With such an elite talent behind, or next to, depending on the formation, the Colts’ and Chiefs’ starting quarterbacks, both teams could simply hand the ball off every play and still boast an offense to be reckoned with across the NFL. Still, Kansas City and Indianapolis both understand the importance of giving their star players some rest, especially this early in the season.

On that note, both teams have depth at the running back position, though it’s clearly a one-man wrecking crew show in both rushing offenses. Kansas City’s depth chart at half-back includes: Kenneth Walker III, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith.

As for Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor is joined by Seth McGowan and DJ Giddens in the RB room. With Giddens questionable for Sunday night’s game in The City of Fountains, the Colts could call up one of practice squad members Anderson Castle and David Booth.

Walker III and Taylor’s Week 1 outings

Both Walker III and Taylor put on a show in their Week 1 debuts of the 2026 NFL season. Walker III stole the spotlight in Kansas City’s 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos, registering 23 carries for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown. Walker III also caught three passes for 18 yards and a receiving touchdown.

Meanwhile, Taylor fell victim to his Colts’ struggles and the fact that they played from behind all day long against the Baltimore Ravens. Taylor still made the most of his 19 carries, putting up 98 yards on the ground and two TDs. He was also a factor in the passing attack, with three catches for 23 yards. Taylor had an uncharacteristic fumble that was recovered by the Ravens.

Snap percentage

If there were any doubts about Walker III and Taylor’s importance and primary roles on their teams, they became obsolete in Week 1. Taylor played in 48 of his team’s 54 offensive snaps (89% snap percentage) in Week 1, with second option McGowan playing six snaps (11%).

Looking over at the Chiefs, Walker III played 47 out of the team’s 70 offensive snaps (68%) in Week 1, while Johnson played 25 snaps (36%) and Smith didn’t see the field once.

Walker and Taylor shine in fantasy football’s Week 1

For fantasy football players across the league, starting either of them was always going to be the right decision. Still, they didn’t disappoint. Walker far exceeded his projections, putting up 34.1 fantasy points (point-per-reception), while Taylor delivered 25.1 points to those who own him in fantasy football.

Needless to say, points are expected to come in bunches when the Chiefs and Colts meet at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2.

According to the league office’s weekly release, Chiefs running back Walker III was fined $8,357 for throwing the football into the stands during the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. The infraction violates the NFL Sportsmanship policy, and a second fine would be $14,328. Walker addressed the fine on a recent TikTok, providing an immediate caption.

“After I scored the other night, I threw the ball into the crowd. It cost me an $8K fine, but this man’s memory is priceless,” Walker wrote. “Shout out to unc.” Along with his statement, Walker shared an image of the fan holding the football with a big smile, signaling that he does not regret his actions.

Fines in the NFL

Player infractions may come to the NFL’s attention in several ways. The league may respond to an official’s call during a game or to a specific play that a team submits for review. The NFL Officiating Department also reviews every play from every game and refers potential violations to the Football Operations compliance team.

@thekennethwalker

Shout out to unc😂

♬ original sound – K9

Walker was not the only player fined from Monday’s game. Chiefs right guard Trey Smith was fined $6,750 for a chop block in the fourth quarter. Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton was fined $11,941 for a late hit in the fourth quarter.

That is how Walker’s fine came about following a league review, though there is arguably a lack of recognition of the context and situation. Nevertheless, the reigning Super Bowl MVP earned the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

Walker led the league with 191 scrimmage yards — 173 rushing and 18 receiving — in Week 1 and scored two touchdowns. He became one of six running backs in NFL history to tally at least 190 scrimmage yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in a Week 1 game.

Speaking with reporters following the game, Walker made sure to credit his teammates. “It means a lot, but first off, you have to give credit to the offensive line – they did a great job tonight of making mine and Emmett’s (Johnson) job much easier to go out there and run the ball,” Walker said. “Tight ends and our receivers as well. It means a lot. We have to keep stacking everything that we’ve started.”

