Tag: Kenneth Walker III

Who to take in Week 5 in your NFL survivor pool

Breaking down the best strategies of how to win your NFL survivor pool as the season continues into Week 5.

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Finally, we had a little sense of normalcy in Week 4 as 2 of the 3 largest favorites on the road won outright. We did have a big upset as the New York Jets were a popular pick in the rain against the Denver Broncos, but the latter escaped with a 10-9 to oust plenty of players in the USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool contest.

The survivor contest was pared down even further, as 93 more players were sent to the “eliminated lounge.” Heading into Week 5, only 151 players remain out of 10,357 entries, which speaks to how difficult it has been to simply pick an outright winner in the topsy-turvy NFL so far.

We played it safe with the San Francisco 49ers as our top pick hosting the New England Patriots last week, and our No. 1 option finally came through after a host of upsets the first 3 weekends. The 49ers rolled to a 30-13 victory — covering to boot as double-digit (10.5-point) favorites.

Our 2nd option won, too, as the visiting Dallas Cowboys edged the New York Giants 20-15 on Thursday Night Football. A week earlier, the Giants topped the Cleveland Browns 21-15 in Week 3 to eliminate a ton of survivor entries, so we were conflicted going against the G-Men, especially at home … but it worked out.

If you’re still alive, congratulations. While, normally, it isn’t a big deal to still be alive in Week 5, this season has had a ton of minefields. In fact, this might be the most difficult season of a Survivor Pool contest ever.

It gets more difficult this week as byes start to kick in. That makes it more challenging. Plus, 11 of the 14 games have spread of 3.5 points or less, so there aren’t many clear-cut favorites.

Follow the USA TODAY NFL Survivor Pool.

– Games Sunday and ET unless noted

The pick: Seattle Seahawks

Who they play: Home vs. New York Giants – 4:25 p.m. (CBS)

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 4:24 a.m. ET.

  • Line: Seahawks -6 / Moneyline (ML): Seahawks -275 | Giants +220

The Giants offense has struggled this season, going for 18 or fewer points in 3 of 4 their games. Who knows how bad this team would be without rookie WR Malik Nabers, who has really been the lone bright spot.

The Seahawks are coming off a 42-29 loss on Monday Night Football at the Detroit Lions, and now they play on a short week. The good news is that they’re home. Seattle is getting a lot healthier, too, as RB Kenneth Walker III returned from a 2-game absence, and he made up for lost time with 3 rushing TDs in the Motor City.

Seattle’s offense has scored 23 or more points in all 4 of its games, and QB Geno Smith, KW3 and WR DK Metcalf will be able to outlast the G-Men.

Conclusion: SEATTLE IS MY TOP SURVIVOR PLAY IN WEEK 5.

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No. 2 option: Washington Commanders

Who they play: Home vs. Cleveland Browns – 1 p.m. (FOX)

  • Line: Commanders -3.5 / ML: Commanders -175 | Browns +145

The Commanders have been 1 of the best stories of the early season, winning 3 of 4 games, including road wins as underdogs against both the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals in the past 2 weeks.

Rookie QB Jayden Daniels looks like the real deal, perhaps finally giving Washington the franchise quarterback it has been craving for years.

The Browns thought they were trading for their franchise transforming QB with Deshaun Watson, but he has been a huge disappointment. The Commanders averaged 40.0 points per game the past 2 weeks, while the Browns haven’t scored more than 18 in all 4 of their outings this season. Cleveland simply doesn’t have the offensive firepower to keep up.

2024 survivor game log

NO. 1 OPTION

Week 1: LOSS – Patriots 16, Bengals 10
Week 2: LOSS – Falcons 22, Eagles 21
Week 3: LOSS – Panthers 36, Raiders 22
Week 4: WIN – 49ers 30, Patriots 13

NO. 2 OPTION

Week 1: WIN – Saints 47, Panthers 10
Week 2: WIN – Chargers 26, Panthers 3
Week 3: LOSS – Giants 21, Browns 15
Week 4: WIN – Cowboys 20, Giants 15

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Despite the loss, Seahawks should feel optimistic moving forward

Despite the loss, Seahawks should feel optimistic moving forward

The Seattle Seahawks may no longer be undefeated, but they put up a valliant effort on Monday Night Football with an incredibly shorthanded defense. Seattle was without five starters (Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe and Jerome Baker) going into the game, and lost their Pro Bowl safety Julian Love during it. Against a team as well coached and talented like the Detroit Lions, that simply does not bode well for any organization.

Detroit is good. Really good. This is a team coming off a playoff run to the NFC Championship game where they were two quarters away from playing in their first Super Bowl. And on a night when their offense was essentially perfect, they were in an outright dogfight with Seattle to defend home turf.

Still, despite the injuries, Seattle stayed with it. Despite a 21-7 halftime deficit, the Seahawks battled back, powered by their dynamic offense. Seattle racked up 516 total yards and scored touchdowns on three-consecutive drives to begin the second half. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Yet, it was more than encouraging to see what this unit could be capable of doing!

