Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker or De'Von Achane


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
15.0 64.6 0.5 2.9 20.4 0.1

Kenneth Walker News

Chiefs View Kenneth Walker as Potential Three-Down Back

Tuesday, September 1, 2:05 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs view running back Kenneth Walker as a "potential three-down back," according to The Athletic's Jesse Newell, although rookie Emmett Johnson made big strides in the final two weeks of training camp this summer. Emari Demercado's roster spot seemed secure going into roster cutdown day on Sunday because he had been one of the team's top pass protectors. With the Chiefs surprisingly cutting Demercado, it could mean even more pass-catching opportunities for Walker, who looks ready for a workhorse role in his new digs after winning Super Bowl MVP for the Seattle Seahawks in early February. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by Seattle in 2022 out of Michigan State had his second career 1,000-yard season in 17 regular-season starts in 2025, and with more volume coming with the Chiefs if he stays healthy, there is clear RB1 upside for Walker in his fifth NFL season, especially if the Chiefs' offense can bounce back with a healthy quarterback Patrick Mahomes. RotoBaller has Walker ranked as the No. 8 fantasy RB for 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.2 75.5 0.4 3.5 25.3 0.2

De'Von Achane News

De'Von Achane the Focal Point of Miami's Offense Going Forward

Sunday, August 30, 8:32 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane should be the primary playmaker on offense this season. Miami parted ways with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason, leaving Achane as the only returner from an offense that has featured some star power in recent years, despite underperforming. Miami also ushered in this fresh start with a new head coach, new general manager, and new quarterback. The new signal-caller for Miami is Malik Willis, who has a fair arm but makes a much bigger impact with his ability to run the football. The Dolphins have a pretty weak receiver room, so we expect them to emphasize running the football with Willis and Achane this year. Head coach Jeff Hafley previously said that Achane could get 40+ touches in a game this year, and while that comment was clearly an exaggeration, it's also evident that the Dolphins aren't going to place any restrictions on his workload. We do envision him consistently getting at least 20-25 touches per game, and given his speed and receiving upside, he should emerge as one of the lone bright spots in this otherwise underwhelming Miami offense. Touchdowns may be harder to come by in Miami this season, but we're still banking on Achane as a mid-range RB1 option in redraft leagues.


Kenneth Walker vs. De'Von Achane

Still trying to decide between Walker and Achane? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Kenneth Walker is projected to score 15.0 points this week while De'Von Achane is projected to score 17.2 points.