“It means a lot. It means they trust me. It’s good to feel that way,” Walker added. “When we first came out, we got the fourth down, and we still ran the ball – they trust the run game and trust what we can do; we just want to keep stacking on that.”

Walker’s performance

Walker expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to serve as an all-around back — capable of playing in any game situation — while logging 26 touches in his Chiefs debut. He specifically sought this role during free agency after sharing backfield duties during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP finished with an impressive 173 rushing yards on 23 carries and a touchdown, while adding three receptions for 18 yards and another score. Additionally, he formed a key duo with Patrick Mahomes, who showed complete trust in him.

To put it in perspective, Walker III accumulated more rushing yards than any other player in Week 1. For Walker, the performance surpassed everything he achieved during his four years with the Seahawks. His previous career high dated back to his rookie season, when he ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now that Walker is reaching new heights with the Chiefs, it leaves open the question of whether the Seahawks made a mistake by not bringing him back after he won the Super Bowl MVP award for the 2026 NFL season.

Walker appeared in front of reporters and praised Mahomes’ preparation. “This dude always writing notes, when he don’t even have to—I looked at his notes, they’re so neat I’m like dang I’m really slacking—That’s a great leader and somebody you want to play along side of.”

Mahomes is a student of the game despite him being arguably the most talented player in the NFL. The fact that Mahomes, after winning five Super Bowls, is still hungry and not slacking is a testament to his greatness.

Walker also brings winning pedigree to Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are used to going on deep runs and Super Bowl appearances. Hence, the culture is a winning one. Walker fits right in with the team. After all, he just won a Super Bowl and was labeled the MVP of the game.

Kenneth Walker is also a huge talent in terms of player. Hence, you’re getting a premium quality playmaker that already knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl to join forces with a dynasty in the making.

The Chiefs come as underdogs this season

In an unusual turn of events, the Chiefs actually come into the 2026 season as underdogs. They’re not favorites to win the Super Bowl, to get to the AFC Championship Game, and not even favorites to win the division.

This is uncharted territory for Mahomes. However, there are reasons for this. Mahomes is coming off an ACL injury. The Chiefs had their worst season since Mahomes got the starting job, and all the division has gotten considerably better.

Fresh off of being the Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker III is poised to be the workhorse on the Chiefs rushing game. For Mahomes, “You’ve got to use that guy.” The plan is plain and simple for the quarterback.

Mahomes also added a huge statement on Thursday’s press conference. “I mean, he’s a talented football player. He runs tough, has speed. He can break a touchdown at any moment. He can catch the ball, he does kind of it all.“

Walker is very talented

Walker has scored eight or more touchdowns in three out of his four seasons in the NFL. However, in 2025 he scored only five in the regular season. It needs to be mention that Zach Charbonnet had the endzone touches in Seattle, despite Walker’s heroics.

All in all, having Mahomes’ trust is a huge indictment on what Walker brings to the table. Walker can also be a weapon for Mahomes on short passes or checkdowns. He is a very complete player.

Walker will play a key role in taking care of Mahomes

Mahomes is coming off an ACL tear. Hence, one of his main strengths, which is his ability to scramble, is compromised. Therefore, Walker will run more and be a more reliable guy for the Chiefs to trust instead of risking Mahomes re-injuring himself in a scramble.

Kenneth Walker III is fresh off being the Super Bowl MVP, and the AChiefs are hoping he can get the running offense going in a workhorse capacity. Per Jesse Newell of The Athletic, the Chiefs could move on from Brashard Smith, who was a decent RB for them last year.

The Chiefs GM Brett Veach said earlier in the offseason the team’s plan was to run the ball to help Mahomes. However, that doesn’t mean that all RBs were safe, as the report states. Hence, Smith must really impress in OTAs or he will likely be a free agent.

