CBS Sports Analyst Predicts Seahawks Struggle to Retain NFC West Title in 2026
With Kenneth Walker III departing for Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet sidelined, first-round pick Jadarian Price faces high expectations under new coordinator Brian Fleury.
CBS Sports analyst Jamey Eisenberg has released a comprehensive preview of the Seattle Seahawks for the 2026 fantasy football season, highlighting significant structural changes to the team's offensive identity. The analysis centres on the appointment of new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who replaces Klint Kubiak, and the subsequent impact of running back Kenneth Walker III moving to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eisenberg identifies first-round draft pick Jadarian Price as the central figure in Seattle’s backfield, projecting him to assume the lead running back role. This expectation arises as backup Zach Charbonnet is sidelined by a knee injury, with reports suggesting he may not return until just before the fantasy playoffs. Price, selected from Notre Dame, is viewed as having top-20 upside with over 405 potentially vacated carries, though his college production in the passing game was limited.
The wide receiver corps is expected to revolve around Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whom Eisenberg recommends as a top-five overall fantasy pick. Smith-Njigba finished 2025 as the No. 2 PPR receiver at 21.2 points per game, and the analyst suggests the offensive focus may shift toward more passing under Fleury. Other receivers such as Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp are considered viable but secondary options, with rookie Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and late-round flier Jalen Horton noted for potential upside.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is projected as a streaming option rather than a primary fantasy starter, despite the Seahawks' strong passing attack that ranked No. 8 in 2025. The team’s strength of schedule is ranked No. 14 for 2026, with opponents combining for a 148-140-1 record in the previous season. Eisenberg notes that while Seattle won Super Bowl LX in 2025, the combination of roster changes and a new coordinator makes a repeat difficult.
Ultimately, Eisenberg predicts the Los Angeles Rams will win the NFC West in 2026, marking a shift from Seattle’s recent dominance. The analysis suggests that while Price and Smith-Njigba offer strong fantasy value, the Seahawks' overall trajectory points toward a transitional season where the Rams are poised to take the division title.
