Scott Engel is in his 12th year as the official Fantasy Football writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. He is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. Scott is a four-time FSWA award winner and a 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy football analysis at The Game Day and lineup rankings on RotoBaller.com.
We help you get off to a winning start in fantasy football, with the first 2023 installment of the Seahawks Fantasy Insider regular season rundown. Every week, I will supply preferred starting lineup choices when facing challenging decisions. In future editions, prime fantasy football waiver tips will be included.
The anticipation is reaching its highest levels for the Seahawks' home opener vs. the Rams, and DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are obvious must-start fantasy football options against Los Angeles. In Week 13 last season at Los Angeles, Metcalf had eight receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. Lockett caught TD passes in both games vs. the Rams last season.
Kenneth Walker III should also be locked into lineups as a fantasy RB2 starter. In the final game of the 2022 regular season, he rushed for 114 yards, his third consecutive 100-yard outing. Rookies Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should get strong flex player consideration. Charbonnet will complement Walker with potential receptions out of the backfield and possible TD chances. Smith-Njigba can make an immediate impact in Point PerReception leagues as an important target for Geno Smith, especially on key passing downs.
As always, we go around the league to highlight guys that can be streamed for success. Our listing of the Top 12 starters to consider for Week 1 does open with a Seahawk projected to have a strong start to the 2023 campaign.
Week 1 Fantasy Football Lineup Advice: Start 'Em
Quarterbacks
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Geno Smith: Last season, Smith finished as a top 5 fantasy quarterback, and his outlook is even brighter with the addition of Smith-Njigba to give him what might be the best wide receiver trio in the NFL. The Rams' secondary will have a very challenging assignment trying to handle Smith's top targets, and there are always extra options for him to consider, including the tight ends and Charbonnet as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
In 2022, Smith led the NFL with 10 games of two-plus TD passes, and his 30 total TD passes led the NFC. He averaged 18.5 fantasy points per game, and should better that number in Week 1, as Smith has a deep arsenal to utilize against the Rams' defense.
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Anthony Richardson: The Indianapolis rookie has huge rushing upside, but some fantasy players may be hesitant to start Richardson in his first NFL game against a fast-rising Jaguars team. Don't be scared off by the matchup on the surface. The Jaguars' offense will likely put a lot of points on the board, prompting the new Colts' starter to respond by showing off his considerable talents right away.
Richardson will need to run and throw frequently to keep his new team in the game, and his rushing skills might be frequently showcased when he does not elect to look for the pass. In the preseason, he did showthe potential to make sound decisions, and Richardson may not force throws and make some good choices about when to run.
Running Backs
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J.K. Dobbins: He fell too far in many fantasy football drafts this season, as I saw Dobbins slip to the sixth-round range. Last season, Dobbins finished strong, averaging 92 rushing yards per game in the last five games of the season, including the playoffs. He is healthy to open the new season and the Ravens will likely establish Dobbins early to achieve optimum offensive balance against the Texans. Expect at least one TD run in the 2023 opener.
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Raheem Mostert: Expect a healthy Mostert to begin the season with a strong outing in what projects to be a high-scoring affair between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. He has averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his career and 4.9 yards per attempt in 2022.
The Miami offensive engine is the passing game, yet it also benefits Mostert. The air attack will open up room for the rushers, and Mostert will have his ample share of chances to finish off scoring drives with touchdown runs.
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Brian Robinson Jr.: The Washington Commanders open at home with a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson dealt with injury issues last season, but he is heading into 2023 with a more favorable outlook. The second-year RB should be utilized often to ease pressure on QB Sam Howell, and Robinson might be able to get in the end zone more than once as Washington's offense moves the ball well.
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Jamaal Williams: The former Lion and Packer should take on a heavy workload in his New Orleans Saints debut. Tennessee had the best rushing defense in the NFL last season and will still be hard to battle up front, but Williams will depend on significant volume and TD chances to still deliver a respectable fantasy performance as a quality flex option. Williams rushed for 17 TDs last season and his end zone prowess can elevate his final fantasy line.
Wide Receivers
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Courtland Sutton: The Las Vegas pass defense was second-worst in the AFC last season and the secondary will be the primary attack target of Sean Payton in his first game on the Denver sidelines. Sutton should have a good fantasy floor in PPR leagues, as he had five receptions and 50-plus yards in both games against the Raiders in 2022. He has more of a ceiling in this matchup as Payton unfurls his redesigned Denver offense.
