Kenneth Walker's fantasy outlook: is he a good pick?

Atlanta Falcons v Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks smiles as he looks on during warmups

Kenneth Walker III was the second running back taken by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. With Seattle, it was not certain that he would thrive, despitehis high draft value. Rashaad Penny, the Seattle Seahawks running back, is out for the year, making Walker one of the best additions in fantasy football. Now that Penny is out of the picture, Walker seems to have a big role in a run-heavy attack. Will the rookie be able to take advantage of this opportunity?

All things considered, Walker appears to be Seattle's finest remaining running back. Walker is a fierce sprinter who acquired a significant workload during his collegiate years, despite not having a strong pass-catching reputation. He is a fantastic talent with many qualities.

Before Penny's setback, Walker had already proven himself to be the franchise's second-best runner. After suffering a preseason injury, Walker quickly earned a significant amount of snaps once fully recovered. When Penny was injured midway through Week 6, the youngster appeared in 38% of the offensive snaps in Week 5 before rapidly assuming the starting position.

Kenneth Walker's key stats

Seattle Seahawks v Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks v Detroit Lions

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Kenneth Walker has 5.8 rushing attempts per match on average this season. He has performed admirably, recording an average of 6.4 yards per attempt. The former Michigan State standout had begun to receive more snaps over the previous few weeks. Over the first four weeks, Penny played 63.3% of the snaps, while Walker only played 18.8%. However, the rookie participated in 45.1% of the snaps during the previous two games; notably, he had 58% last week.

Last Sunday, he produced an incredible 69-yard touchdown, displaying tremendous quickness. Walker will also play a prominent part in a surprisingly effective Seattle attack now that Penny will miss the entire season.

This week, Walker is among the top 15 running backs. When put to the test, Arizona's run defense has consistently failed. The Arizona Cardinals rank 26th in explosive run rate allowed and ninth in rush success rate allowed. They have allowed the fewest rushing attempts this season, along with the Eagles. Still, their adjusted line yards and second-level yards allowed rank them 22nd and 29th, respectively.

Walker's first week as a starter could be explosive. In small volumes this campaign, he's been fantastic. He ranks eighth in juke rate, tenth in yards created per touch, ninth in breakaway run rate, and eleventh in PFF's elusive rating.

Is Kenneth Walker a good fantasy pick?

You should acquire Kenneth Walker if he is on the waiver wire in your league. Fantasy owners shouldn't be reluctant to use every last cent of their capital to sign free agents to sign Walker. He has the potential to be a running back who wins league titles.

Seahawks Fans! Check out the latest Seattle Seahawks Schedule and dive into the Seahawks Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by John Maxwell
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