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Sidney Rice - a possible return to fantasy gold? (1 Viewer)

Sabertooth

Footballguy
I was offered Sidney Rice in a trade. I immediately rejected the idea thinking he is just a poor man's Brandon Marshall or some such thing. Then I got to thinking about it a little bit. He is only 26 years old right now. Just entering his prime. He's got a rifle armed quarterback, is on a rushing based playoff caliber team that recently acquired Percy Harvin....wait read that again...is this 2013 or 2009? Are the stars lining up for Rice once again?

It seems crazy but this might be exactly what is happening. FBG currently has Rice in the mid 40s as a WR. I would imagine this is a pretty common opinion but it would seem that if the stars line up for Rice, he might just push his way right back into fantasy prominence. I think Harvin might be the key here. He is >>>>>>>> than Golden Tate or anyone else that played that slot position. They have Lynch, Turbin, and now Michael so the rushing game appears to be about as injury resistant as any in the league. They'll keep rushing the ball and forcing teams to respect that.

With Harvin causing all kinds of problems in the mid and short game, it stands to reason that Rice will be one on one deep a lot. Wilson definitely has the arm and deep throw ability. Am I dreaming here or is this kind of a perfect storm for Rice?

 
I'd be willing to take a late round flyer on him in redraft PPR. He was an absolute stud when Favre was throwing to him and now with Harvin in the fold he could end becoming a great deep threat again for Wilson.

 
That's my thought. We've seen his upside and that was when he was only 22 years old. If he could approach that again, he would be Top 20 easily. The way you can't hardly hit a wide receiver anymore could really pay dividends for guys like him. He's 6'4" and can run. How do you stop that if you can't mug him at all?

 
I am definitely warming up to Rice this year and in dynasty. I acquired him as part of a throw in but really pushed for him as part of that package. If you look at the numbers closely last year he did the most with not a whole heck of a lot.

Wilson last year had training wheels on for much of the season. Wilson attempted 24.6 pass attempts a game. That is extremely low, in fact it is impossible to continue winning in the NFL with those type of numbers. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have Stafford at 45 a game, Brees 41 a game, but even mid level qb's last year Flacco at 33 a game, Weeden at 33 a game, Dalton 33 a game etc.

Rice only had 82 targets last year in 16 games, but managed to have 50 catches for 748 yards and 7 td's. Catching 61% of the passes coming your way puts him in some good company. These guys last year had similar percentages...

Aj Green- 59%

Marshall-61%

Calvin Johnson-59%

Roddy White- 64%

The difference obviously were the targets that those WR's get in comparison to Rice.

Green-164 targets

Marshall-192

CJ-202

White-143

Now I don't think Rice is EVER going to approach these target numbers in Seattle's offense. However when he played with Favre in Minny he did have 122 targets. He caught 82 of those balls for 1312 yards and 8 td's. That is catching 67% of his passes thrown his way. Many Seattle fans are down on Rice due to the injuries and rightfully so as he was given a lot of money to come in and produce but has had multiple injuries along the way. Last year however, he did play a full season. If Rice was to up his targets to 110-120 range which could happen you could have a huge sleeper on your hands. He makes difficult catches and finds a way to score td's. He did it with a rookie qb last year hauling in 7 Td's on only 82 targets.

Rice can be had for cheap and although he won't repeat that monster season he had with Favre he has a sleeper alert on him. Many Seattle fans claim he does not get open and has lost a step but the numbers don't back that up at all. In fact as indicated by the percentages if you throw him the ball he catches at a level on par with many of the elite WR's in the NFL.

 
I had him as a top 7-8 dynasty WR a few years ago, and loved to watch him play. It's really a shame he couldn't stay healthy. The concussions scare me a lot. I just can’t invest much in him, given the high number of WR2-3 options available. There risk is just too high for me. I’d rather pay more for Decker/Amendola/ Austin, or less for James Jones/Lance Moore.

