Seattle Seahawks DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Seattle Seahawks plan to announce Zach Charbonnet as their starting running back against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Although Kenneth Walker III is healthy and cleared to play, the first snap of the game will likely belong to Charbonnet. This represents a change in the lineup from earlier in the season, but it's not much of a surprise given how well Charbonnet has played lately. Over the last two weeks, he has 188 rushing yards, eight catches, 71 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He has averaged 24.1 fantasy points per game (PPR) while filling in for Walker this year. Meanwhile, Walker is averaging 16.7 points per contest. Both players have RB1 upside, but we'd rather start Charbonnet this week given that Seattle may be inclined to ride the hot hand against a stingy Minnesota run defense.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in his first reception during last week's game against the Houston Texans. The veteran wideout missed the first nine weeks of the season due to a shoulder injury. Since returning, Cracraft has been primarily playing on special teams, but he could see more chances as a wideout in Week 16. Currently, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) is doubtful while Tyreek Hill (wrist) is listed as questionable, but he's expected to play. If one or both receivers sit out that could probably mean more run for Cracraft as a wideout. Despite the increased snaps, Cracraft remains an extremely risky fantasy option given he hasn't done much at all up to this point.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is listed as questionable for the team's Monday night matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Valdes-Scantling did not practice all week. Originally sidelined on Thursday with a chest injury, he was also dealing with an illness that kept him out of the subsequent practices. With Rashid Shaheed (knee) on injured reserve, Chris Olave (concussion) not yet ready to return, and Bub Means (ankle) facing a potential shutdown, the Saints are already thin at wide receiver. If MVS can take the field, fantasy managers cannot expect more of the big plays that made him an alluring flex over the last few weeks. With Derek Carr (hand) nursing injuries of his own, rookie Spencer Rattler will take over under center, downgrading the entire New Orleans offense. Should Valdes-Scantling sit for Week 16, the team will turn to Kevin Austin Jr., Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis to step up.

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock returns to the starting role for Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons after missing Week 15 with a heel injury. Lock has been underwhelming in limited action this season, with 405 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions over two starts, averaging just 5.1 yards per attempt. However, the Falcons present an enticing matchup, as their defense ranks 26th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks over the past four weeks (18.9 FPPG). Atlanta also struggles overall, allowing 24.4 points per game, the fifth-most in the NFL. While Lock's inconsistency and eight sacks taken are concerning, his rushing ability (116 yards, 1 TD) gives him a sneaky floor, but he should remain on the bench for the playoffs.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is coming off a rough showing, failing to catch any of his three targets in the Week 15 win over the 49ers. However, outside of the hideous effort versus San Francisco, the wideout has played well during the 2024-25 campaign, catching 63 passes for 657 yards and six touchdowns. With the Jets on tap for Week 16, the Rams need a win to increase their chances of making the playoffs. The Jets defense has allowed only 10 touchdowns to opposing wideouts this season. Still, even with Puka Nacua commanding plenty of attention from Matthew Stafford from week-to-week, Kupp's upside keeps him a must-start in Week 16.