Seattle’s backfield has turned into a two-man job. Zach Charbonnet made his season debut in Week 8 after recovering from a torn ACL, and in just his second game, he out-carried Jadarian Price 16 to 9 in a 17-3 win over Arizona. Price answered with four catches for 54 yards. Now both backs get a Las Vegas run defense that has been giving up yards in bunches. Find out whether you should start or sit Zach Charbonnet or Jadarian Price in Week 10.
Zach Charbonnet Start or Sit Advice for Week 10
Charbonnet’s role is growing fast. He went from six carries in his return against Chicago to 16 carries for 77 yards against the Cardinals, and he is averaging 4.5 yards per carry so far, ahead of Price’s 3.7. He has also drawn three red zone carries in two games, so he is getting a real share of the scoring chances.
The matchup sets up well for whoever gets the early-down work. Las Vegas allows 26.6 PPR points per game to running backs against a league average of 22.2, along with 5.21 yards per carry against a league mark of 4.15. The Raiders have also given up nine rushing touchdowns to backs and 43 red zone carries, both well above the league averages of 6.2 and 32.4.
That needs context. Las Vegas has faced Miami, the Chargers, New Orleans, Kansas City, New England, Buffalo, the Rams, the Jets and San Francisco, a group running for 35% more yards than the league average against them, so the schedule has inflated these numbers. Even after accounting for that, this is a defense that gives backs room to work.
Jadarian Price Start or Sit Advice for Week 10
Price has kept a meaningful role even as Charbonnet’s has grown. He led the backfield with 10 carries against Chicago in Week 8, and he caught all four of his targets for 54 yards against Arizona for 11.8 PPR points. That receiving work gives him a floor that does not depend entirely on carries.
He has 15 targets in five games this season, and Las Vegas allows 31.9 receiving yards per game to backs, right at the league average of 31.8. With Sam Darnold out and Drew Lock limited throughout the week with elbow and oblique injuries, Seattle’s quarterback could lean on short throws to the backfield.
The concern is efficiency. Price is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, he has not scored this season, and his carries dipped from 10 to nine as Charbonnet’s climbed from six to 16.
The Biggest Fantasy Risk for Charbonnet and Price in Week 10
The split is the shared problem. Seattle has spread the work between both backs, and neither has topped 17 touches in a game since Charbonnet returned. The red zone work has been split, too, with Charbonnet drawing three carries inside the 20 and Price two over the last two games.
Seattle’s offense adds to the uncertainty. The Seahawks score 22.4 points per game, convert just 50.0% of their red zone trips against a league average of 58.6% and average 3.86 yards per carry as a team. Darnold’s absence and Lock’s injuries leave the passing game shaky, which could let Las Vegas focus on the run.
The line is banged up as well. Guard Quenton Nelson has not practiced this week after a minor procedure on his knee, and tackle Charles Cross has been limited with a high ankle sprain.
Fantasy Outlook for Charbonnet and Price in Week 10
Charbonnet is a Strong Start in Week 10. His carries are trending up, he is the more efficient runner and he is getting a share of the red zone work against a defense that has struggled to stop the run.
Price is a Start as a FLEX option, particularly in PPR leagues. His receiving role keeps him involved, and the matchup is good enough to support both backs. Fantasy managers covering Eagles, Buccaneers, Bears and Broncos players on bye can trust Charbonnet as a weekly starter and use Price as a lower-floor FLEX.