RB #10 Kenneth Walker III SEA

The Seattle Seahawks are going to run more than any team in the NFL this season. They have an offensive line designed to do it, and they have two running backs capable of high volume games. Kenneth Walker is the lead back, and is poised for his career year. He has started every game he has played the past two seasons, but he has played just 26 games. He has missed eight games the past two seasons, which has hurt his numbers.

He is a bruiser who is on the final year of his rookie contract. He should put all his effort into a career season, and reverse his trend of missing games. Walker’s rushing yards have gone down each season, but his receiving yards have gone up. So have his receptions, and he has eight or more touchdowns in every season. His ADP is RB # 16 and 43rd overall. He is a bargain at his price and drafting him a round ahead is still great value. Handcuffing him due to his injury history is a great idea. And the system will produce one, if not two, great running backs who are relevant for fantasy football.

LB #10 T.J. Watt PIT

It is difficult for a defensive linemen/linebacker to crack the list. It is even more difficult for that player to finish in the top ten of a category that is geared towards tacklers. T.J. Watt is a rare player, who was just paid a handsome contract. He is the highest paid non quarterback in the NFL history, with a 3 year. $123 million extension. His production speaks for itself, and the co-leader in single season sacks is a great IDP to have.

In 2024 all but six of his 939 snaps came on the defensive line. He played all 17 games, some through pain, and had a disappointing season. Although his 2024 numbers would be a career year for several edge IDPs, they were lackluster for Watt. He ended with 61 tackles (which is close to his average amount), but only 11.5 sacks. That total was the lowest per game average since his rookie season. He did lead the league in forced fumbles (6) for the second time in his career. He has lead the league in sacks 3 seasons, and tackles for loss twice.

In leagues which reward highly for sacks, quarterback hits, and tackles for loss, Watt is near the top. In what could be the last legitimate super bowl chance of his career, look for Watt to reward the Steelers with a stellar season. His cost is always high, but he rarely disappoints. Draft Watt and know he has a chance to be the 2025 sack leader, and Defensive Player of the Year.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #9. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy