De'Von Achane vs Kenneth Walker III
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Kenneth Walker III this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.7 projected points (14.0 vs 12.3).
Kenneth Walker III faces MIA, the 8th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. De'Von Achane faces KC, the 32nd-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
Season-long, the model still ranks De'Von Achane ahead. This is a matchup call for Week 3, not a change of heart about the rest of the year.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes De'Von Achane, and it isn't close: 22.3 points of value over replacement separate them (108.9 vs 86.5).
The draft market agrees: De'Von Achane goes first at ADP 9.7 vs 21.1 for Kenneth Walker III.
| De'Von AchaneMIA | Kenneth Walker IIIKAN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | KC | MIA | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 12.3 | 14.0 | III +1.7 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #32 | #8 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 245.4 | 223.1 | Achane +22.3 pts |
| Points per game | 14.4 | 13.1 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 108.9 | 86.5 | Achane +22.3 |
| Overall rank | #11 | #17 | Achane by 6 |
| Position rank | RB7 | RB10 | |
| Market ADP | 9.7 | 21.1 | III +11.4 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 6 | 5 |
Should I start De'Von Achane or Kenneth Walker III in Week 3?
Start Kenneth Walker III this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.7 projected points (14.0 vs 12.3).
Should I draft De'Von Achane or Kenneth Walker III in 2026 fantasy football?
De'Von Achane. He projects 245.4 fantasy points with 108.9 value over replacement, vs 223.1 points and 86.5 for Kenneth Walker III (RB, PPR).