The Seattle Seahawks are on the road this week taking on the Atlanta Falcons, but they may be without Kenneth Walker III ($7,300) after the star running back was added to the injury report as questionable due to illness. If Walker sits, can Zach Charbonnet ($5,300) step up and excel in an expanded workload? Let’s take a look!
Week 7 Outlook
Walker has been excellent when available for Seattle this season, posting 20+ fantasy points in three of his four games. He actually hasn’t done most of his production on the ground, though, catching a total of 15 passes for 94 yards the last two weeks. He missed Week 2 vs. the Patriots and Week 3 vs. the Dolphins with an oblique strain.
In those two games, Charbonnet stepped up and took on the workload. He had 14 carries for 38 yards, a touchdown and 17.9 fantasy points against New England and was even better the next week against Miami, racking up 91 yards on 18 carries and catching three passes for 16 yards. He had two more rushing scores in that game and posted an impressive 25.7 fantasy points.
If Walker hadn’t been great on his return, there may have been more controversy around Charbonnet going back to a reduced role, but Walker was so electric that he has remained the clear No. 1 option without much dispute.
Bottom Line
If Walker is out this week, though, Charbonnet would get a good matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta has allowed only the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, but they gave up a big week last week to Chuba Hubbard ($6,500) and have allowed 70+ rushing yards to eavery opposing starting running back they have faced this season. The reason their fantasy numbers are solid is that they have only given up one touchdown to the position.
If Walker can’t play through his illness or is limited, Charbonnet becomes a great flex option and even an RB2 in most formats. He also would be a great option for DFS contests at his low salary.
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