Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet and New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime are Week 10 fantasy football start picks against Las Vegas and Carolina, respectively, The Big Lead reported.
Both players face defensive units currently struggling to contain the ground game. Carolina has allowed 25.2 half-PPR points per game to running backs, the second-most in the NFL, while Las Vegas has surrendered 24.8, the third-most. These matchups provide high-ceiling opportunities for managers looking to stabilize their backfield production during a critical stretch of the season.
The decision to start these backs rests on workload projections and defensive efficiency metrics. While Charbonnet is ranked as the RB21 and Estime as RB23, data shows their value increases because their respective offensive backfields have changed.
Charbonnet takes the lead in Seattle
Charbonnet has transitioned into the primary early-down role for the Seahawks following his return from an ACL injury. In his second game back, he out-carried rookie Jadarian Price 16-9 in a 17-3 victory over Arizona, leading the team in rushing production. Although the backfield remains a committee, Charbonnet has secured more rushing attempts.
The Seahawks’ offensive strategy is expected to lean heavily on the run due to instability at the quarterback position. Sam Darnold is sidelined again with quad and rib injuries, leaving Drew Lock to manage an oblique strain.
“Sam will be another week. So it’ll be a similar plan as last week,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Monday.
The Raiders’ defense offers little resistance to this approach. Las Vegas has allowed 507 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns over their last three contests. The recent trade of Kirk Cousins to Minnesota and the elevation of rookie Fernando Mendoza may force Seattle into a more conservative, run-heavy game script.
Estime gains volume in New Orleans
Audric Estime has rapidly ascended the Saints’ depth chart since being claimed off waivers from Cleveland. In Week 9, the 2024 fifth-round pick led New Orleans with 16 touches compared to Alvin Kamara’s nine. Estime also proved his value in critical moments by scoring the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown in a 23-22 overtime win against the Browns.
The Saints’ backfield situation is currently volatile. Travis Etienne Jr. remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, and CJ Donaldson missed Week 9 due to shoulder and concussion issues.
“It seemed like he knew every single assignment. He was dialed. It became a no-brainer to me,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said.
Estime’s role extends beyond rushing, as he recorded seven third-down snaps to Kamara’s four in their recent matchup. Facing a Carolina defense that has surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns in eight games, Estime possesses RB2 upside as a flex play.
Sit Allgeier and White due to difficult matchups
Conversely, Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier and Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White are recommended sits for Week 10. The defensive metrics for their opponents suggest fantasy output will drop.
The Rams defense has been highly effective against the run, allowing only 16.7 half-PPR points per game to running backs. Allgeier, who averaged just 2.7 yards per carry last week, faces a Los Angeles unit that has held backs to zero rushing touchdowns over their last three games. The Cardinals’ offensive outlook is further complicated by a potential injury to Gardner Minshew, which could force rookie Carson Beck into his first start.
Rachaad White faces a similarly daunting task on Thursday night against the Giants. New York has surrendered a league-low 10.5 points per game to running backs over the last three weeks. White’s role in the Washington offense has also become increasingly uncertain as Austin Ekeler’s carry share continues to climb.
The following table compares the Week 10 fantasy projections and defensive matchups for the analyzed players:
| Player | Team | Week 10 Rank | Opponent | Opponent RB Half-PPR PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB21 | LV | 24.8 |
| Audric Estime | NO | RB23 | CAR | 25.2 |
| Tyler Allgeier | ARI | RB25 | LAR | 16.7 |
| Rachaad White | WAS | RB27 | NYG | 10.5 (last 3 weeks) |
The NFL's mid-season often rewards those who follow volume shifts and defensive vulnerabilities rather than historical name recognition. For players like Estime and Charbonnet, the convergence of depleted opposing run defenses and increased individual workloads creates a narrow but high-value window for fantasy success.
Charbonnet’s ability to maintain efficiency while returning from an ACL injury will be a key indicator of Seattle’s offensive identity heading into the postseason.
Disclaimer: The analytical insights and data provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
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