As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of Kenneth Walker III.
Kenneth Walker III’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
For a team that was supposed to be a disaster in 2022, the Seahawks have themselves multiple high-quality fantasy assets. One can argue Walker is the most valuable of the bunch.
The Seahawks probably shouldn’t have spent a high second-round pick on a running back, but that’s none of our concern for fantasy purposes. It doesn’t change the fact that Walker is really good at football and poised to be a fantasy RB1 for years to come.
As a rookie, Walker opened the season inactive due to a preseason groin injury. When he made his debut in Week 2, he was Rashaad Penny’s backup. Walker’s highest snap share over the first three weeks of the season was 36%, and it’s fair to wonder if he ever would’ve taken the starting job had Penny stayed healthy.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Running Back
Unfortunately, the injury bug bit Penny once again. He went down with a season-ending injury in Week 5, at which point Walker took over as the lead back.
On the season, Walker averaged just 13.5 fantasy points per game. But that’s not a number we actually care about. He scored 13.5 total fantasy points from Weeks 2-4, and what he did in those games does not matter. The relevant measure of Walker’s performance is how he did as the starter.
From Week 5 onward, Walker averaged 15.8 ppg. Over a full season, that would’ve put him as the overall RB8. 16 ppg is typically the threshold for RB1 production, but it was a down year for running backs. The fact remains that Walker proved he is, at worst, a high-end RB2.
Walker flashed elite upside with above-average evasive ability and splash plays. He took 7.5% of his carries for 15 yards or more, the eighth-highest rate in the league. His evaded-tackles-per-touch rate was top 15, and his yards created per touch was top 20.
Kenneth Walker III’s Fantasy Ranking
Walker wasn’t elite as a rookie, but he flashed elite upside. Given his age and the fact that he’s surprisingly tethered to a good offense, Walker is at least a mid-range RB1 in dynasty.
While there’s a legitimate argument to be made for him as the overall RB1, we have him at RB4 (No. 17 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings. Walker is well worth being the first running back you select in dynasty startup drafts.