If Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had his own fantasy football song, it would have to be The Beatles, "Can't Buy Me Love." Through the first two months of fantasy drafts, Hasselbeck's ADP is 32nd. Dead last based on 32 NFL teams. I have him ranked 18th.
I've heard the arguments; he's too old, too fragile, he's always hurt. Blah, blah, blah. He's being drafted after Tim Tebow in redraft leagues. Tebow is the Denver Broncos 3rd string QB, and he's getting more love in 2010 than Hasselbeck.We won't even bring up Sam Bradford who is going 23rd in redraft leagues.
Only three 2010 starters are being drafted later than Matt-- Trent Edwards, Jake Delhomme and AJ Feeley. That's just insulting, and I feel obligated to point out just how wrong this is, and why Hasselbeck could be THE value sleeper pick of the season. At least among QBs.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB – Seattle Seahawks
By the numbers:
- Matt's had the injury bug the last 2 seasons, and he'll be 35 in September. Legitimate reasons for concern. However, with the exception of 2008 when he missed nine games, he's never finished a season worse than 22nd in fantasy points. Last season, despite injuries, a horrendous offensive line, and no running game, he still managed to finish 20th in scoring.
- He has a new coach, and a legitimate back-up waiting to push him to the bench this season. If that's not motivation to play his best season since 2007 I don't know what is.
- The Seahawks have one of the softest schedules in the NFL this season, and plays in arguably the weakest division, especially now that Kurt Warner has retired. The NFC West is wide open this season and Seattle has a real shot at taking it, if Hasselbeck can return close to form.
- He has a better running game in 2010 with Forsett and Washington, and some fresh blood in the passing game.
- The offensive line has been improved.
- He's the best QB in the NFC West with Warner gone.
Summary: When he can stay healthy he's a 3500+ passing yard, 25+ TD QB. Can he stay healthy? He seems poised for a relatively healthy and productive year. He's supposedly in the best shape he's been in in years, and if you can believe his former WR, Nate Burleson's tweet -- "Word in the street is you got your 'BayWatch' body back... Career years for both of us!" -- It seems Hasslebeck could be a pleasant surprise this year. He's certainly due. Bottom line-- even if he misses 2-3 games, he's still a valuable QB2, and if he stays healthy all season, he should end in the Top 12.
