Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Kenneth Walker III

Monday, October 28, 10:15 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison seemed to have wrested control of the lead running back role for his team in their Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was highly inefficient with his touches, though. He carried the ball 14 times for 15 yards (a paltry 1.1 yards per carry), and caught five passes on five targets for 29 yards. Most notably, he rushed for two yards, no gain, and negative-two yards after Las Vegas took possession due to an interception by opposing QB Patrick Mahomes II. The goal-line stand took away Mattison's best chance at scoring a touchdown. The majority of his fantasy value appears to be tied to PPR points from high target volume, but he'll have an easier matchup in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals and profiles as a FLEX option in deeper leagues.

Sunday, October 27, 8:24 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was in a great position to succeed in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Not only are the Bills soft against the run, but the Seahawks were projected to rely more heavily on Walker with DK Metcalf (knee) out. Walker only received nine carries and turned those carries into just twelve yards. The Seahawks could not get anything going on offense and committed several self-inflicted wounds that would derail their afternoon. The game got away from the Seahawks in the second quarter and they completely abandoned the run. Geno Smith ultimately led the team in rushing with 16 yards. This was a forgettable game for an otherwise solid offense in 2024. Expect a better day from Walker in Week 9 when the Seahawks play the Los Angeles Rams. After all, every player has a dud every once in a while.