 
I had him as a top 7-8 dynasty WR a few years ago, and loved to watch him play. It's really a shame he couldn't stay healthy. The concussions scare me a lot. I just can’t invest much in him, given the high number of WR2-3 options available. There risk is just too high for me. I’d rather pay more for Decker/Amendola/ Austin, or less for James Jones/Lance Moore.
Rice was drafted at least two rounds after both Jones/Moore in both startups I've participated in this offseason, and that was prior to Harvin coming on board.

 
There were rumblings earlier this year that he would be a potential cap casualty either this year (not as likely) or next year (far more likely), as the logic was that the Seahawks wouldn't be paying big $$$ to two WRs in Harvin and Rice.

They added a big physical WR in Chris Harper, so that could be interpreted as another sign that Rice has limited time left on the Seahawks roster.

 
I had him as a top 7-8 dynasty WR a few years ago, and loved to watch him play. It's really a shame he couldn't stay healthy. The concussions scare me a lot. I just can’t invest much in him, given the high number of WR2-3 options available. There risk is just too high for me. I’d rather pay more for Decker/Amendola/ Austin, or less for James Jones/Lance Moore.
Rice was drafted at least two rounds after both Jones/Moore in both startups I've participated in this offseason, and that was prior to Harvin coming on board.
That is surprising to me. I agree with it, but thought Rice's name power and age could keep him above guys like Jones and Moore.

 
I had him as a top 7-8 dynasty WR a few years ago, and loved to watch him play. It's really a shame he couldn't stay healthy. The concussions scare me a lot. I just can’t invest much in him, given the high number of WR2-3 options available. There risk is just too high for me. I’d rather pay more for Decker/Amendola/ Austin, or less for James Jones/Lance Moore.
Rice was drafted at least two rounds after both Jones/Moore in both startups I've participated in this offseason, and that was prior to Harvin coming on board.
That is surprising to me. I agree with it, but thought Rice's name power and age could keep him above guys like Jones and Moore.
Yeah, thats just crazy. If youi could get him that cheap its a no brainer, especially in non-PPR. That being said I'm not going to pay the more popular market value- too many injuries, too many mouths to feed, and risk of Wilson hitting a sophomore slump. Talent is amazing but if I cant get him for a song im not very high on Rice.

 
I was all about him last year as my WR5. Seemed like a simple health gamble at the time - a WR1 with proven ability, but almost no success of late. I am a firm believer in his talent, but health and situation have killed his value. Last year he got his health back and the situation improved a bit, but 82 targets is crap. I know the Russell Wilson hype train is chugging along at breakneck pace, but this isn't going to be a passing team unless it has to be. With Lynch and the defense, I don't see this team greatly improving from its 32nd place finish in passing attempts last year. Now that Harvin is in the fold, targets will become more scarce.

That being said, he should still be a value play this year. Despite the Wilson hype and Rice's WR30 finish last year, the 4/29 ADP has him going WR45 which is exactly where I remember his ADP being last year, although I could be wrong.

For dynasty owners, best case scenario is that his contract gets him cut and he goes somewhere that needs him and can utilize him (by this I mean a team where he'll be the WR1 and actually get 100+ targets). They are paying him a lot of money to only target him 5 times a game.

7/29/2011: Signed a five-year, $41 million contract. The deal contains $18.5 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus and all of Rice's 2011 and 2012 base salaries. Another $3 million is available through escalators related to Pro Bowl appearances. 2013-2014: $8.5 million, 2015: $9 million, 2016: Free Agent
 
There were rumblings earlier this year that he would be a potential cap casualty either this year (not as likely) or next year (far more likely), as the logic was that the Seahawks wouldn't be paying big $$$ to two WRs in Harvin and Rice.

They added a big physical WR in Chris Harper, so that could be interpreted as another sign that Rice has limited time left on the Seahawks roster.
Harper is supposed to be Tate's replacement but I don't see Rice's value coming close to the $8.5M he's getting and he's the guy I'd be getting rid of. Harvin, Tate and Harper is a still a very good receiving corps for that team.

