2023 Seattle Seahawks Outlook

 

The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview of all 32 teams from football legend Shawn Childs.

Also, check out Jody Smith’s NFL offensive line rankings and exclusive 2023 Strength of Schedule analysis.

Up next in our extensive NFL and fantasy football preview series is Shawn’s deep dive into the 2023 Seattle Seahawks Outlook.

— Quarterback —

Geno Smith

Smith had a 13-21 record over his eight years in the NFL after getting drafted in the second round in 2013. He has more interceptions (37) than touchdowns (34). Over his first two seasons, Smith chipped in on the ground (72/366/6 and 59/238/1).

When asked to start in 2021 with Russell Wilson injured, Smith passed 702 yards with five touchdowns and one interception over four games. His completion rate (68.4) was the best of his career while gaining 7.4 yards per pass attempt. He added nine rushes for 42 yards and one score.

Smith handled himself well with the keys to the Seahawks’ offense in 2022. He gained 4,748 combined yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 69.8% of his passes. Smith finished fifth in quarterback scoring (361.80) in four-point passing touchdowns leagues. Also, he scored more than 25.00 fantasy points in four games, highlighted by one impact game (369 combined yards with three scores). Smith passed for 300 yards in four matchups (325/2, 320/2, 328/2, and 367/3).

Fantasy Outlook: The Seahawks rewarded him with a three-year deal worth $75 million in March. Seattle has two established top-tier wideouts, an intriguing rookie wide receiver (Jaxon Smith-Njigba), and a viable option at tight end. I’m not a fan of the Seahawks’ offensive line, but Smith has the tools to repeat his success. My starting point is 4,500 combined yards with 30 scores.

Drew Lock

Over three seasons with Denver, Lock went 8-13 with 30 combined touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Teddy Bridgewater beat him out for the starting job in 2021. Also, Lock battled a shoulder issue late in the season. 

In his short career, his completion rate (59.3) and yards per pass attempt (6.7) ranked poorly, with some help in the run game (72/285/5). Lock gained over 300 passing yards three times in his 21 career starts. 

When at his best in 2017 at Missouri, he passed for 3,964 yards over 13 starts with 44 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. 

In his first year with Seattle, Lock didn’t take a snap.

Fantasy Outlook: Another season of holding a clipboard looks to be in the cards for Lock in 2023. 

Other Options: Holton Ahlers

— Running Backs —

The Seahawks’ running back gained 2,162 combined yards with 11 touchdowns and 68 catches (20.60 FPPG in PPR formats) last year. They finished with similar touches (425) as in 2021 (420). Their opportunity in the passing game ranked poorly in back-to-back years (59/462/0 and 68/485/1).

Kenneth Walker III

After two quiet seasons at Wake Forest (217/1,158/17 with six catches for 47 yards), Walker pushed his game higher after transferring to Michigan State. He gained 1,725 combined yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 catches in 2021. His best success came in three matchups (23/264/4, 29/233/1, and 23/197/5). 

Walker did an excellent job mixing up his run cadence in his final season in college. When asked to fire up the middle, he had the vision and speed to create big plays. At the same time, he would delay his forward motion to help his blockers possibly create running lanes. On some runs, Walker has the quickness and burst to get himself out of jail in tight quarters.

His willingness to retreat on a lost play and reverse direction led to some success at Michigan State, but this thought process could kill some drives in the NFL if Walker takes significant losses. He’s had limited chances in the passing game, but his game may improve in this area over time. However, Walker did get a negative grade in his pass protection skill, pointing to an early-down role early in his career.

After a limited role over the first four games (15/58 with six catches for 14 yards) in his rookie year, Walker shined over the following five weeks (96/512/7 with six catches for 34 yards). He lost momentum from Week 10 to Week 14 (39/126/2 – 3.2 yards per rush with 11 catches for 100 yards) while missing one game with an ankle issue. His season ended with three productive outcomes (26/107, 23/133, and 29/113 with four combined catches for 17 yards). 

Fantasy Outlook: Walker finished 18th in running back scoring (203.20 FPPG) in PPR formats while playing well in only half of his games. Seattle added running back depth in the offseason, inviting more competition for touches. His blocking was a liability in 2022, pointing to fewer chances on passing downs this year. On a path for 275 touches for 1,300 yards with 10 touchdowns and 20 catches. Walker ranks 15th at running back in the early draft season. 

Zach Charbonnet

Over the last two seasons at UCLA, Charbonnet played at a high level, leading to…

 

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT OUT OF THE SEAHAWKS IN 2023?

 

To finish reading Shawn’s in-depth 2023 team outlook, with in-depth offseason reports, projections, and fantasy outlooks for all players

 

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