Fantasy Football Week 16: Start Kenneth Walker III or Sit Kyren Williams?
The fantasy football playoffs are in full swing, intensifying the decision-making process for league managers. This week, a key matchup features two running backs: Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks and Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams. Their performances could significantly influence fantasy rosters. Below is an analysis of both players as you decide who to start and who to sit for Week 16.
Kyren Williams Performance Overview
In Week 15 against the Detroit Lions, Kyren Williams emerged as a top performer, finishing as RB8 in PPR formats. He achieved this by logging 15 carries for 78 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Williams has shown remarkable consistency, finding the end zone in three consecutive games, making it six scores in his last seven outings.
In their previous encounter during Week 11, Williams managed 12 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Seahawks. This performance highlights his ability to succeed even against tough defenses. However, facing Seattle, he will encounter one of the stingiest rushing defenses in the NFL, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game and the eighth-fewest fantasy points to running backs in PPR formats.
Kenneth Walker III’s Struggles
Kenneth Walker III has had a challenging season. In Week 15, he recorded his lowest fantasy point total yet, with only nine carries for 19 yards and a mere two-yard reception against the Indianapolis Colts. This performance continues a troubling trend for Walker, who has not surpassed 60 rushing yards in his last three games and has not scored a touchdown during that stretch.
Much like Williams, Walker has experienced success against the Rams, totaling 16 carries for 67 yards and one touchdown, along with three receptions for 44 yards in their Week 11 matchup. Despite that earlier success, Walker faces a formidable Rams defense in this week’s game, which has allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards and the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs this season.
Final Recommendation for Week 16
When deciding between Kenneth Walker III and Kyren Williams for your fantasy lineup in Week 16, the recommendation is clear: start Kyren Williams and sit Kenneth Walker III. Williams is currently in excellent form, while Walker is trending in the opposite direction.
- Start: Kyren Williams
- Sit: Kenneth Walker III
Williams’ recent success and Walker’s ongoing struggles make this a straightforward choice for fantasy managers as they navigate the playoffs.
Fantasy Insights
To maximize fantasy performance, keep an eye on injury reports and team matchups as the playoffs progress. Each decision now counts as leagues move closer to final outcomes.