 
I know the Russell Wilson hype train is chugging along at breakneck pace, but this isn't going to be a passing team unless it has to be. With Lynch and the defense, I don't see this team greatly improving from its 32nd place finish in passing attempts last year. Now that Harvin is in the fold, targets will become more scarce.
That's the way I see it - I don't see a ton of passing for Wilson unless somehow the defense falls apart (which appears unlikely). Rice may have some good games as defenses game plan to stop Lynch and Harvin, but I think it will be feast-or-famine for Rice - with more emphasis on the famine.

 
If he caught 10 more passes last year, at his YPC (15). He'd be be knocking on the door of 900 yards. He did catch 7 Touchdowns last year.

The upside is definitely there, especially with Russell Wilson entrenched as starter another year.

 
Rice is becoming more intriguing as a flier pick...

KFFL: Seattle Seahawks WR Sidney Rice is healthy heading into training camp for the first time in a while, and he is ready to step up in the event WR Percy Harvin (hip) is sidelined. "He's the strongest he's ever been," head coach Pete Carroll said. "He's really built himself up, he's gained 10 pounds and he feels really good about it."

 
There were rumblings earlier this year that he would be a potential cap casualty either this year (not as likely) or next year (far more likely), as the logic was that the Seahawks wouldn't be paying big $$$ to two WRs in Harvin and Rice.

They added a big physical WR in Chris Harper, so that could be interpreted as another sign that Rice has limited time left on the Seahawks roster.
:goodposting:

Im guesing he will be released after this season, with Golden Tate being offered an extension.

 
I was all about him last year as my WR5. Seemed like a simple health gamble at the time - a WR1 with proven ability, but almost no success of late. I am a firm believer in his talent, but health and situation have killed his value. Last year he got his health back and the situation improved a bit, but 82 targets is crap. I know the Russell Wilson hype train is chugging along at breakneck pace, but this isn't going to be a passing team unless it has to be. With Lynch and the defense, I don't see this team greatly improving from its 32nd place finish in passing attempts last year. Now that Harvin is in the fold, targets will become more scarce.

That being said, he should still be a value play this year. Despite the Wilson hype and Rice's WR30 finish last year, the 4/29 ADP has him going WR45 which is exactly where I remember his ADP being last year, although I could be wrong.

For dynasty owners, best case scenario is that his contract gets him cut and he goes somewhere that needs him and can utilize him (by this I mean a team where he'll be the WR1 and actually get 100+ targets). They are paying him a lot of money to only target him 5 times a game.

7/29/2011: Signed a five-year, $41 million contract. The deal contains $18.5 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus and all of Rice's 2011 and 2012 base salaries. Another $3 million is available through escalators related to Pro Bowl appearances. 2013-2014: $8.5 million, 2015: $9 million, 2016: Free Agent
Its going to be a balanced attack.

 
If the Seahawks are successful. If they score a lot of points on offense. If if if... the biggest point scorer should be RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wants to pound the ball on the ground as much as possible.

I don't see any of the Seahawk WRs or TEs have a huge season (with or without Harvin). I think many different players could post huge games any given week, but I have my doubts about any one of the passing targets posting big season stats. They have many legitimate threats in the passing game. Harvin, Rice, Tate, Baldwin, and Miller all have potential for big games.

 
If the Seahawks are successful. If they score a lot of points on offense. If if if... the biggest point scorer should be RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wants to pound the ball on the ground as much as possible.

I don't see any of the Seahawk WRs or TEs have a huge season (with or without Harvin). I think many different players could post huge games any given week, but I have my doubts about any one of the passing targets posting big season stats. They have many legitimate threats in the passing game. Harvin, Rice, Tate, Baldwin, and Miller all have potential for big games.
Harvin has a partially torn labrum in his hip. His status for this season is very much in question. While Tate, Miller, and Baldwin all will likely outscore Rice once or twice, I dont see how Rice isnt easily the player you want here.

