played through injuries on many occasions.

You can’t argue his stats though and what he does on the field. In a half of a season of work a year ago he registered 672 yards receiving and had another 96 yards rushing. Over a full season that is more than a 1,500 total yard pace. That doesn’t count what he does on special teams either.

After a great run a year ago behind rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, this offense is just starting to come together. Marshawn Lynch carried for sometime but Seattle’s new three-headed monster is going to make them a strong contender in the NFC.

FANTASY TAKE
With the threat of a holdout over and a reunion with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, his former coach in Minnesota, expect Harvin to flourish. He’s easily a top fantasy wideout with top-five upside.  He is going to be even better in PPR formats.

Wilson and Lynch both get a tick in their rankings as well. The bigger boost will go to Wilson. I’ve got him No. 9 in my current rankings, but he’ll jump a spot or two in my April update.  Lynch was a solid tier 1 RB/high-end tier 2 RB1 option worthy of a top-five fantasy pick before the trade. The arrival of Harvin could mean a dip in the 315 attempts we saw a year ago, but fresher legs and less-stacked defensive fronts should offset the difference with more big plays.

It likely will have a slightly negative impact on the fantasy rankings of current receivers, Golden Tate and Sidney Rice. Both were only worth roster space as bench players to begin with.

Conventional wisdom would suggest Adrian Peterson to take a slight hit with opposing defenses having less to worry about. Peterson's 2012 numbers suggest differently:

Peterson first eight games of 2012: 151 rushes, 775 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, four touchdowns
Peterson final eight games of 2012: 197 rushes, 1322 yards, 6.7 yards per carry, eight touchdowns

Fantasy Football, NFL seattle seahawks, minnesota vikings, percy harvin, russell wilson, marshawn lynch, adrian peterson, fantasy advice

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Don’t ever be one of those fantasy owners that gives too much credibility to the preseason. If you do, then you’d think the Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl contenders and an offensive juggernaut (which they’re NOT). Through week 3 of the preseason, the Seahawks are the top-ranked offense, averaging 33.7 points per game. Last year they were the 21st overall offensive squad. So then, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle for this year’s squad. Offensive improvement is in store, but expect the Hawks to move into the teens in overall offensive ranking.

SCHEDULE
Seattle has the 11th most difficult in the NFL, according to Vegas. With the stout San Francisco defense on their schedule twice, that doesn’t bode well for the Seahawk offense. They also face the entire AFC East and NFC North and even have to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. So, it will be a tough road to tow for their offense, but many of these same opponents, as well as two against St. Louis and two against Arizona, make the Seahawk defense an attractive option.

STUD
Marshawn Lynch is quietly one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL. Last year, Lynch went into Beast Mode and put up 1,200 yards rushing, 12 TDs and even had 28 catches as well. That’s good enough for RB1 status. With some off-season legal issues with Lynch, and having just signed a nice big contract, will Lynch still perform at stud level? I expect so, and with other offensive upgrades, Lynch will have less defenses scheming against him.

DUD
Hopefully you’re not one of those fantasy owners that’s attracted to big names, like bugs are to a zapper. If so, then look away. The Seahawks signed Terrell Owens to some fanfare this offseason. Some were professing this is his big break. And others saw through it. If you haven’t had your draft yet, avoid TO at all costs. Seattle cut him and he may or may not catch on with another team. He has no fantasy value. Now or ever.

SLEEPER
The Seahawks drafted running back Robert Turbin in the fourth round this year. And, Turbin has proven his worth in the preseason. Thus far he’s rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown averaging 4.4 yards per carry. This means Turbin has solidified his role as Lynch’s backup, and also warrants being drafted in almost all leagues, and definitely as a Lynch handcuff. Should Lynch get suspended or injured, Turbin is someone to consider starting every week and in keeper/dynasty leagues, Turbin has a lot of upside.

NEW ADDITIONS
The Seahawks signed another veteran receiver, who comes with much less fanfare. Braylon Edwards arrived to Seahawks camp as someone who may not win a job. Edwards has survived the cuts and finds himself as a viable fantasy option in deeper leagues, and as a bye-week replacement. If Sidney Rice continues to have health issues, Edwards could make a sneaky play for your fantasy squad.

POSITION BATTLE
The Seahawks opened their checkbooks and paid Matt Flynn to come be the quarterback of the future. His only apparent competition for the job was Tavaris Jackson, who has now been shipped off to Buffalo. Little did fantasy owners or most experts see rookie Russell Wilson as the man who would beat out Flynn for the job under center. But with his preseason performance, that’s what appears to have happened in the Pacific Northwest. The 5’11” QB threw for 464 yards and 5 TDs in the preseason and scrambled all over the place for another 150 yards rushing. Meanwhile Flynn was quite pedestrian 102 passing yards and no TDs. It was Flynn’s job to lose, and that’s what he did. Wilson is rising up draft boards and is an intriguing fantasy player, especially in dynasty/keeper formats. I’m still not sold on Wilson and will likely recommend not reaching for him based on two preseason games. Consider Wilson a high risk/high reward guy. Meanwhile Flynn is someone to not draft, but keep on a watch list as a waiver wire snatch should Wilson struggle. If you’re in an especially deep league where you can have a big bench, Lynch would be a decent handcuff grab for those who take the chance on Wilson.

BENCH BUILDER
Zach Miller is an uninspiring fantasy tight end. More hype than anything else, Miller disappoints more times than not. But, in a league where you have to draft and start a tight end, you can do worse than Miller as your bye-week fill in at the tight end position. Just don’t expect too much from him and he will be fine on your bench. The equally-overrated Kellen Winslow is on the squad too, and you can almost flip a coin as to which of these guys you’ll want to disappoint your squad, and draft late in your draft (if you must).

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl preview, seattle seahawks, matt flynn, russell wilson, marshawn lynch, braylon edwards, sidney rice, zach miller

We want to see what your take is. Please take a minute to vote in our latest poll...

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2012 free agency opens on the afternoon of March 13. Here's a look at some of the top players on offense...

QUARTERBACKS
*Drew Brees
Matt Flynn
Kyle Orton
Chad Henne
Alex Smith
Jason Campbell

RUNNING BACKS
*Ray Rice
*Matt Forte
*Michael Bush
Marshawn Lynch
Peyton Hillis
Cedric Benson
Mike Tolbert
Kevin Smith
Jason Snelling
Justin Forsett
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Tim Hightower

WIDE RECEIVERS
Vincent Jackson
*Dwayne Bowe
*Wes Welker
Brandon Lloyd
Marques Colston
DeSean Jackson
Stevie Johnson
Reggie Wayne
Robert Meachem
Mario Manningham
Pierre Garcon
Laurent Robinson
Braylon Edwards

TIGHT ENDS
*Jermichael Finley
Fred Davis
Martellus Bennett
John Carlson
Jacob Tamme

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Carl Nicks
Jared Gaither
Ben Grubbs
Evan Mathis
Chris Myers
Jeff Backus
Kareem McKenzie
Jake Scott
Chilo Rachal
Samson Satele
Bobbie Williams 

COMPLETE LIST (NFLTradeRumors.com)

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl free agents, offense, drew brees, matt flynn, ray rice, matt forte, michael bush, marshawn lynch

I need a win this week in one of my leagues to lock up a playoff spot. It may be tough to come by going up against Marshawn Lynch though. The Seattle running back is as hot as any runner in the league right now. In Thursday's win over Philadelphia Lynch kept his streak alive and now has scored in eight straight games as he finished with 148 yards on 22 carries, his long going for 40 yards.

The free-agent-to-be has now broke the 100-yard rushing mark four of his last games as he is playing for a new contract. Not only is he keeping the Seahawks' slim playoff hopes alive, but Lynch is helping carry fantasy owners to their playoffs.

Check out his game-by-game stats during his recent streak:

He gets a great matchup against the Rams in Week 14, but then gets two tough defenses in the Bears and 49ers in Weeks 15 and 16. Owners should continue to roll with him and hope that his hot play continues down the stretch.

Fantasy Football, NFL seattle seahawks, marshawn lynch, fantasy advice

The Seahawks' Marshawn Lynch had one of the greatest runs in playoff history...

NFL 2010 nfl playoffs, seattle seahakws, new orleans saints, marshawn lynch

For the last time of the season, we hit the wavier wire...

PICKUP OF WEEK
Marshawn Lynch (SEA) - The Seahawks running back was dismissed by many owners after struggling through most of the season. He's currently avaialable in nearly 70 percent of the leagues on CBSSports.com and has scored four times in three weeks. This week he faces a Swiss cheese Bucs' rush defense. Worth a look as a RB2, even with a fantasy title on the line.

QB
Rex Grossman (WAS) - has lock on job for last two weeks
Tim Tebow (DEN) - surprised many with productive first start

RB
Rashad Jennings (JCK) - MJD's backup has scored 11 points in 3 of 4
Donald Brown (IND) - don't be fooled by big Week 14 effort
Maurice Morris (DET)  - a better option than Jahvid Best
Derrick Ward (HOU) - value goes up as Arian Foster is banged up

WR
Anthony Amrstrong (WAS) - getting plenty of targets in recent weeks
Jordan Shipley (CIN) - will get more targets with TO out of way

TE
Kevin Boss (NYG) - Quietly scored in 5 of his last 7
Jimmy Graham (NO) - a freak of nature; only getting better

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, waiver wire pickups, week 16, marshawn lynch

QB Game Ball – David Garrard, Jacksonville – 17/21, 260 yards, 4 PaTD; 1 RuTD
Garrard only failed to complete four passes and looked invincible versus the Cowboys in Week 8. He’s been feast or famine in most weeks, but this past Sunday may have been his best effort yet. The Jacksonville signal caller has now tossed three or more scores in three of his seven games this season. He’s worth a look as a fantasy starter when the matchup is right.