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Brandin Cooks: The Dallas Cowboys had a clear need for a No. 2 wide receiver in the offseason, and Cooks fit the bill perfectly. The New York Giants defense will be heavily concerned with containing CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard, and Cooks can flourish as a prime third offensive option in his Dallas debut. Dak Prescott has thrown three-plus TD passes in three of his last four road games vs. the Giants, and he should connect with Cooks for some splash plays in their first game together.
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Michael Pittman Jr.: Those who drafted the Colts' No. 1 WR as a third fantasy starter at the position can expect at least adequate fantasy production from him in the opener. In 2022, Pittman caught 99 balls despite the Colts looking to the future at quarterback. Now the future is here with Richardson.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft does have a very strong arm and just needs to get the ball into Pittman's vicinity for him to pluck the ball out of the air and make a nifty catch. Pittman will supply decent totals that can complement your other starters well enough, and he has the potential for enough volume to exceed some expectations. In his last meeting with the Jaguars in Week 6 of 2022, Pittman had a career game, with 13 receptions for 134 yards.
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Elijah Moore: The Cleveland offense should be improved this season, and it will immediately have to trade points with the Cincinnati Bengals. Moore should play an important role for the Browns in his first game with them. Deshaun Watson will likely look to Moore often as his No. 2 WR option and a potentially busy guy out of the slot.
Moore provided exciting glimpses of his playmaking skills with five TD catches in a five-game span as a rookie in 2021. He had receptions of 22-plus yards in six consecutive outings. Moore can immediately begin to emerge as an essential pass-catcher for Cleveland in the 2023 opener.
Tight Ends
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Juwan Johnson: Last season, Johnson burst onto the fantasy scene with seven TD receptions. The 2023 New Orleans Saints will be boosted at the quarterback position by Derek Carr, and he and Johnson reportedly developed a strong on-field rapport during the preseason. Johnson might begin to cement his case as an every-week fantasy starter for this year with a good performance in Week 1 vs. Tennessee.
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Dalton Kincaid: Fantasy players have a natural and justifiable fear of the Jets' pass defense. But at the thinnest position in fantasy football, you cannot let a matchup dissuade usage of an upside performer. Those who waited to draft a TE and tabbed Kincaid should plug him in right away regardless of the opponent. He has more immediate promise than most first-year tight ends. For more fantasy football analysis from Scott Engel, visit The Game Day during the 2023 fantasy football season.
Check out some of the best photos taken of the Seahawks during training camp.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) and safety Quandre Diggs (6) arrive at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. for the start of training camp
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) and defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) arrive at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. for the start of training camp
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) arrives at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. for the start of training camp
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55) arrives at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. for the start of training camp
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) arrives at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash. for the start of training camp
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
The 12s showed up to give their support at training camp.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson (84) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9), running back Zach Charbonnet (26) and Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas (31) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Blitz interacting the 12s during a training camp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) signing autographs at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
The 12s showed up to give their support at training camp.
Pete Carroll speaks to the team at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tight end Colby Parkinson (84) and cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at the 2023 Football Fest at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks Legend Michael Bennett at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks Legend Cliff Avril at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
The offensive line getting ready for the preseason Week 1 matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs out of the tunnel prior to the preseason Week 1 matchup vs the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) carries the ball during the preseason Week 1 matchup vs the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) makes the catch during the preseason Week 1 matchup vs the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Matt Landers (17) scores his first NFL TD during the preseason Week 1 matchup vs the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) and cornerback Riq Woolen (27) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) runs out of the tunnel before the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands the ball off to running back Zach Charbonnet (26) during the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) during the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates a big play during the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) intercepts a pass during the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) celebrates during the preseason Week 2 matchup vs the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas (31) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) at practice during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
The Seahawks were on the road for their preseason Week 3 matchup vs the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) completes a pass during the preseason Week 3 matchup vs the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas (31) carries the ball during the preseason Week 3 matchup vs the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) scores a TD during the preseason Week 3 matchup vs the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) and Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) celebrate their TD during the preseason Week 3 matchup vs the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
