Kenneth Walker III or Austin Ekeler
Who Should I Draft?
Experts' Pick | |||
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC  Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA  Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA |  | |
Expert |
96% Recommended by 66 of 69 experts |
4% Recommended by 3 of 69 experts |
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| Most Accurate Experts | |||
| Top ExpertsTop RB ExpertsTop Player Experts |  See who the Most Accurate Experts would draftUpgrade Now | ||
| Rankings | |||
| ECR | # 3 | # 13 | - |
| Best Rank | # 3 | # 4 | - |
| Worst Rank | # 11 | # 22 | - |
| Fantasy Points | |||
| Season Total | 265.7 | 175.5 | - |
| Avg Game | 15.6 | 11.7 | - |
| Avg Projection | 214.6 | 180.8 | - |
| Schedule | |||
| SOS Rank | 22 | 28 | - |
| Misc | |||
| Injury Alert | ‐ | ‐ | - |
| Expert Ranks | |||
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Austin Ekeler | Kenneth Walker III | Add Player |
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05/29 | #4 | #14 | - |
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05/29 | #4 | #13 | - |
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05/29 | #3 | #9 | - |
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05/28 | #3 | #12 | - |
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05/28 | #7 | #21 | - |
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05/28 | #4 | #17 | - |
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05/28 | #7 | #14 | - |
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05/28 | #6 | #20 | - |
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05/28 | #3 | #20 | - |
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05/27 | #3 | #18 | - |
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05/27 | #3 | #15 | - |
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05/27 | #4 | #14 | - |
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05/27 | #3 | #11 | - |
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05/28 | #9 | #23 | - |
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05/26 | #3 | #12 | - |
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05/26 | #11 | #4 | - |
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05/25 | #17 | #10 | - |
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05/25 | #10 | #12 | - |
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05/24 | #3 | #20 | - |
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05/24 | #4 | #14 | - |
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05/24 | #4 | #12 | - |
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05/24 | #3 | #13 | - |
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05/22 | #5 | #17 | - |
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05/22 | #3 | #12 | - |
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05/26 | #7 | #16 | - |
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05/22 | #7 | #12 | - |
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05/23 | #3 | #12 | - |
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05/21 | #4 | #12 | - |
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05/19 | #3 | #13 | - |
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05/18 | #3 | #17 | - |
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05/26 | #3 | #14 | - |
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05/18 | #7 | #11 | - |
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05/22 | #3 | #6 | - |
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05/18 | #4 | #15 | - |
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05/17 | #7 | #12 | - |
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05/16 | #3 | #13 | - |
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05/15 | #4 | #3 | - |
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05/15 | #5 | #12 | - |
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05/17 | #4 | #13 | - |
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05/14 | #3 | #19 | - |
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05/29 | #4 | #12 | - |
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05/12 | #3 | #17 | - |
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05/12 | #1 | #10 | - |
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05/10 | #4 | #22 | - |
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05/09 | #3 | #13 | - |
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05/09 | #3 | #14 | - |
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05/08 | #3 | #5 | - |
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05/10 | #4 | #11 | - |
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05/03 | #4 | #11 | - |
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05/03 | #3 | #10 | - |
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05/01 | #4 | #13 | - |
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05/01 | #3 | #21 | - |
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05/01 | #4 | #11 | - |
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05/01 | #3 | #9 | - |
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04/30 | #3 | #13 | - |
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04/30 | #4 | #10 | - |
