Rhamondre Stevenson of the Patriots is staring down our Seahawks in Week 1, and the numbers are screaming a warning for the Emerald City defense. This guy, who torched us for 17.3 PPR points in the Super Bowl last season, is about to get a massive workload with TreVeyon Henderson sidelined due to an ankle injury. It feels like the Patriots are going to try and exploit us, and we, the 12s, need to be ready.
The Patriots Are Coming for Our Receiving Defense
Let’s just say it: our Seahawks have struggled with pass-catching running backs. Last season, our defense was No. 1 in the league for most receptions allowed to opposing running backs. That’s not a stat you want to own when a guy like Stevenson is coming to Lumen Field. We literally had seventeen different running backs score at least 4.5 PPR points against us *just from their receiving stats alone*. Think about that. Stevenson closed out 2025 on an absolute tear, hitting at least 12.1 PPR points in six of his final seven games. And his Super Bowl performance against us? Seven carries for 23 yards, but more importantly, five catches for 40 yards and a touchdown on five targets. He showed he can hurt us in the passing game, and with Henderson out, he is projected as a No. 2 Fantasy running back for a reason. Our defense, under Coach Macdonald, is going to have to be on top of their game to keep him contained. The line for the game is Seahawks -3, with an over/under of 44.5, which tells you how tight this one is expected to be.
Elsewhere in Week 1, RBs Face Tough Sledding
While our focus is squarely on the Hawks, it’s Week 1 across the league, and a couple of other notable running backs are facing some serious hurdles. Take Cam Skattebo, for example. He’s listed as a starter, but there’s a real concern he could be in a timeshare with Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary. You never want to see your guy lose goal-line chances, and his involvement in the passing game is crucial. Plus, he’s up against a Dallas defense that got a complete revamp, adding serious talent like Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, Von Miller, Dee Winters, and Caleb Downs. Last year, Skattebo had 11 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown with two catches for 14 yards against the Cowboys in Week 2. He’s a worthy No. 2 fantasy back, but that Dallas defense is no joke.
Then there’s Quinshon Judkins, who draws a brutal matchup against the Jaguars. Jacksonville was ranked No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs last season. Jonathan Taylor was the only running back to even crack 70 rushing yards against them all year, and his best was just 74 yards in two outings. Judkins will probably need a touchdown to salvage his fantasy day, and the Jaguars only allowed eight rushing touchdowns to running backs in all of 2025. He’ll get the work, but Cleveland better keep that game close if they want him to succeed.
So, yeah, Week 1 is here! For our Hawks, it is about setting the tone at Lumen Field. Macdonald’s defense has a specific challenge with Stevenson, and shutting him down would be a massive statement. We need to prove those numbers wrong, Seattle!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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