2. RB Rashaad Penny
The Lions’ run defense is still not that good in 2022, whether it’s quarterbacks doing the damage (Jalen Hurts) or it’s opposing backs (Dalvin Cook). Through three games they are allowing a flat 5.0 yards per carry, and opposing running backs are putting up the most fantasy points per game game against them (27.5, Yahoo! 0.5-point PPR).
Penny has not really hit his stride yet this season, but he does have 60 or more yards on the ground in two of three games so far. Seattle has operated a backfield committee, with rookie Ken Walker entering the mix and Travis Homer getting a good share of work on passing downs. DeeJay Dallas even got a little work last week.
In last year’s matchup against the Lions, Week 17 in Seattle (a 51-29 win for the Seahawks), Penny had 25 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns as part of his fantastic late-season run. Leaning into him more like a workhorse again on Sunday might be a good plan for the Seahawks, as a “let’s see if you can stop him this time” thing.
Penny could have been No.1 on this list, but I’m going a different direction.