It’s time for what we’ve all been waiting for: the fantasy football playoffs. It’s that beautiful time of year when we all agonize over every lineup decision. If you roster either of the Seattle Seahawks running backs, you’re in for a long week of flip-flopping. But when it comes down to the end, you’ll have to make a decision. I’m here to help you decide whether or not to start Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet in the first week of the fantasy football playoffs.
Analysis
Figuring out who leads this backfield this year has been agonizing. Walker has received 170 carries this year, converting at 4.5 yards per pop with four scores. Charbonnet has been considerably less productive with his 132 carries, running for only 3.7 yards per attempt. But he has been the preferred goal-line back, running for eight touchdowns. There hasn’t been much receiving work for either back, because why throw it in the flats when Jaxon Smith-Njigba is always open? This has resulted in Walker sitting at RB23 on the year in PPR formats while Charbonnet is the RB26.
It all comes down to running and how they match up on the ground against this Colts defense. That could be a problem against the Indianapolis front seven. Led by DeForest Buckner, the Colts are sixth in total rushing yards allowed and third in yards per carry allowed. This makes for a tricky formula if you’re reliant on one or both of these Seattle running backs.
So, what do we make of this backfield?
The Verdict
There’s one area in which the Colts’ run defense is weak: red-zone scoring. Indianapolis has conceded 13 rushing touchdowns this year, which is 17th in the NFL. Seattle’s explosive offense will find itself in the red zone more than once, and when they do, it’ll be Zach Charbonnet getting the important touches.
Perhaps the game script without Daniel Jones makes Walker a viable play, but I’m not counting on it. His lack of scoring upside makes him a tough RB2 play against a stout run defense. But the major scoring upside for Charbonnet makes him a better option for upside in the RB2 spot. I’m sitting Walker and playing Charbonnet this week with the season on the line.
