The Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 season as defending champions, yet the offense may see broader distribution of targets as the team rolls out a new scheme under OC Brian Fleury. The first test comes against the New England Patriots on Wednesday.
New offensive scheme promises more weapons
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the playbook will borrow elements from the 49ers, featuring frequent motions and shifts. Expect to see a lot of two‑tight‑end looks, a shift that could open lanes for the ground game.
Both AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo are slated to line up together often, creating mismatches that the coaching staff hopes will carve holes for running backs. The approach is a bit of a weird mix, but it might work.
Wide receiver trends and fantasy impact
Last season’s speedster Rashid Shaheed arrived via trade mid‑year and never fully adjusted. Fowler says his offseason was “killer,” suggesting a larger role that could siphon targets from Jaxon Smith‑Njigba.
Smith‑Njigba logged 163 targets for 119 catches, 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 105.5 receiving yards per game and was a consistent fantasy starter.
Shaheed’s speed makes him a deep‑ball threat, especially when Smith‑Njigba draws double teams. Even a handful of long receptions each week could boost his fantasy value without demanding a huge share of snaps.
When a rookie entered the Seahawks’ receiving corps last year, the established star saw a modest dip in targets, a pattern that could repeat. The team’s willingness to spread the ball may keep both players productive, though the balance remains uncertain.
Running back rotation and early outlook
Rookie Jadarian Price is expected to contribute, though the plan calls for “two‑to‑three backs per game,” indicating a gradual integration. He may not be the optimal pick for daily fantasy in the Patriots matchup.
The club used a first‑round pick on the Notre Dame runner and watched Kenneth Walker III sign with Kansas City. Seattle intends to feature him heavily, and a 1,000‑yard rushing season is plausible.
Fantasy managers should temper expectations for the opener. While the offense looks more versatile, the early weeks may not reflect the full upside of new pieces as the team settles into its revised rhythm.