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04/28 | #3 | #6 | - |
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04/24 | #3 | #5 | - |
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04/23 | #4 | #6 | - |
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05/23 | #4 | #7 | - |
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04/21 | #3 | #7 | - |
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03/05 | #4 | #6 | - |
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03/02 | #6 | #7 | - |
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02/27 | #3 | #6 | - |
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02/22 | #3 | #5 | - |
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02/09 | #2 | #12 | - |
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02/02 | #3 | #6 | - |
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01/30 | #3 | #7 | - |
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01/19 | #3 | #10 | - |
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA | |
| 2023 Schedule | ||
| Week 1 | vs. MIA | vs. LAR |
| Week 2 | at TEN | at DET |
| Week 3 | at MIN | vs. CAR |
| Week 4 | vs. LV | at NYG |
| Week 5 | BYE WEEK | BYE WEEK |
| Week 6 | vs. DAL | at CIN |
| Week 7 | at KC | vs. ARI |
| Week 8 | vs. CHI | vs. CLE |
| Week 9 | at NYJ | at BAL |
| Week 10 | vs. DET | vs. WAS |
| Week 11 | at GB | at LAR |
| Week 12 | vs. BAL | vs. SF |
| Week 13 | at NE | at DAL |
| Week 14 | vs. DEN | at SF |
| Week 15 | at LV | vs. PHI |
| Week 16 | vs. BUF | at TEN |
| Week 17 | at DEN | vs. PIT |
| Week 18 | vs. KC | at ARI |
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA | |
| Rushing | ||
| Rush Attempts | 183.8 | 244.6 |
| Rush Yards | 786.8 | 1,050.8 |
| Rush TDs | 10.0 | 9.5 |
| Receiving | ||
| Receptions | 76.2 | 28.4 |
| Rec Yards | 552.0 | 189.4 |
| Rec TDs | 4.1 | 0.5 |
| Points | ||
| Fantasy Points | 214.6 | 180.8 |
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA | |
| 2022 Points | ||
| Week 1 | 7.2 | ‐ |
| Week 2 | 9.4 | 1.5 |
| Week 3 | 5.3 | 3.3 |
| Week 4 | 28.9 | 2.4 |
| Week 5 | 31.9 | 14.8 |
| Week 6 | 14.3 | 17.0 |
| Week 7 | 24.7 | 28.7 |
| Week 8 | ‐ | 11.2 |
| Week 9 | 17.1 | 24.9 |
| Week 10 | 6.3 | 7.2 |
| Week 11 | 16.0 | ‐ |
| Week 12 | 14.0 | 15.9 |
| Week 13 | 8.2 | 3.6 |
| Week 14 | 16.4 | ‐ |
| Week 15 | 13.0 | 7.9 |
| Week 16 | 19.9 | 10.5 |
| Week 17 | 28.1 | 14.2 |
| Week 18 | 5.0 | 12.4 |
| Total | 265.7 | 175.5 |
| Average | 15.6 | 11.7 |
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA | |
| 2022 Targets | ||
| Week 1 | 4 | ‐ |
| Week 2 | 10 | 3 |
| Week 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Week 4 | 7 | 1 |
| Week 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Week 6 | 16 | 3 |
| Week 7 | 12 | 0 |
| Week 8 | ‐ | 2 |
| Week 9 | 8 | 4 |
| Week 10 | 12 | 8 |
| Week 11 | 2 | ‐ |
| Week 12 | 15 | 1 |
| Week 13 | 6 | 1 |
| Week 14 | 8 | ‐ |
| Week 15 | 3 | 5 |
| Week 16 | 4 | 2 |
| Week 17 | 4 | 1 |
| Week 18 | 4 | 1 |
Austin Ekeler RB - LAC Austin Ekeler RB - LAC | Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA Kenneth Walker III RB - SEA | |
| Expert | ||
| Ellis Johnson True North Fantasy Football | Speaking of players who always come through for fantasy, Ekeler is the reigning twp-time RB1. Now that he is entering a contract year with extra performance incentives, I expect the Chargers to use him even more than in the previous two seasons. I am projecting a big year for this entire offense, which only helps Ekeler's touchdown upside and overall production. He is a clear top-five draft pick in my opinion for 2023 (assuming Half PPR). | From dynasty darling to dynasty danger, Walker's offseason has been a rollercoaster. This is almost solely a result of the team drafting big-bodied, pass-catching back Zach Charbonnet in the second round. After ending last season with three straight 20+ carry games and 100+ rushing yard games, his workload is expected to take a hit. Thankfully, Charbonnet compliments his skillset well, and the two can definitely co-exist. Unfortunately, it's tough to see Walker be an RB-one if Charbonnet gets consistent weekly touches. |
| Mark Ringo Sleepers and Busts | (5/23) UPDATE...It appears Austin Ekeler is staying in L.A. The Chargers added some incentives to his contract. For that reason, the risks I mentioned below seem lower. I'm bumping him up the rankings. I've had to adjust my player notes for him one day after writing it. Once again, you've thwarted my evil plans Ekeler. You'll pay Powers, I mean Ekeler. You'll pay for this!! I'll get you for this Ekeler! (possibly in drafts this summer) I'll get you!!! Dr. Evil Ringo (5/22) Full disclosure- the last two years I've faded Austin Ekeler and the last two years I've been burned. Now I know how Dr. Evil feels. Austin Ekeler is the snake to my mongoose. Or the mongoose or my snake? Either way, it's bad. This time it's personal haha! The Chargers can score with anyone. That's good news if you have their starting RB on your team. However, who that starting RB will be is another story. Ekeler is looking for a long-term deal. He's not happy with the way contract talks are going. He's already asked for a trade. It's hard to imagine a better fantasy spot for Ekeler than in L.A. There's