 
If the Seahawks are successful. If they score a lot of points on offense. If if if... the biggest point scorer should be RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wants to pound the ball on the ground as much as possible.

I don't see any of the Seahawk WRs or TEs have a huge season (with or without Harvin). I think many different players could post huge games any given week, but I have my doubts about any one of the passing targets posting big season stats. They have many legitimate threats in the passing game. Harvin, Rice, Tate, Baldwin, and Miller all have potential for big games.
Harvin has a partially torn labrum in his hip. His status for this season is very much in question. While Tate, Miller, and Baldwin all will likely outscore Rice once or twice, I dont see how Rice isnt easily the player you want here.
Tate has looked really good in camp. That is all I will say.

 
There were rumblings earlier this year that he would be a potential cap casualty either this year (not as likely) or next year (far more likely), as the logic was that the Seahawks wouldn't be paying big $$$ to two WRs in Harvin and Rice.

They added a big physical WR in Chris Harper, so that could be interpreted as another sign that Rice has limited time left on the Seahawks roster.
Harper is supposed to be Tate's replacement but I don't see Rice's value coming close to the $8.5M he's getting and he's the guy I'd be getting rid of. Harvin, Tate and Harper is a still a very good receiving corps for that team.
Not nearly deep enough without Rice imo. Especially after the Harvin injury scare last week. No way do you roll into the season with Harvin, Tate, Harper.....

 
I am drafting in the 9th/10 round every draft that I can....huge upside with very little risk especially if Harvin is gone for any amount of time or if he is brought along slowly. Remember Harvin has missed a lot of games due to a lot of issues in the past. His body type does not hold up to the 100+ touches he gets on catches and returns. Also, remember Lynch has some major tread on his tyres and given his style of running do not be surprised if he gets injured one of these years.....

 
If the Seahawks are successful. If they score a lot of points on offense. If if if... the biggest point scorer should be RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wants to pound the ball on the ground as much as possible.

I don't see any of the Seahawk WRs or TEs have a huge season (with or without Harvin). I think many different players could post huge games any given week, but I have my doubts about any one of the passing targets posting big season stats. They have many legitimate threats in the passing game. Harvin, Rice, Tate, Baldwin, and Miller all have potential for big games.
Harvin has a partially torn labrum in his hip. His status for this season is very much in question. While Tate, Miller, and Baldwin all will likely outscore Rice once or twice, I dont see how Rice isnt easily the player you want here.
I won't want any of them at their ADP. Perhaps Baldwin very late.

 
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I tend to stock up on the Mike Williams and SRice type guys, granted I play in TD heavy leagues.

Rice didnt stop being good last year.

 
Rice is becoming more intriguing as a flier pick...

KFFL: Seattle Seahawks WR Sidney Rice is healthy heading into training camp for the first time in a while, and he is ready to step up in the event WR Percy Harvin (hip) is sidelined. "He's the strongest he's ever been," head coach Pete Carroll said. "He's really built himself up, he's gained 10 pounds and he feels really good about it."
What was his malady last year? He was coming off of double shoulder surgery but he was healthy last year I'm pretty sure. Either way, he was extremely productive on his few targets last year. I expect that to continue this year. His ADP has actually slipped a bit (WR48 now) since my post here in May. I still think he'll be a value play with Harvin on the team - probably finish as a low-end WR3 - but he's an even better value play if Harvin is out.

Here's a snipped from PFF:

Sidney Rice is an overlooked fantasy receiver who was not getting enough respect in drafts to begin with. He certainly stands to gain from Harvin’s potential absence. Rice, who himself had hip surgery in 2010, finished last season strong with a 0.34 points per opportunity (PPO) score during the season’s second half. Coincidentally, that was one spot in front of Tate, and was good for 14th best among wideouts. If Harvin is sidelined Rice also stands to begin more plays in the slot, where he thrived last season. On the 37.2 percent of plays in which he lined up there, he finished third in catch rate among his receiving peers, and fifth in yards per route run. His injury prone reputation has weighed down his ADP, which is currently at a bargain price (53rd wideout, 139th overall).
 
