Seattle Seahawks DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Given how well quarterback Sam Darnold has played in 2024, the Minnesota Vikings have not ruled out offering him a contract for next season despite widespread belief that they will let Darnold walk and hand the job to J.J. McCarthy (knee), who was drafted in the first round in April, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking. Darnold is in the midst of a career season and has thrown for 1,158 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the last four games. In that span, he's led three game-winning drives and has led the NFL in completions on passes of at least 15 air yards. Darnold is on pace for a 4,100-yard, 35-touchdown season. "There's no other place I'd rather play. Just so grateful to be a Viking," Darnold said earlier this month. It remains to be seen where Darnold will be playing in 2025, but right now he has been a solid QB1 in fantasy heading into a Monday night game against the Bears.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 10 of 12 targets for 83 yards in a Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Smith-Njigba was one of the lone bright spots for the Seahawks in this game. He was the only pass catcher to record more than three receptions or 28 receiving yards. The performance indicated that Smith-Njigba may be moving into more of a No. 1 wide receiver role rather than a No. 2 in this offense. He has consistently outperformed wide receiver DK Metcalf over the last several weeks. Additionally, he earned nine more targets than Metcalf in Week 15. Smith-Njigba's role is steady at this point and the only thing that could hurt his fantasy output is if quarterback Geno Smith (knee) is forced to miss time. Sam Howell replaced Smith in the second half of Sunday's game and did not look ready for the moment. For now, Smith-Njigba managers must monitor Smith's status as we approach another week of the fantasy playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet only received eight carries in Week 15, but he recorded 54 yards and a touchdown with the limited opportunities. The Green Bay Packers jumped out to an early lead against the Seahawks forcing Seattle to largely abandon the running game. Charbonnet did receive four targets as well but he only caught one of them for 12 yards. Luckily Charbonnet was able to find the end zone to deliver RB2 value. However, it is concerning that Seattle's offense stalled so poorly. What is more, it seems likely that starting running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) will return in Week 16. Walker's return would crater Charbonnet's value even if Charbonnet were to begin receiving more touches than he was before. Given that Sunday's solid 13.6 PPR fantasy points were Charbonnet's worst in his four starts this season, he deserves a bench spot just in case Walker is limited or continues to miss time.

Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Sam Howell did not do much to inspire confidence when called upon in Week 15. Howell replaced Geno Smith (knee) in the second half of Seattle's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He completed 5/14 passes for 24 yards and an interception. His QBR of 3.3 was about as low as you can go. Howell was turnover-prone with the Commanders in 2023 but his yardage totals were solid. To see him struggle in a way that suggests substantial regression in 2024 is concerning. With fantasy managers relying on Seattle's running backs and wide receivers in the fantasy playoffs, Howell's performance does not inspire much confidence should Smith miss time. Smith's injury severity is unknown so it is too early to tell what will happen. If Smith does need to miss time, at least Howell will have a whole week to prepare for Seattle's final home game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant caught three passes for 15 yards in Week 15. The Seahawks could not get much going against a relentless Green Bay Packers defense. Fant has not been much of a fantasy-relevant player all season and his performance was on par with most of his performances this year. With quarterback Geno Smith (knee) going down due to injury, Fant's production could continue to fall. Quarterback Sam Howell did not fare well in Smith's stead. He only completed 5/14 passes. With fantasy managers squarely in the fantasy playoffs, Fant is not someone anyone should be looking at to fill their tight end slot. He has only recorded 329 receiving yards and no touchdowns in ten games this season. Leave Fant to waivers.