The Chiefs RB depth chart

Walker is the predictable RB1 and workhorse of the team. The Chiefs also drafted Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, and signed Emari Demercado. Hence, those latter two are Smith’s competition.

But the depth chart continues, as the Chiefs brought in two UDFAs in EJ Smith, son of legendary RB Emmitt Smith, and Jaydn Ott. One would assume Smith is over them in the pecking order, but the competition is getting tougher and tougher.

The Chiefs have a big task on their hands

While no one argues Patrick Mahomes is elite, a future Hall of Famer, and already an all-time great quarterback, the fact is he is coming off an ACL tear, he doesn’t have great weapons, and the running back is a question mark even if Walker is now on the roster.

Mahomes hasn’t even gotten Pro Bowl selections in the last couple of years. His numbers are very humane as opposed to the outstanding stats he posted in his earlier years. The Chiefs must help him with weapons, protections, and good playcalling.

Running back Kenneth Walker III recently spoke with Kay Adams on her show to discuss Patrick Mahomes’ influence on his free-agent signing decisions and on building chemistry on the field.

“We’ve been working on getting connected in the passing game and everything, so that’s good. I feel like I’ll be used more in the pass game,” said Walker, who praised Mahomes’ focus on the game plan. “He’s really good at being detailed with the whole team, and that chemistry is going to keep building.”

The Chiefs signed running back Kenneth Walker to a three-year, $43.05 million contract. The 25-year-old is coming off a 1,000-yard season and a Super Bowl MVP performance with the Seattle Seahawks.

What Mahomes did to help bring him in

He also revealed that during last year’s playoffs, Mahomes was pushing for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to sign the running back. Walker was impressive during Seattle’s Super Bowl run, rushing for 313 yards and four touchdowns in three games.

His comment reflected just how much Kansas City’s front office valued Mahomes’ opinion. With a new option in the backfield, the Chiefs are aiming to recapture their dominance in the NFL by leaning on Walker.

Walker’s performance drew attention

Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Walker rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. He was also impactful in the passing game with 31 receptions for 282 yards. And with those numbers, he was clearly going to attract attention.

“I feel like it would have had a lot to do with it, you know, he’s (Mahomes) the best quarterback in the league,” said Walker. “So, I feel like he’s got a lot of power in there. I’m glad he does because I’m here now.” He is expected to play a much-needed role in the offense and provide Mahomes with weapons.

“They know how to win here…Me and Andy Reid, he’s just a cool, laidback coach and he loves the players,” the running back said on First Things First. Although the last season saw Chiefs Kingdom miss the playoffs, what Walker III says is indeed true.

In the last 10 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have appeared in five Super Bowls: they won 3 and lost 2. Could they once again reach the top of the NFL this season?

Walker III will have Bieniemy as his new OC

Walker III is coming off a successful stint in Seattle, having been crowned MVP of the most recent Super Bowl under Klint Kubiak’s leadership. Now, he will have a new leader in Eric Bieniemy, whose intensity he has already praised as a signature trait.

“Just intense. Like, from the first night I met him, we were just meeting up going to dinner, he was talking like stuff that I did wrong on the field, talking about everything I needed to be detailed at, so I knew what I was getting into when I met him,” the RB said on the Up & Adams Show. “He wants the best for everybody, but he’s got high standards. That’s good if you want to be better.”

Andy Reid’s rushing options

Heading into the 2026 season, Andy Reid’s offense features an explosive new dimension with Kenneth Walker III leading the backfield after his high-profile signing in free agency. Walker provides the elite tackle-breaking ability and home-run threat that perfectly complements Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack.

Supporting him is a versatile rotation including the reliable Emari Demercado as a primary backup and Brashard Smith, who provides speed in specialized roles. With the addition of rookie Emmett Johnson from the draft, the Chiefs’ “rushing room” is now one of the most dynamic and complete units in the league, offering Reid a variety of creative ways to keep opposing defenses off-balance.

