The Seattle Seahawks’ backfield presents one of fantasy football’s most intriguing puzzles heading into the 2025 NFL season. While Kenneth Walker III remains the nominal starter, trading patterns reveal a fascinating shift in perception among savvy fantasy managers who are increasingly betting on his backup’s upside potential.
Why Fantasy Managers Are Buying Zach Charbonnet
Since May 1, Zach Charbonnet has emerged as the second-most traded running back among PFSN Trade Analyzer users, with an impressive 59.6% of deals involving him resulting in acquisitions. This trading activity signals a growing belief that the second-year back could be poised for a breakout campaign.
The numbers support this optimism. Charbonnet demonstrated significant improvement in his sophomore season, posting a 13.2% increase in yards per carry gained after contact. This metric indicates enhanced vision, patience, and power at the point of attack, qualities that translate directly to fantasy production. His ability to create additional yardage through contact suggests he’s developing the physical tools necessary to handle an expanded workload.
Perhaps most importantly, Charbonnet has already established himself as a trusted red zone option. With 14.2% of his career touches coming inside the 20-yard line, he’s proven capable of converting high-value scoring opportunities. Red-zone usage often serves as a leading indicator of coaching staff confidence, and these numbers suggest Seattle views him as a reliable finisher near the goal line.
Zach Charbonnet gets in the end zone again! pic.twitter.com/cb7aoT2kaw
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) September 22, 2024
The trading patterns reflect a calculated bet on opportunity. Fantasy managers appear to be positioning themselves for a scenario where Charbonnet either claims a larger share of the backfield or steps into a featured role should Walker face another injury setback.
Kenneth Walker III’s Declining Stock: A Pattern of Concern
Meanwhile, Walker finds himself in a different position within the fantasy marketplace. Despite his talent and draft capital, Walker has appeared in over 1,600 trades since May 1, placing him among the three most frequently dealt players. This volume suggests widespread uncertainty about his reliability and future production.
The concerns are rooted in a troubling pattern of availability and performance. Walker has missed multiple games in every season of his career, creating persistent questions about his durability. Compounding these injury concerns, his efficiency has declined yearly, indicating potential wear or systemic issues within Seattle’s offensive approach.
This combination of injury history and declining performance metrics has created a perfect storm for fantasy managers looking to move on from the Seahawks’ 2022 second-round pick. The high trade volume reflects a collective loss of confidence in his ability to deliver consistent RB1 production throughout a full season.
The Broader Implications for Seattle Seahawks’ Backfield
The contrasting trade patterns between these two backs reveal a fundamental shift in how fantasy managers view Seattle’s rushing attack. Rather than banking on Walker’s starter status, many are pivoting toward Charbonnet’s potential when in the lead back role.
This strategic repositioning makes sense when considering the broader context. Seattle’s offensive line has shown improvement, creating better opportunities for whoever carries the ball. The team’s commitment to establishing a ground game remains strong, ensuring that touches will be available for productive backs.
Charbonnet’s development trajectory suggests he’s ready to capitalize on increased opportunities. His improved contact balance and established red zone role provide multiple pathways to fantasy relevance, whether as a complementary piece or potential lead back.
START TRADING: Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Value Chart
The market dynamics also reflect changing draft strategies. With Walker’s ADP likely to remain elevated due to name recognition and past production, Charbonnet represents potential value in later rounds. Fantasy managers who acquire him now position themselves to benefit from either his natural development or any unforeseen circumstances that might elevate his role.
The data paints a clear picture: fantasy football’s most engaged users are betting on youth, improvement, and opportunity over name recognition and past performance. In Seattle’s backfield, that bet has a name: Charbonnet.