Through the first three games, Seattle’s offense has had moments of excellence but also plenty of inconsistency and self-inflicted wounds. To see them firing on all cylinders should give every 12th Man, Woman and Child posititive vibes moving forward.

Keep in mind, by the nature of how this game was going, the Seahawks couldn’t really commit to the run… and Kenneth Walker III still had 80 yards and three touchdowns. If this defense is able to get some of those six starters back, as well as keep the offense humming at a more consistent rate, this team is going to remain a difficult out for opponents this year.

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Watch: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III’s incredible front-flip vs. Lions

Watch: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III’s incredible front-flip vs. Lions

The return of running back Kenneth Walker III is already making an incredible impact for the Seattle Seahawks. Playing in his first game since Week 1, Walker is back in the lineup to play the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.

Walker’s first big “wow” play of the night came in the second quarter, not on the ground but through the air. Walker caught a pass from quarterback Geno Smith, and made this remarkably athletic move happen.

Four plays later, Walker found the end zone for the second time this season to give the Seahawks their first points of the night.

At the time of publishing, the Seahawks currently trail the Detroit Lions 21-7 towards the end of the second quarter, as the Lions are having their way with Seattle’s defense and quickly responded after Walker’s touchdown.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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Seahawks score thanks to acrobatic runs by Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker III’s great runs landed Seattle in the end zone

Kenneth Walker III put on a show during a Seattle drive in the second quarter Monday night in Detroit. First, the running back was tossed around twice by the Lions’ Alex Anzalone but refused to be stopped.

Then, he bounced a play outside and off a scrum in the middle to score Seattle’s first touchdown.

The Seahawks trailed the Lions, 14-7, after Walker’s physical runs.

Week 4 preview and prediction: Seahawks @ Lions

Week 4 preview and prediction: Seahawks @ Lions

The Seattle Seahawks are seeking their third 4-0 start in franchise history, and their first since the 2020 season. Standing in their way is a quality Detroit Lions team, hungry to end their current six-game losing skid to the Seahawks.

Since defeating Seattle 28-24 in the 2012 season, the Lions have struggled mightily against the Seahawks, especially at home, where they have lost the last two-straight games in each of the last two seasons. In both instances, Seattle outlasted Detroit in wild 48-45 and 37-31 (OT) shootouts. Offensive fireworks have defined the recent series, but on Monday, injuries seem to be taking the center stage.

For the Lions, they will be without their All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, which is a considerable loss to their offensive line. Unfortunately, the Seahawks may not be as able to take advantage as they would have even a week ago. Seattle has already ruled out defensive tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, as well as pass rushers Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu. The Seahawks defense, particularly the pass rush, has been outright suffocating. Without some of the best players on their defensive front, Jared Goff and Co. may have more time than what quarterbacks this season who have played Seattle have enjoyed.

So the Lions offensive line is weakened, and the Seahawks defensive line is as well. It appears to be a battle between a movable object and a stoppable force. But in today’s NFL, take the side of a weaker offense vs. a weakened defense. Seattle has also shown vulnerabilities against the run, which has plagued this unit for years.

To win this game, the load is likely going to have to be shouldered by the offense. Fortunately for the Seahawks, this unit is getting Kenneth Walker III back into the fold after missing the two previous weeks. Having Walker be the primary ballcarrier, with Zach Charbonnet being able to come off the bench for a change of pace, will help give Seattle’s ground attack more teeth to threaten the Lions.

Geno Smith is also more than capable of performing against Detroit. In the last two games against the Lions, Smith has thrown for 648 yards and four touchdowns, as well as leading the game-winning drive in overtime last year. Smith’s statistics haven’t popped off the page in 2024, but he has been playing exceptionally well. Smith also has the most game-winning drives in the entire NFL since the 2022 season.

The Lions are healthier, more experienced, and more established with this current regime. They are coming off a year where they were two quarters of football away from reaching the Super Bowl. But I can’t help but lean towards the Seahawks in this one. Perhaps it is me leaning on recent history. Perhaps it is an intuition. Or perhaps it is the fact Monday night is Seattle’s night. The Seahawks own the best win percentage (.714) in NFL history on Monday nights, and have gone 3-0 in their last three outings on MNF… including a Week 4 road showdown last year.

Give me the Seahawks in another shootout, with more heroics from Smith late.

Prediction: Seahawks over Lions 38-35

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Seahawks rule Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams OUT for MNF, Kenneth Walker will play

Seahawks rule Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams OUT for MNF, Kenneth Walker will play

The Seattle Seahawks will face their biggest challenge of the season on Monday night when they take on the Detroit Lions. Seattle is 3-0, but they’ve faced the likes of Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle to start the season. The Lions, led by Jared Goff and Co., will prove to be a considerably more difficult opponent.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks defense will be without four of their best players along the defensive front. Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy, Boye Mafe, and Uchenna Nwosu have all been ruled OUT for Monday. Detroit will be without their All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, but without Williams and Murphy, the Seahawks won’t have their best players to take advantage of the Lions’ potential weakness up front.

The silver lining is Seattle has defeated Detroit in the last three meetings without either Williams or Murphy, but not having them is going to be a legitimate blow to this defense.

