Thursday night’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys matchup not only has huge playoff implications, but there is probably a lot of debate as to which running back from this game fantasy football managers should start.
We’ll let you know which one is worth starting in your fantasy lineup.
Editor’s Note: Kenneth Walker has been ruled OUT by the Seattle Seahawks for Week 13.
Should You Start Tony Pollard, Kenneth Walker III, or Zach Charbonnet This Week?
In Pro Football Network’s Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Pollard is the player to start. His projected 14.6 points include 54 rushing yards, three receptions, and 25 receiving yards. His projected stat line outperforms the consensus projections of Charbonnet (9.7 points) and Walker (3.8 points).
My ranking for these three running backs aligns with the consensus. Pollard has had back-to-back solid games running the ball, and with the Seahawks ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in defending the run, this looks like the pick among the three.
Fantasy Outlook for Pollard This Week
Pollard rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown last week vs. the Commanders, his highest total in rushing yards since his season-high 122 rushing yards back in Week 3 vs. the Cardinals. He also averaged better than five yards a carry in each of his last two games.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
In addition, he’s had 10 total receptions over his last two games, tying his best receptions total in back-to-back games this season. Most importantly for fantasy managers, Pollard has back-to-back games with a touchdown run — his first touchdowns since Week 1.
This, combined with the fact that the Seahawks rank 21st against the run, and the choice at running back among these three for this week appears to be clear.
Fantasy Outlook for Charbonnet This Week
Even before Walker’s oblique injury sidelined him last week, Charbonnet was seeing more time in the backfield. In fact, he’s been on the field for at least 50% of Seattle’s offensive snaps each of the last five games — at least 85% the last two weeks.
The problem is, there just hasn’t been a lot of production from Charbonnet during this stretch. Over the last two weeks, he’s basically been Seattle’s featured back, but all he has to show for it is 94 total yards and less than four yards per carry (3.2).
Even if Charbonnet is the primary ball carrier for the Seahawks this week, I would wait until I see a little more before taking a chance on him. The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Charbonnet to finish with 56 rushing yards, one reception, and five receiving yards.
Fantasy Outlook for Walker This Week
Walker, who missed his first game of the season last week against the 49ers with an oblique injury he suffered against the Rams in Week 11, reportedly did not practice Monday. With another Thursday game on tap this week, there is the possibility that he could miss his second straight game.
This would certainly be a blow to the Seahawks, who certainly could use their leading rusher against the red-hot Cowboys. It’s also a disappointment for fantasy football managers because even if Walker is somehow able to play Thursday, it could be a decision between a healthy Charbonnet and a less than 100% Walker.
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Walker to finish with 18 rushing yards and one reception for four receiving yards.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!