If the Seahawks are successful. If they score a lot of points on offense. If if if... the biggest point scorer should be RB Marshawn Lynch. Seattle wants to pound the ball on the ground as much as possible.

I don't see any of the Seahawk WRs or TEs have a huge season (with or without Harvin). I think many different players could post huge games any given week, but I have my doubts about any one of the passing targets posting big season stats. They have many legitimate threats in the passing game. Harvin, Rice, Tate, Baldwin, and Miller all have potential for big games.
Harvin has a partially torn labrum in his hip. His status for this season is very much in question. While Tate, Miller, and Baldwin all will likely outscore Rice once or twice, I dont see how Rice isnt easily the player you want here.
Tate has looked really good in camp. That is all I will say.
Good posting. Tate is the one I am targeting if Harvin is out.

 
From Today:

ESPN Seattle's Liz Mathews reports Sidney Rice is in Switzerland "getting some sort of knee treatment."
Oh. The word comes straight from coach Pete Carroll, who insists that Rice will not only be ready for Week 1, but the preseason. Although the news came completely out of nowhere — Rice's status was never updated after he was spotted in crutches following Seattle's Divisional Round loss — it's hardly a surprise considering his injury history. Despite Carroll's assurance, we'd consider him questionable for Week 1 at the moment. With the Seahawks also awaiting word on Percy Harvin's (hip) status, receiver is suddenly a question mark. Rice should still be considered a high-risk, high-reward WR3.
 
Sidney Rice leaves Seahawks camp for knee treatment

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Percy Harvin is no longer the only wide receiver on the Seattle Seahawks to be red-flagged for injury before August.

Coach Pete Carroll revealed Thursday that Sidney Rice has left training camp to undergo a non-surgical procedure on his knee in Switzerland. It's not unusual for players to travel to Europe for the blood-manipulation treatment known as Regenokine, though Carroll declined to give specifics in this case.

Rice's visit has been planned for awhile. He's leaving now because this is the earliest the clinic could accommodate his appointment.

Carroll is optimistic that Rice will not miss any games, even of the preseason variety. According to Liz Mathews of 710 ESPN Seattle, Carroll expects Rice to return from the procedure with "fresh legs" and with his knee in "even better" condition.

The concern is that Rice was hampered by knee issues late last season, even sporting crutches after the Divisional round loss at Atlanta.

While it's possible that Rice won't miss regular-season action, we're skeptical that the Seahawks will rush a proven veteran back into the lineup for preseason action. Either way, a once-deep receiver corps suddenly has more questions than answers for a team that is expected to contend for the NFC West crown.

The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
 
Rotoworld:

Sidney Rice described the knee procedure he underwent in Switzerland as similar to platelet-rich plasma therapy.
He needed the procedure due to patellar tendinitis. Rice scheduled it "earlier in the offseason, a little bit after OTAs" because he's been "having a sore knee for quite a while now." Rice plans to return to practice on Sunday, but won't know if the treatment worked for "a few weeks." We'd advise staying away from Rice in fantasy drafts, and instead targeting Golden Tate.


Source: Seattle Times
 
Bump...

He seems to be the forgotten man in Seattle. His bonehead penalty probably doesn't help short-term, but otherwise why is he being ignored in that offense? Just cuz he missed most of camp?

I don't follow Seattle much, so any insight would be appreciated.

 
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FavreAndAwayAnIdiot said:
Bump...

He seems to be the forgotten man in Seattle. His bonehead penalty probably doesn't help short-term, but otherwise why is he being ignored in that offense? Just cuz he missed most of camp?

