Seattle Seahawks DVOA, Stats, & NFL 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 wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has an excellent opportunity to make a statement in Week 1. With DK Metcalf drawing the attention of cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Tyler Lockett (thigh) coming off a training camp injury, Smith-Njigba could find himself on the field and open often. All reports suggest that Smith-Njigba has had a great camp. He has also made a couple of highlight-reel plays in the preseason. Smith-Njigba also looks much bigger and more confident than he did in 2023. It is easy to forget that Smith-Njigba was the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has the talent and pedigree to shine in 2024, which could come as early as Week 1.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was listed on the team's first official injury report of the 2024 season on Wednesday after he put in a limited practice session. Fant injured his toe at a training camp practice way back on Aug. 7, but the Seahawks have expressed optimism all along that he'd be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos at Lumen Field. The 26-year-old could be back to full practice by the end of the week and be removed from the final injury report for Week 1 on Friday. The former 20th overall pick by the Broncos in 2019 out of Iowa had career-lows in catches (32), receiving yards (414) and touchdowns (zero) in 17 games in his second year in Seattle in 2023. When healthy, Fant is the fourth receiving option, at best, among a trio of talented receivers, making him a low-ceiling, low-floor TE2 in fantasy.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (foot) was in uniform on the practice field on Monday. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted during the preseason that he is optimistic that Fant will be available for the Seahawks' opener against the Denver Broncos. While Fant has not put up prolific numbers for the Seahawks over the past couple of seasons, he is still important to the offense. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could also scheme more looks for Fant in 2024. With backup tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) also banged up, the Seahawks can only hope that at least one of these players will be available this week.

The Seattle Seahawks added to the quarterback room by signing Jaren Hall to their practice squad on Monday. The 2023 fifth-round pick started two games for the Vikings in 2023. He threw for 168 yards and zero touchdowns to go along with one interception. Hall was waived last week to make room for Brett Rypien on the Vikings' roster. The Seahawks currently only carry quarterbacks Geno Smith and Sam Howell on their active roster. Hall could feasibly find himself on the active roster at some point should the team decide they need to carry three active quarterbacks. For now, this signing is inconsequential to the Seahawks offense.