more risk here than I'm comfortable with considering his current ADP of RB 2. I wish I knew if Ekeler was going to be traded. Come on Chargers throw me a fricken' bone here! I'm a fantasy football analyst! Need the info! Okay, we'll go to plan B. Let's just do what we always do....draft a bunch of awesome players who aren't asking for trades and dominate. Muah!!! Dr. Evil Ringo | It was all set up perfectly for Kenneth Walker III and fantasy owners until day two of the draft hit. That's when all hell broke loose in The Great Northwest. The Seahawks stunned fantasy football fans by taking RB Zach Charbonnet. When I first heard his name I thought they meant they bought a bottle of wine to celebrate my greatness as a fantasy football analyst haha! Hey, I can't fault anyone for toasting Mark Ringo haha! Anyway, I digress, it sounds like they want to lessen Walker's workload. Walker isn't known for his receiving chops or his pass-protection skills. In addition, Charbonnet can carry the load if Walker goes down. I'm envisioning a Chris Carson/Rashaad Penny split more than Walker being the lead RB, but we'll see. This RBBC is giving me a headache. I could use a drink, just not Charbonnet haha! Sacre bleu! |
| Brandon Funston The Athletic | Has been a Top 2 RB in half-PPR scoring each of the past 2 seasons | One of the top home run hitting talents at RB, but his workload could actually decrease in 2023 with addition of rookie Z. Charbonnet |
| Wolf of Roto Street Roto Street Journal | 5/7: Chargers add no one new, 3/17: Gains new risk with trade demands. His highest value is undoubtedly right at home, although he is talented enough to sustain RB1 upside nearly anywhere. Just not THE RB1 upside, like he has now. | 5/5: Among the biggest RB fallers - Zach Charbonnet is NOT Walker's level of prospect, but he is damn good in his own right. He'll immediately threaten for receiving work as a strong protector & outlet, plus roughly 30-40% of carries. |
| Andrew Erickson FantasyPros | No player has scored more touchdowns over the past two seasons, than Austin Ekeler. The Chargers' red-zone machine scored 18 TDs (5 receiving, 13 rushing) a year after scoring 20 touchdowns in 2021. Simply put, those that faded Ekeler due to TD regression narratives got burned this past season. And the touchdowns were just part of Ekeler's RB1 finish in half-point scoring, as he lead all RBs in receptions and targets, which substantially boosted his fantasy numbers. Ekeler was fully unlocked as a receiver with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams combining for 13 missed games. Until the Chargers WRs can prove they can stand the test of a 17-game season, Ekeler will remain the focal point of LA's offense. Especially if the Chargers fail to make any worthwhile addition in their backfield, because nobody currently on the depth chart is "forcing" their way onto the field. | Kenneth Walker III stood as the RB8 from Weeks 6-17 after Rashaad Penny was placed on IR with a season-ending injury. The rookie was the RB9 in points per game. If you remove the two games, he missed due to injury (Weeks 13/14) he averaged 16.4 fantasy points per game, which would have placed him as the RB8 in points per game. Walker's late ADP last season made him a draft-day steal. We all knew that Rashaad Penny was never going to be "the guy" for the long run based on his injury track record and that Walker would likely take over RB1 duties as an uber-talented second-round pick. He did just that and got absolutely FED after returning from a late-season ankle injury. Walker was either consistently playing 70 percent-plus snaps or carrying the ball 23-plus times. And at times, we even saw Walker earn targets while leading the backfield in routes run. But overall, he underwhelmed as a receiver as he did at the college level. And his tendency to look for home runs rushes resulted in a rushing success rate that ranked second-to-last (31.4%) among rushers with at least 100 carries in 2022. He also missed games because of injuries. And his path to RB1 upside will be that much tougher to realize after the team added Zach Charbonnet in the second round of this year's draft. Charbonnet posted the 5th-highest PFF receiving grade and tied for first in receptions per game (3.7) among his draft class. The former UCLA running back also finished with the highest positive run rate (57%) and lowest bust rate (4%) among drafted running backs. The rookie Seahawk can't deliver explosive rushes like Walker, but he can be trusted to hit doubles as a rusher and receiver consistently. That's concerning for those hoping Walker was stepping into a workhorse role this season, which was very appealing about his fantasy profile last year. |
| Derek Lofland FantasyPros | Ekeler had 881 yards rushing, 686 yards receiving, and 18 total touchdowns in the 2022 fantasy season. He was given permission to seek a trade, so it remains to be seen what his role will be in 2023 and with what team. | Walker had a great rookie fantasy season with 936 yards rushing, 155 yards receiving, and 9 TDs in just 14 games and 10 starts. There is some concern that the Seahawks used a 2nd round pick on Zach Charbonnet, but Walker should still be a high-end RB2. |