There is only winning for the Chiefs

Chiefs enter the 2026 season looking to reclaim their throne after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where they finished with a 6-11 record, surprisingly landing behind both the Broncos and the Chargers in the AFC West.

The last time this team played in a Super Bowl was on February 9, 2025. Back then, the Chiefs were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.

Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Veach was clear on his message. “We added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and we feel real good about our offensive line… We’ve gotta get back to establishing our run game.”

Establishing the run game allows Mahomes to play more freely, and also lets him know that he doesn’t need to play Superman for the Chiefs offense to work. Mahomes is tasked to do a lot. This time around, Kenneth Walker will provide him with the help he needs.

Kenneth Walker can help Mahomes in multiple ways

Walker is an excellent running back, that’s why he won Super Bowl MVP. He brings a balance of speed, raw power, and intelligence to his game that not many RBs possess. He is also fresh off a ring-winning 1,000-yard season.

However, that’s not the only way he can help Mahomes. Walker also had 31 catches for 282 yards last season. Mahomes can perfectly ditch it out and let Walker do the rest. Screen passes and play-action can also be a part of the menu when having someone like Walker.

Veach also mentioned a revamped O-line

The offensive line was also upgraded and that’s key. While not sexy, the O-line is like the door to a house. It doesn’t matter how big or fancy the house is, it’s nothing without a door that protects it. The Chiefs now brought big guys that will protect Mahomes, and also open holes for Walker.

Josh Simmons is likely to take the left tackle spot, with Kingsley Suamataia at left guard. Creed Humphrey will resume his role as center, while Trey Smith will serve as right guard. The right tackle spot will likely belong to Jaylon Moore.

This offseason, the Seahawks decided not to offer Walker III a new contract, prompting him to sign a three-year, $43 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and join Patrick Mahomes’ offense.

Zach Charbonnet now appears as the RB1 in the depth chart. Nevertheless, it seems like the Seahawks want to add more depth, with Najee Harris visiting the team on Wednesday.

Najee Harris may have a larger role in Seattle than in Las Vegas

Najee Harris entered the NFL as the 24th overall pick in 2021. He had an immediate impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons.

Following his time in Pittsburgh, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short in Week 3 by a torn Achilles. Now a free agent, his best opportunity to return to a high-volume role may be with the Seahawks.

Seattle features a solid offensive line that helped Walker III thrive in 2025. If Harris joins the Seahawks, he would likely lead a committee alongside Zach Charbonnet (who is recovering from a February ACL surgery).

In contrast, joining the Raiders, who Harris will visit next week, would likely see him in a clear “wingman” role behind 2025 first-round standout Ashton Jeanty, who led the league in broken tackles as a rookie.

Speaking about the team’s running back situation after Kenneth Walker III left for the Chiefs, Schneider pretty much said running backs are expendable. “That’s a position that you can find guys,” he said to Seattle Sports.

Pretty much, he said that Walker leaving is not as big of a deal. This is the Super Bowl MVP he’s talking about, so it’s a big statement. This is even more drastic given that the Seahawks don’t have exactly a top replacement on the roster.

Charbonnet might not be ready to start the season

Charbonnet was part of the Seahawks’ committee until he blew his ACL. That allowed Kenneth Walker to blossom and get his Chiefs contract. However, Charbonnet might not recover for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Schneider also trusts an internal solution might be found for Walker.

The Seahawks did bring former Packer, Emmanuel Wilson, to the roster. Having said that, Wilson was a backup in Green Bay. Per Schneider, “we’re really excited about Emmanuel Wilson.” They also have Cam Akers on the roster. None of them are on Walker’s level.

The Seahawks running game is on alert watch

Schneider might not feel like it, but the Seahawks offense might resent Walker leaving. In fact, the whole offense might be suffering big time. Offensive coordinator Kubiak is gone. Your best running back is gone. The team hasn’t done much to spend on first-tier talent. The offense might regress heavily.