Both Kenneth Walker III and D’Andre Swift are facing Super Bowl contenders in Week 9. So, which one is the better option to start on your fantasy football team this week? Let’s take a look at each running back.
Should You Start Kenneth Walker III or D’Andre Swift This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Swift is the player to start. His projected 14.9 points include 36 rushing yards, four receptions, and 34 receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms the consensus projections for Walker (12.6 points).
However, when you isolate my rankings, I see Walker outperforming Swift. Walker has been one of the more productive backs in the NFL over the last six weeks, and I will take him against any defense these days.
Fantasy Outlook for Walker This Week
Fans may look at Walker’s 66-yard effort on the ground last week vs. the Cleveland Browns and have some caution this week, especially since it followed his first 100-yard game of the season the previous week vs. the Arizona Cardinals (105 yards).
A deeper look into last week’s performance will show that the Seattle Seahawks had the ball for a microscopic 23:20 against the Browns and only 55 offensive plays.
So, while, yes, Walker’s numbers weren’t impressive — he was only on the field for 24 of the team’s offensive snaps — some circumstances should be factored in when making a decision on which running back to start.
Walker’s 66 rushing yards also came on just eight carries, a season-low, but is an average of more than eight yards per carry (8.3).
MORE: 2023 RB Fantasy Football Rankings
Walker is one of four running backs with at least 500 rushing yards and at least six rushing touchdowns. The others are Christian McCaffrey, Travis Etienne Jr., and Raheem Mostert, three players you’re starting in any situation right now.
The same goes for Walker in my book.
The Baltimore Ravens’ defense may be solid, but over the last three weeks, they have allowed 78 rushing yards by Arizona’s Emari Demercado, 68 rushing yards by Detroit Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, and 97 rushing yards to Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry.
Fantasy Outlook for Swift This Week
After averaging 152.5 rush yards per game in Weeks 2 and 3, Swift is averaging just 52.6 rushing yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry over his last five games. He has found the end zone in three of those five games, which is good.
With 28 receptions out of the backfield — tied for fourth-most among running backs — Swift would appear to have value as a receiver from the RB position. But those 28 catches have only gone for 135 yards.
Swift is facing the league’s No. 3 team in total defense in the Dallas Cowboys, and when the Philadelphia Eagles faced one of the worst defenses in the league last week in the Washington Commanders, Swift managed just 3.6 yards per touch — with a touchdown run. Not exactly an encouraging sign heading to a much tougher showdown.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
