Kenneth Walker III's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III draws an excellent matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Broncos boasted the third-worst rushing defense in the NFL in 2023. The defense improved as the season progressed, but there is no reason to believe they will be able to hold Walker in check in Week 1. With the news that the Seahawks will be a run-first team in 2024, Walker could be in for a massive workload. Walker should have plenty of lanes to run through and plenty of opportunities for big plays against the Broncos. Additionally, the Seahawks offense should move the ball effectively in Week 1. As such, Walker should have several opportunities to score in the red zone. You can confidently start Walker as a high-end RB2 in Week 1. His ability to break off big plays and potential for touchdown opportunities gives him top-five upside in Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet (undisclosed) are both expected to sit out of Saturday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Charbonnet missed both joint practices against the Titans this week and will almost certainly sit on Saturday. With both Walker and Charbonnet out, it will place more of an emphasis on the RB3 battle between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani. McIntosh, a seventh-round pick in 2023, entered training camp as the slight favorite. The injury to Charbonnet doesn't appear to be serious enough to put his availability in question for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The 23-year-old was a clear second fiddle to Walker in his rookie season and will probably struggle for standalone fantasy value in his second year in the league as long as Walker stays healthy. At best, Charbonnet is an RB4 bench stash in PPR leagues.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III caught just 19 passes in three collegiate seasons at Wake Forest and Michigan State, and many questioned his ability as a receiver when he entered the NFL. He's hauled in 56 passes for 424 yards and one touchdown through his first 30 pro games, but he could be more involved in that area this season based on comments from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. "I think he gets better every single day," Grubb said. "I think the sky's the limit for him. I think he's a really, really talented, powerful back that's a true three-tool guy. He's electric out of the backfield as a pass-catcher." Walker's fantasy value took a hit last year after the team selected Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, a new staff is in place, and Walker has reportedly had a great training camp. Charbonnet will likely be involved in the offense, but all signs point toward Walker remaining the clear RB1 for the Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has hit the ground running since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Doak Walker Award winner has racked up 1,955 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in his first 30 pro contents. Heading into Year 3, he has reportedly impressed the new Seattle staff in training camp. "Kenneth Walker III was the star of Monday's practice, the first one in full pads, and it reflected the sort of spring and summer he's had," NFL Insider Albert Breer wrote. "To the new staff, he looks like the kind of back you can play on all three downs, and build a running game around. And Zach Charbonnet gives the team some depth behind him." Walker has been a productive fantasy running back, but if he can command a higher opportunity share ahead of Charbonnet, he could enter the next tier. It's tough to know what to expect from the Seahawks' offense in 2024, but it sounds like Walker will remain the clear RB1, and his speed and explosiveness give him the ability to produce spike weeks.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III took 17 carries for 78 yards in Week 18. He also caught his only target for three yards in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Ten of Walker's attempts were for three yards or less but his stat line was bailed out with four rushes that resulted in gains of at least 11 yards. Coming into the season his status as the starter was threatened after the Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 draft. Injuries aside, Walker held onto his role all year but Charbonnet's efficiency makes depth chart projections murky for 2024. Playing in 15 games in 2023, Walker had 219 carries for 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 29 catches for 259 yards and one receiving touchdown.