I don't follow Seattle much, so any insight would be appreciated.
He wasn't ignored last night. He had a target in the endzone that hit him in the hands. Would have been a good reception, but he didn't make the play. Further, I don't think any of the receivers in Seattle really are that much more talented than the others. Because of the makeup of the offense, I still remain convinced that Baldwin will lead the team in receptions and yards. That said, I'm not sure how much of an impact any of them will have on fantasy rosters.

 
This guy is bye week filler. With such a good D, they won't need to throw much. For instance, they can beat Jax next week without even throwing a pass. He's pretty much unstartable vs teams like SF and also in games where they get a bye week (Jax). However, i seequite a few games in the schedule that he could be a #3 in a FF lineup.

 
I drafted this turd high in the startup for a shallow dynasty league a few years ago. One of the worst picks I have ever made. All he has done since then is take up space. It looks like more of the same this season. Is he finally droppable now in dynasty leagues? Can't wait to be rid of this curse.

 
I drafted this turd high in the startup for a shallow dynasty league a few years ago. One of the worst picks I have ever made. All he has done since then is take up space. It looks like more of the same this season. Is he finally droppable now in dynasty leagues? Can't wait to be rid of this curse.
I would scoop him up immediately if I was in your league. I think Rice is by far the most talented WR in Seattle, but Seattle is not a place where WRs thrive. If he lands somewhere like New England next year, he has top 15 potential. I know he's not a FA next year, but his salary will be $8.5 million. You don't pay a WR that kind of money if you are only throwing him the ball 5 times a game. So I think he'll get cut.

 
I drafted this turd high in the startup for a shallow dynasty league a few years ago. One of the worst picks I have ever made. All he has done since then is take up space. It looks like more of the same this season. Is he finally droppable now in dynasty leagues? Can't wait to be rid of this curse.
I would scoop him up immediately if I was in your league. I think Rice is by far the most talented WR in Seattle, but Seattle is not a place where WRs thrive. If he lands somewhere like New England next year, he has top 15 potential. I know he's not a FA next year, but his salary will be $8.5 million. You don't pay a WR that kind of money if you are only throwing him the ball 5 times a game. So I think he'll get cut.
I agree, but I have been telling myself this story for the last 3+ years. My patience has limits. This guy is healthy enough to play and I probably won't be able to start him with confidence once all season. That says something about the sorry state of his value.

Of course, if I cut him I'm sure he'll be traded to Green Bay tomorrow and put up 1800 yards and 50 TDs over the next 14 games.

 
I drafted this turd high in the startup for a shallow dynasty league a few years ago. One of the worst picks I have ever made. All he has done since then is take up space. It looks like more of the same this season. Is he finally droppable now in dynasty leagues? Can't wait to be rid of this curse.
I would scoop him up immediately if I was in your league. I think Rice is by far the most talented WR in Seattle, but Seattle is not a place where WRs thrive. If he lands somewhere like New England next year, he has top 15 potential. I know he's not a FA next year, but his salary will be $8.5 million. You don't pay a WR that kind of money if you are only throwing him the ball 5 times a game. So I think he'll get cut.
I drafted him in 4th of 5th round of startup in 2011, during lockout when he was a FA and did not yet know his landing spot. Was instantly bummed when he landed in Seattle and nothing since ever changed that.

I finally cut him last week and it's a 21 roster league. Have zero regrets and I'm thin at WR. Someone did bid about $250 of $1,000 budget on him. That's like a double win.

He won't do squat this year. He played 16 games last year and got 80 targets. There are not many useful WR's who only get 80 targets. This year he's on pace for 64 targets and Harvin has not even started playing yet. He is nothing and will be nothing this year. At absolute best a draft masters player who will sometimes make a big play. I'd rather roll out guys like Nate Burleson than him this year.

As for the future. Sure he likely gets cut and most places are better than Seattle but he's not getting healthier, he's just getting older.

He's played 6 years in the NFL and had one good season. 4 years ago with a HOF QB. Give up. It's over. He's not turning back the clock and he's not getting any younger or healthier.

 
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