Head coach Mike Macdonald said Boye Mafe hurt his knee against the Patriots in Week 2, but says it’s “nothing major.” It would appear Seattle is being cautious with one of their best pass rushers. The season is a marathon, not a sprint to be decided in Week 4.

The good news is running back Kenneth Walker III is going to play in his first game since Week 1. The Seahawks do not have him listed on the injury report, and Macdonald confirmed it as much himself on Saturday.

Linebacker Jerome Baker, who missed Week 3 vs. his former team in the Dolphins, is listed as QUESTIONABLE. Given how depleted Seattle’s defense is, hopefully Baker will be good to go.

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

The Seattle Seahawks are 3-0 to start the 2024 season and will look to improve to 4-0 for only the third time in franchise history. They will attempt to do so against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. However, improving to 4-0 isn’t the only bit of franchise history that could be made.

Quietly, second year running back Zach Charbonnet actually leads the team in total touchdowns. He had a receiving one in Week 2, rushed for another against the Patriots, then added two more to topple the depleted Miami Dolphins. Four touchdowns in three games, not bad.

But what happens if he scores another – either rushing or receiving – in the Motor City? Well, he would etch his name into a unique page of Seahawks lore. Should Charbonnet find the end zone, he will become only the fourth player in franchise history to have a touchdown in each of the first four games. He would also be the first to do it since the legendary Marshawn Lynch did it during the 2014 season.

The 2014 season was a special one for Lynch and the Seahawks. Lynch bulldozed his way into the end zone 13 times that year, which was a career best. He also caught four receiving touchdowns as well.

So far, Charbonnet has been almost the exclusive ballcarrier in the absence of Kenneth Walker III. Even if Walker, who has been limited at practice this week, is able to suit up on Monday, it is almost certain Charbonnet will be featured extensively by Seattle. Considering how committed the team is to establishing the run and how dynamic the offense gets when they do so, Charbonnet will surely get some opportunities to reach this exclusive club.

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Kenneth Walker takes the field at Seahawks practice on Thursday

Kenneth Walker takes the field at Seahawks practice on Thursday

A bit of good injury news for the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday afternoon! After missing the last two games, as well as the last two weeks of practice, it appears star running back Kenneth Walker III is back on the field. At this point it remains to be seen in what capacity the third-year back is performing today, but the fact he is even out there is a good sign.

When Walker is healthy and playing, the Seahawks offense becomes far more dynamic. Without him, they become a little one dimensional. In his absence, Zach Charbonnet has carried the load to mixed results. In Week 2, Charbonnet only managed 38 yards on the ground, but in Week 3 he bullied the Dolphins en route to 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Still, Charbonnet is likely better used in a complimentary role alongside the electric Walker to help give Seattle’s offense an edge on the ground.

Should Walker be able to make his return in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, the Seahawks will be getting a considerable boost as they attempt to improve to 4-0 on the year.

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet received his second consecutive opportunity to start in place of Kenneth Walker III in Sunday’s blowout 24-3 Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Charbonnet was extremely productive, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns via 18 carries. He also added three receptions and 16 additional yards to his offensive totals.

That represented career highs for Charbonnet in yards, yards per carry (5.1), and touchdowns. The former UCLA standout has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Charbonnet’s longest run gained 13 yards, meaning he was consistently churning out quality runs.

It was a far better, more efficient performance than what Charbonnet put forth against the New England Patriots in Week 2, his first start after Walker was sidelined. Charbonnet rushed for just 38 yards and 2.7 yards per carry (and a touchdown) in that contest. The Westlake Village, California native was significantly more effective versus the shorthanded Dolphins.

The undefeated Seahawks will face their largest test of the 2024 campaign in Week 4 when they travel to Detroit for a Monday Night Football primetime showdown versus the Lions. Dan Campbell’s Lions currently rank fourth-best in rushing yards allowed per game (76.7). We’ll monitor Walker’s practice involvement throughout the upcoming week of practice. If he’s still sidelined, Charbonnet proved capable of carrying the workload.

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Raheem Mostert out, Tyler Huntley third QB vs. Seahawks

Newly acquired Tyler Huntley will only be available to play Sunday if both Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle get injured.

The Miami Dolphins will be without running back Raheem Mostert in a Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks, the team officially announced Sunday ahead of kickoff.

It’s no surprise as Mostert, along with sixth-round rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, were both listed as doubtful to play. Those two are joined on the list of inactives by the recently acquired Tyler Huntley, who is listed as the emergency third quarterback and can only play Sunday if both Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle get injured.

https://www.twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1837923226649088085

The other four players — Ethan Bonner, Channing Tindall, Mohamed Kamara, and Andrew Meyer — have been healthy scratches in each of the first three weeks of the year.

For the Seahawks, the most notable name on the list of inactives is running back Kenneth Walker III.

https://www.twitter.com/seahawksPR/status/1837922686187851912

Walker, along with former Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker, was listed as doubtful to play against Miami. Not on the list of inactives for Seattle is pass rusher Boye Mafe, who was questionable for the game.

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