If you've been rostering either of Seattle's top two RBs this season, then you've undoubtedly been frustrated with their deployment and production. The Seahawks added a third element to that problem in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. George Holani ran for a 9-yard TD near the end of the first quarter, en route to a 7-31-1 rushing line for the day. Ahead of him, Zach Charbonnet rushed for a team-leading 83 yards and another TD on 14 carries. Kenneth Walker matched Charbonnet at 14 carries, tallying 67 yards, and drew the backfield's only target. (He caught it for a whopping 3 yards.)
Holani's first-quarter TD was arguably the most frustrating aspect of Seattle's Week 10 backfield. He entered the game with just 13 carries for the season, 10 of which came in a lopsided Week 3 win over the Saints that Charbonnet missed with injury. (Walker carried 16 times and scored twice in that game.)
But Holani's other six rushing attempts against Arizona on Sunday didn't come until the middle of the fourth quarter, with the Seahawks pulling starters.
Walker and Charbonnet, meanwhile, split work from the start. Literally.
Walker's lone catch for the game came on the first play from scrimmage. Charbonnet carried for 2 yards on the next play. Both guys also touched the ball on Seattle's second drive, which culminated in Holani's TD ... after Walker had converted a second-and-7 to set up first-and-goal from the 9. (Holani scored on second down.)
Walker finished the first half with an 8-6 carry lead over Charbonnet and out-gained him 38 yards to 11 (4.8 per rush to 1.8). But he also watched Charbonnet score from 6 yards out on his second of two goal-line chances. Walker garnered the first three carries of that possession, including a no-gain on first-and-3 after Cooper Kupp's 67-yard catch got the Seahawks into scoring position.
Charbonnet edged Walker 8-6 in second-half carries and rebounded his yardage efficiency with scampers of 30 and 13 yards.
For the game, Walker played four more snaps (27-23) and ran six pass routes to Charbonnet's three.
Week 9's return from the bye presented season-high playing time for Walker and season-low rates for Charbonnet. Sunday's usage says that was either game-plan specific or just a blip.
The split vs. Arizona looked much more like what most of the season has provided. And that means limited fantasy viability for both players.
Charbonnet has ruled the goal-line work between them overall. The past two games have found more balance in that area. That would obviously be good news for Walker if it continues.
That said, both Seattle backs look like RB3-level options going forward. The team's terrific defensive play (fifth-fewest points allowed) and run-heavy offense (second in carries) at least helps the outlook for both guys.
Let's just hope the Holani intrusion doesn't become a regular feature.
A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 10 start/sit decisions, including implied points, projected plays, WR/CB matchups, and adjusted fantasy points allowed.
Read More »
We know Jaelan Phillips can get after the QB, but his new home could supercharge his sack production. Here's why (plus more IDP notes from around the league).
Read More »
Let's dig into the impact of the Rashid Shaheed and Jakobi Meyers trades, the Jayden Daniels injury, and backfield ambiguity for the Giants and Bears. Plus ... is Kenneth Walker a BUY?
Read More »
You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2025, and we’ll give you 100% of your subscription money back. No strings attached. You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
Search
