Seattle Seahawks DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

With Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) out in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, rookie tight end AJ Barner is in position to take on the starting tight end role. Barner was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2024. He has caught all ten of his targets this season for 105 yards and a touchdown. While Barner will likely see a boost in targets with Fant and wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out, he does not project to be relevant for fantasy. It is worth noting that Barner does have decent big-play ability. In Week 8 Barner caught two passes at 17 yards per catch. It is hard to believe that there would not be more reliable or proven assets on your waiver wire. However, if you are in a very deep league, Barner will at least be a starter in Week 9.

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers will look to improve his scoring output in Week 9 when the Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Myers has been accurate when given the chance in 2024. However, the Seahawks offense has been too inconsistent for Myers to provide reliable fantasy output. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against an average-at-best Rams defense in Week 9. The question is will they be able to finish drives without turning the ball over? The offense could not get out of its own way in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Various penalties and mental errors cost the team several scoring opportunities. If they can eliminate those errors in Week 9 then Myers will be worth starting in fantasy. Still, there are likely more reliable options out there if you need to pivot.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a great opportunity to have a great game in Week 8 when DK Metcalf (knee) missed the game due to an MCL sprain. The Seahawks offense delivered a total dud as it appeared that they needed Metcalf in order to function at the high level they have all season. The Los Angeles Rams present a much softer matchup in Week 9 than the Buffalo Bills did in Week 8. The Bills defense has been stifling opposing passing offenses all season but the Rams just got shredded by Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. With Metcalf out again in Week 9, Smith-Njigba should be able to find room to operate in this game. The Rams offense is back to performing at a high-level, and the Seahawks will likely continue their pass-heavy attack. Look for Smith-Njigba to deliver high-end WR3 numbers with the potential for more upside.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has provided a solid baseline to fantasy managers with his passing game work in 2024. When the Seahawks have a lead, Walker can deliver great rushing output. When the Seahawks trail, it is a different story. Walker has caught four or more passes in four of six games played this season. The Seahawks offense has been bipolar in 2024 so it is difficult to predict how they will perform on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are the No. 19 defense against opposing running backs in fantasy, so this matchup is not scary. Neither team's defense has played with any consistency. Now that the Rams have a full complement of weapons, this could be a track meet. Look for the Seahawks to try and establish a presence in the running game. If they can ensure that this game remains tight, then Walker should be in good shape to provide a solid rushing and receiving baseline in Week 9.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) will not play in Week 9 according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Fant opened the week as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday. This will be the first game of the 2024 campaign the 26-year-old sits out of. Since Week 3, Fant has caught at least three passes in all but one game and averaged 8.3 PPR points during this span. With DK Metcalf (knee) also not suiting up, fantasy managers should expect Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo to lead an undermanned Seattle passing attack against the Los Angeles Rams.