Nothing is better than a league-winning running back on your fantasy football team. Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon and the Seattle Seahawks‘ Kenneth Walker III are both in spots to help you win your leagues in 2024.
Mixon’s average draft position (ADP) is 42nd overall, and Walker’s is just behind him at 44. It’s almost impossible to land both, which leaves us with a tough decision about which RB we need to acquire to dominate in our leagues.
With both destined for opportunities on potent offenses, both can be useful. However, only one has a league-winning upside. Let’s break down both players’ fantasy outlooks and help you decide.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Joe Mixon
Mixon had a strong season last year for the Cincinnati Bengals, accumulating the eighth-most rushing yards for NFL running backs.
However, in 2024, he’s another year older on a new team, which can be problematic for his fantasy outlook.
TruMedia ranked Mixon as the fourth-best running back in rushes that became first downs or touchdowns with 59.
Mixon is no slouch in the receiving game, as he recorded the 12th-most receiving yards for running backs. Mixon should help elevate a top offense in Houston for the 2024 season.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Kenneth Walker III
Walker is one of the most fun running backs in the NFL to watch. He is a home run-hitting style of a running back.
There are pros and cons to that game. Walker can break off a 20+ yard run for you at any moment. He can also become inefficient at times behind the Seahawks’ offensive line. There is a risk-reward ratio within Walker’s game.
Walker also deals with competition within his backfield as Zach Charbonnet enters his second season and wants more time carrying the football. Last season, Walker averaged 17.3 touches per game, and we expect more of the same this year in a Seahawks offense that is excited about their new coaching staff and scheme.
Who Should I Draft for Fantasy Football?
Mixon will outscore Walker this season for fantasy football. It’s a straightforward equation, and only Mixon is a workhorse running back.
There are only a few rules to draft strategy we must follow regarding running backs. The first rule is “Volume is King.” You want to draft a running back without competition within the backfield.
The other rule is to draft good players from potential offenses. The Houston Texans will be one of the top offenses this year, allowing Mixon multiple chances to punch the ball in from the red-zone carries he will demand.
The only issue you will face with Mixon is his bye week. The Texans enjoy their bye week in Week 14. That is a crucial time for fantasy football managers as the fantasy playoffs look in the near distance, and every win matters. There is some risk around Mixon due to this issue, but we will need to be cognizant of this and draft appropriate backups to help us navigate that week.
Mixon’s opportunity is too sweet to pass in 2024.
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