The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just run the ball well in 2025-they ran their way to the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a backfield duo that’s become the heartbeat of their offense. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet have turned Seattle into a ground-and-pound machine, redefining the identity of a team that’s built its playoff run on physicality, balance, and relentless execution.
This isn’t just a one-back show. Walker brings the fireworks, Charbonnet brings the thunder, and together they’ve created a dual-threat rushing attack that has punished defenses all season long. Whether it’s wearing down front sevens with long, bruising drives or hitting the gas for explosive plays in crunch time, this backfield has become the engine behind Seattle’s rise to the top of the NFC.
A Backfield Built for January Football
Seattle’s run game hasn’t just been productive-it’s been consistent and clutch. Between Walker and Charbonnet, the Seahawks scored at least one rushing touchdown in 15 of their 17 regular-season games. That kind of reliability in the red zone is gold in the postseason, and it’s a big reason why Seattle will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
Let’s break down what makes this backfield tick, starting with the lightning bolt at the top of the depth chart.
1. Kenneth Walker III - The Breakaway Threat
Now in his fourth year, Kenneth Walker III has found his groove. After a promising rookie campaign, he returned to the 1,000-yard club in 2025, finishing with 1,027 rushing yards on 221 carries. But the raw numbers only tell part of the story.
Walker’s game is built on explosion. He’s got elite lateral quickness, the kind that makes defenders miss in a phone booth, and the vision to turn a broken play into a back-breaking touchdown.
He’s not just fast-he’s sudden. And when he gets to the second level, he’s gone.
What’s elevated his game this season is his growth in patience and versatility. Walker’s improved feel behind the line of scrimmage has allowed him to read blocks better and stay on the field in more situations. With 31 receptions for 282 yards, he’s become a legitimate three-down back, giving Seattle flexibility in both tempo and formation.
His most electric moment of the season? A 55-yard touchdown run in an overtime thriller against the Rams-a game Seattle won 38-37 to lock up the No. 1 seed. That was Walker at his best: explosive, decisive, and clutch.
He may not have had a ton of monster games, but his steady production-topping 40 rushing yards in 13 of 17 games-was the foundation of Seattle’s offensive rhythm.
2. Zach Charbonnet - The Enforcer
If Walker is the sizzle, Zach Charbonnet is the steak. The second-year back out of UCLA carved out a vital role in Seattle’s offense as the physical, downhill complement to Walker’s speed. He finished the season with 730 rushing yards and a team-high 12 rushing touchdowns-most of them in high-leverage spots.
Charbonnet’s style is no-nonsense. He hits the hole with purpose, lowers the pads, and finishes runs with authority.
That’s made him the go-to guy in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His ability to keep drives alive and punch it in when it matters most has been a game-changer.
But it’s not just about the carries. Charbonnet has become a trusted pass protector and a reliable check-down option, adding 20 receptions for 144 yards. He’s done the dirty work, and he’s done it well.
He found the end zone in 10 of Seattle’s 17 games, including a career-best performance in Week 17 against Carolina, where he racked up 110 yards and two touchdowns. That game was a reminder that while he’s often the hammer in short-yardage, he’s got the juice to carry the load when called upon.
Depth Pieces: George Holani and Kenny McIntosh (IR)
Before injuries cut their seasons short, both George Holani and Kenny McIntosh showed flashes that added depth to Seattle’s backfield.
Holani, a rookie who made the most of limited touches, scored a touchdown in a November win over Arizona and looked like a capable three-down option before landing on injured reserve. McIntosh, a versatile back out of Georgia, was expected to be a key piece on third downs thanks to his hands and creativity in space. Unfortunately, his season was derailed before it could really get going.
Why This Matters in the Playoffs
In a league that often leans on high-flying passing attacks, the Seahawks have zagged while others zigged-and it’s worked. Their commitment to the run, powered by a young and dynamic backfield, has created an identity that travels well in January.
Walker gives them the ability to flip the field in a heartbeat. Charbonnet gives them the power to grind out tough yards and control the clock. And together, they give Seattle a one-two punch that few defenses have figured out how to stop.
As the playoffs begin, the Seahawks aren’t just the NFC’s top seed-they’re the most physically imposing team in the conference. And it all starts with the guys in the backfield.