2024 Seattle Seahawks Team Outlook
Seattle took a step back in 2023 after finishing 11th in total yards (351.5) and 9th in points per game (23.9). They fell to 21st (322.9) in total yards per game and 17th in points (21.4).
So why the regression? Look no further than Geno Smith's production. Smith (3,624/20/9) went from the fifth highest-scoring fantasy quarterback in 2022 to dropping to 19th after seeing a decrease of 79 fantasy points from one season to the next. Smith is currently penciled in as the starter entering 2024. However, the Seahawks added insurance in trading for Sam Howell, who was more productive in fantasy, producing 43 more fantasy points than Smith despite turning the ball over 23 times.
DK Metcalf (66/1,114/8) led all Seahawk pass catchers and likely would have finished higher than WR21 if he had caught more than 55% of the targets he had seen. Metcalf retains value heading into 2024, as he was the team's go-to option in the red zone. With 16 end zone targets (fourth-most among receivers) and a receiving touchdown market share of 38.1% (14th), Metcalf remains a solid fantasy option.
Tyler Lockett is also returning for another season after seeing 122 targets last year, resulting in 894 yards and 79 receptions. Lockett's production on the field led to 202 fantasy points and a WR32 finish, making him an ideal target as your third or fourth receiver.
Expect Jaxon Smith-Njigba (63/628/4) to take a step forward this season after showing signs of a breakout in 2023. Between weeks 7 and 16, the rookie posted a top-40 scoring week in seven of those ten contests, giving him a lovely floor as a flex option. With a current ADP of 105 (WR43), Smith-Njigba is worth a roster spot and if Lockett or Metcalf were to miss time due to injury, then you could have a league-winner on your hands.
At running back, Seattle is expected to use Kenneth Walker (219/905/8) and Zach Charbonnet (108/462/1) as a duo, with Walker again in line for the lion's share of the touches out of the backfield. Walker should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy. If either back misses time, the other will certainly have the opportunity to ascend into RB1 status.
Noah Fant (32/414/0) is looking to bounce back from the worst season of his career in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. However, the best may long be behind him at this point.
QB Geno Smith, SEA - Bye Week Fill-in
After a career year in 2022, Smith saw a precipitous drop in play last year. The decline of the offensive line played a big part, as Smith was pressured more and had less time to throw. Despite the addition of second-round G Christian Haynes, Seattle's front-five looks like a bottom-10 unit. Additionally, Seattle will be breaking in a new defensive-minded head coach and an offensive coordinator with no NFL play-calling experience. And there is added competition in the form of Sam Howell. The Seahawks have a solid supporting cast, giving some hope that Smith can rekindle some of the 2022 magic. But with the fourth-lowest win total projection, this is shaping up to be another tough season in Seattle. ADVICE: Low-end QB2
QB Sam Howell, SEA - Dynasty Only
ADVICE: Geno Smith faltered last season. If he continues to struggle, Howell could be given a shot to right the ship. A reserve to stash in Superflex.
RB Kenneth Walker III, SEA - Solid/Safe Pick
The Seahawks are breaking in a new head coach and play caller but will stick with the zone scheme that fits Kenneth Walker well. Even though he missed two games and was limited to four carries in another, Walker ranked fifth with 56 missed tackles forced and had 24 breakaway runs. He also saw a boost in catches and was more elusive in his second season. Walker will continue to lose reps to Zach Charbonnet but will still contend for 1,000-plus rushing yards and double-digit scores. He's a dependable RB2 who will produce a handful of weekly RB1 showings. ADVICE: Solid RB2 target who will pop some top-5 weeks
RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA - Fantasy Handcuff
As predicted, Zach Charbonnet assumed a supporting role in his first season. He accumulated 671 total yards and averaged 6.6 fantasy points per game. However, in the three games where he played more than half of the snaps, he averaged nearly 20 touches and 75 total scrimmage yards, with two top-20 weekly showings. Charbonnet was just as effective as Ken Walker as a runner and out-targeted Walker 40-37 on 110 fewer snaps. He should retain his primary receiving back role and could contend for a larger share of the rushes with Seattle's new staff. ADVICE: One of the top handcuffs with some standalone RB
WR DK Metcalf, SEA - Solid/Safe Pick
Metcalf has been reliable, ranking between 20th and 24th in fantasy points per game in each of his three seasons. Metcalf was utilized on more deep routes last year, ranking 10th with 26 deep targets and seventh in air yards share. But quarterback play has been keeping Metcalf from peaking. He ranked sixth in red-zone targets but 90th in target quality. Metcalf also went on a tear down the stretch, posting WR7 numbers from Weeks 12-17. But until there is more consistent quarterback play, he'll likely remain a reliable WR2. That's not necessarily a bad place to be. ADVICE: Reliable WR2 who will produce multiple 'pop' weeks
