Welcome Marshawn Lynch back to fantasy - but temper expectations

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Here are the fantasy implications following the news RB Marshawn Lynch has agreed to terms with the Oakland Raiders:

Trying to peg Lynch's fantasy value will be difficult. Speculation regarding Beast Mode's numbers - and where to select him in upcoming fantasy drafts - will vary widely. Take it all with a grain of salt at this point in the off-season.

Lynch, who will soon turn 31, hasn't seen action in an NFL game since Jan. 17, 2016. He finished that contest with six rushes for 20 yards as Carolina defeated Seattle in the NFC divisional round. The 2015 season as a whole was a lost cause for Lynch, as he played in just seven games and finished with only 417 yards rushing.

Prior to that downturn, Lynch had registered four straight 1,000-yard campaigns while scoring at least 11 touchdowns in each. Those double-digit TDs and healthy yardage totals made him an elite RB in fantasy circles.

Unfortunately, fantasy footballers shouldn't expect another 1,000-yard, 10-plus touchdown season out of Lynch in his first year in Oakland.

At his age - and with Oakland employing two solid sophomore running backs in Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington - Lynch doesn't project to be Oakland's workhorse. Though he could lead the team in rushing, Lynch will likely only see 10-15 carries per game. It's safe to assume that Oakland will split the workload much like it did with Latavius Murray.

In terms of ranking Lynch among his fellow running backs, eager fantasy drafters should consider Lynch a low-end RB2 with limited upside. Early-season conditioning and Oakland's RBBC situation can't be ignored. Slide Lynch in among names like Eddie Lacy, Robert Kelly, Isaiah Crowell, and Murray himself, who now plays for Minnesota.

Relative to your fantasy roster, Lynch shouldn't be your top running back and would still be a risky play as your weekly RB2. In standard 10- and 12-team leagues, Lynch is best considered as a FLEX option.

That FLEX appeal is highly tied to Lynch's goal-line production. His powerful style should play well behind Oakland's offensive line, and see him finish with anywhere between six and 10 touchdowns. Last year, Murray punched in 12 scores, while Oakland ranked sixth in the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.

At this point in the off-season, it is too early to say which exact round or pick Lynch will warrant on draft day. Fantasy owners should instead keep a close eye on news out of Oakland regarding his health and the dispersion of work between the three backs. Regardless, Lynch will be welcomed back by fantasy owners as he makes the running back pool just a tad deeper.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)