As the NFL season approaches, millions of people are turning their attention to fantasy football. We at PFN have been researching more than 350 players, trying to identify which ones are overrated, underrated, and priced right. With that in mind, here are Seattle Seahawks RB DeeJay Dallas’ fantasy projections for 2023, as well as insights into whether he should be drafted at or before his ADP.
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DeeJay Dallas’ 2023 Fantasy Projection
Nearly every season, a dozen or more backup running backs earn starts, and several third-stringers find their way to the top of the depth chart, if only for one or two games. These guys can be fantasy difference-makers.
Dallas isn’t on most managers’ radars. He might not even be on 98% of radars. Such is the life of a team’s No. 3 RB. If he gets the call, managers might clamor to pick him up. Until then, he’s waiver fodder.
But Dallas isn’t a typical No. 3 RB. He’s secured 10+ fantasy points twice per season since entering the league in 2020 as a fourth-round draft pick with a potentially bright future. He’s run very well the last two seasons, netting 4.8 yards per carry and displaying elite tackle-breaking abilities (one per 11.3 carries).
He also might be one of the best pass-catching RBs, reeling in 55 of 62 targets (88.7%) for 370 yards while enduring only one drop. He specializes in second-and-short and third-and-short situations, where he’s picked up first down on 20 of 28 attempts (71%).
Entering his age-25 campaign, Dallas might be one of the best third-string running backs in the league, or at least in the top five. This makes him relevant in fantasy, even if he’s not draftable.
Ahead of him on the depth chart are second-year RB Kenneth Walker III and rookie Zach Charbonnet. This duo might serve as a highly effective one-two punch in 2023 and beyond, relegating Dallas mostly to mop-up work.
Clearly, Seattle wasn’t content to roll with Dallas as their No. 2. They used a second-round pick on Charbonnet to fill a perceived gap.
Yes, Dallas frequently has delivered when called upon. But he remains an afterthought in this offense. And so we shouldn’t be surprised if he once again averages three touches per game en route to another forgettable fantasy season.
The most realistic optimal hope for Dallas is a spot start or two, and/or a 1B role if Walker or Charbonnet miss significant time. This keeps his floor around the RB70-RB90 range, with a ceiling that’s unlikely (barring something unexpected) to move above RB45-RB50.
Should You Draft DeeJay Dallas This Year?
FantasyData currently lists Dallas with an ADP of RB97. FantasyPros’ composite of industry experts place him outside the top 100. In other words, he’s undraftable in essentially every regular league.
If you play in a 16-team league with 8+ bench spots, then he’s absolutely worth a flier, as all No. 3 RBs would be. Because in those situations, you’re playing for the ceiling.
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And while Dallas’ realistic ceiling still keeps him off the weekly starter radar, in huge leagues, you’re drafting as much to lock in production as you are to lock in unforeseen production.
Who’s the next Elijah Mitchell? Who’s the next Isiah Pacheco? Dallas has the experience and talent to rise to the occasion. So you’re picking someone like him on the off chance that the Seahawks’ backfield becomes so decimated that he’s thrust into a prominent role.
For the same reasons, Dallas is also a good Best Ball get with your final pick, especially if you’ve drafted Walker and/or Charbonnet. Dallas would serve as an insurance policy capable of double-digit production if he earns enough volume.
And yes, even in “typical” 12-team leagues, Dallas should outperform ADP expectations. He was the RB75 last season and the RB75 the year before. Of course, he’s a good bet to finish in the top 85.
However, that doesn’t make him draftable. Instead, he’s a guy to keep on radars. If Walker or Charbonnet goes down, then Dallas would become an instant must-add in most leagues.
