3 Bold NFL Predictions for Week 2
Thomas Rawls Will Be a Top-12 Running Back
Why This Is Bold: The Seattle Seahawks were an offensive disaster in Week 1, and Thomas Rawls will battle Chris Carson and Eddie Lacy for rushing attempts this week.
Why This Will Happen: The San Francisco 49ers were one of the worst run defenses in 2016, allowing 0.07 Adjusted Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play -- third-worst in the league. They were closer to league average on a per-play basis in Week 1, but they faced 35 rush attempts (plus three quarterback kneels) in a blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers. Another blowout is likely in Week 2, with Seattle favored by 14 points at home.
Also, when healthy, Rawls has been quite effective. He ranked second in Rushing NEP per attempt in 2015 (behind only David Johnson) among running backs with at least 100 carries, and he ranked fifth in Rushing Success Rate among that same group.
Carson, a 2017 seventh-round draft pick, looked strong in limited action in Week 1. But Lacy and C.J. Prosise did not. Not surprisingly, Seahawks offensive coordinator Tom Cable is excited for Rawls to bring some "violence" to the team's run game. If this game goes according to script, there will be plenty of opportunity for both Carson and Rawls to shine.