QB Honorable Mention – Drew Brees 34/44, 305 yards, 2 PaTD, 1 INT (excelled despite bad matchup and shows why he’s a must start every week)

RB Game Ball - LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay – 22 carries for 120 yards, 2 TD’s
Last week’s hot waiver wire pickup picked up big numbers for owners that grabbed him versus the Cardinals. Blount had 22 carries to Cadillac Williams’ four touches in the game. He now has 192 yards over the last two games and appears to be a fantasy factor out of the Bucs’ backfield. Blount is averaging 5.2 yards per carry in limited action thus far this season.

RB Honorable Mention – Jamal Charles, Kansas City – 22 carries for 177 yards; 4 catches for 61 yards (averaging 6.5 yards per carry on season)

WR Game Ball – Calvin Johnson, Detroit – 9 catches, 101 yards, 3 TD’s
Welcome back Matthew Stafford! Johnson owners were happy to see the Lions get their starting quarterback back into the lineup. Johnson has now scored in four straight games and has found the end zone eight times so far this season. Despite struggling with injuries, Johnson remains an elite fantasy option at the position.

WR Honorable Mention – Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville – 8 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD (maybe his season-best effort will help turnaround his disappointing season)

THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle – 9 carries for 7 yards, 0 TD’s
It was Lynch’s worst game of his brief Seattle stint. I pimped all week on the blog, radio and our fantasy podcast and Lynch responded by giving owners a big goose egg. The Raiders got out to an early lead and that forced the Seahawks to a mostly passing offense and put Justin Forsett, the team’s third-down back, on the field and Lynch on the sidelines. If the Seahawks’ line can’t start opening some holes, Lynch is going to continue to struggle.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention – Jonathan Stewart, Caronlina – 14 carries, 30 yards, 0 TD (he failed in his chance to start. He has yet to hit 50 yards in any game)

Fantasy Football, NFL game balls, week 8, david garrard, legarrette blount, calvin johnson, marshawn lynch

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time to go to the waiver wire…

PICKUP OF WEEK
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – The Patriots traded Laurence Maroney. Kevin Faulk is on the I.R. and veteran Fred Taylor is already banged up. Ellis could emerge as the top gun by default in New England sooner rather than later.

QB
Bruce Gradkowski – potential Week 4 filler
Sam Bradford – slowly gaining value
Ryan Fitzpatrick – benefits from Trent Edwards’ departure

RB
Ryan Torain – keep your eyes on him
Chris Ivory – the backup to have in New Orleans

WR
Louis Murphy - somehow he’s still available in half CBS leagues
Brandon Lloyd – worth a roster spot, but inconsistent
Lance Moore – big boost with Reggie Bush out
Kenny Britt – a ton of upside if Titans start throwing more

TE
Jeremy Shockey – you could do worse at tight end

DEF
Falcons – highly under-rated defense; nice match ups ahead

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy waiver pickups, marshawn lynch, michael vick, vincent jackson

It’s Tuesday and that means it’s time to go to the waiver wire…

PICKUP OF WEEK
Marshawn Lynch (BUF) – Just when it seemed that Lynch was buried on the Bills’ depth chart, he suddenly emerged with 17 carries in Sunday’s loss to the Packers.  Regardless of reports to the contrary I still believed that the Bills were showcasing him and would be better off dealing him. If you got a spot on your roster to stash Lynch, grab him now

QB
Michael Vick (ATL) – a must grab
Josh Freeman (TB) – will post some big weeks
Sam Bradford (STL) – dynasty dandy
Shaun Hill (DET) – 2 QB league filler
Jimmy Clausen (CAR) – wait and see

RB
Donald Brown (IND) – still around in some leagues
Jason Snelling (ATL) – Turner’s back; temper expectations
Keiland Williams (WAS) – worth stashing after LJ was cut
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE) – rising up the depth chart
Mike Tolbert (SD) – handcuff option only

WR
Vincent Jackson (???) – is a trade looming?
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) – stellar debut
Louis Murphy (OAK) – pick him up already
Kevin Walter (HOU) – Texans’ offense so explosive
Jordan Shipley (CIN) – worth a look in PPR formats

TE
Aaron Hernandez (NE) – love his big-play ability
Marcedes Lewis (JAC) – getting plenty of targets

DEF/ST
Bengals (CIN) – have nice match-ups ahead
Bucs (TB) – young defense better than you realize

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy waiver pickups, marshawn lynch, michael vick, vincent jackson