Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or Spencer Rattler

Friday, September 5, 2:17 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III will open the season as the starter against the San Francisco 49ers. Walker is coming off a season in which he performed as an RB1 when healthy. Walker's targets were way up, which helped provide him with a solid baseline in fantasy. He draws a solid matchup in Week 1 against a 49ers team that allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. That number figures to improve with Robert Saleh back as the team's defensive coordinator, but Walker should have lanes to run through. The Seahawks' offensive line is improved, and the team's offensive coaching staff changes suggest a serious commitment to the run. Walker may cede some work to backup Zach Charbonnet, who has made huge strides as a player, but Walker's big-play ability should keep him among the league's best options at the position if he can stay healthy. As such, Walker is an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 1.

Saturday, September 6, 10:20 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler won the starting job over rookie Tyler Shough and will lead Kellen Moore's new-look offense against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. In three preseason games, Rattler completed 30 of 43 passes for 295 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 41 rushing yards on seven carries. He's still trying to rebound from a rough rookie year in 2024 that saw him complete just 57% of his passes with four touchdowns, five interceptions, and five fumbles. Facing an Arizona defense that allowed the fifth-fewest passing scores last season, Rattler belongs on waivers in standard leagues and is only a fringe option in deeper two-QB or superflex formats.