Knowledge is power and the greatest asset you can acquire in order to compete for a fantasy football championship.
Here’s your 2023 preview of the Seattle Seahawks, the eighth of 32 team profiles during draft season:
2023 Fantasy MVP: Kenneth Walker, RB
Walker (ADP: 39) became the starter for the Seahawks as a rookie after Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending broken leg in Week 5 last season. His Per 17 Game averages from his rookie campaign are 1,397 rushing yards on 317 carries and 12 touchdowns with 32 receptions. He’s currently being drafted as the overall RB17, but he easily could produce top-8 numbers (and has the upside for more).
2023 Fantasy Sleeper: Geno Smith, QB
Only Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow scored more QB fantasy points last season than Smith (ADP: 114). He enters his second full season as the Seahawks’ starter with three dynamic receivers, a stocked stable of running backs and an improving offensive line. Whatever regression you figured might happen is more than built into his ADP — he’s currently being drafted as the overall QB15.
2023 Fantasy Bust: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
The Buckeyes had two receivers drafted in the first 11 picks in 2022. Smith-Njigba (ADP: 83) out-produced both as a sophomore, setting Ohio State records for single-season receptions (95) and receiving yards (1,606). An injury-riddled season dampened his stock, but he checked out fine during the draft process. He’s a manipulative route runner who uses his body language and varies his speed in order to create space wherever he is on the field. DK Metcalf (ADP: 35) and Tyler Lockett (ADP: 73) will garner more targets barring an injury and Seattle’s use of multiple tight end sets might impact JSN’s snap share initially, but I’m buying him big time in dynasty formats.
2023 Fantasy Rookie to watch: Zach Charbonnet, RB
Charbonnet (ADP: 99) features the size, balance, vision and instincts to thrive in the NFL. There’s three-down potential here if he continues to develop in protection. This upside is likely causing some fantasy managers to devalue Walker, but the Seahawks stick with feature backs when healthy, so I consider the 52nd overall pick more of a handcuff headed into year one. However, if the opportunity arrives, he’ll be ready right away.
