Week 7: Freeman vs. Ravens
Devonta Freeman carried the ball just twice for five yards while adding two catches on three targets for an addition 26 yards in the Falcons' Week 6 loss to the Bears. At the start of the season we thought Freeman would be the Atlanta back to own because he was a nice fit for the Falcons' pass-happy offense. But he's stuck in a four-back committee and has been outplayed by Antone Smith. At some point the Atlanta coaching staff may come to its senses and give Smith and Freeman more opportunities while sliding Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers down the depth chart, but we're not holding our breath. Freeman isn't worth owning in re-draft leagues and can safely be cut if you haven't already. He ranks as our No. 50 overall RB for Week 7.
Week 6: Freeman vs. Bears
Devonta Freeman rushed four times for 38 yards while catching five passes for 44 yards in the Falcons' Week 5 loss to the Giants. It was the rookie's most productive game of the season but he continues to share touches with three other backs: Steven Jackson, Antone Smith and Jacquizz Rodgers. After coach Mike Smith admitted earlier this week that Smith deserves more touches, Freeman's role in the offense could shrink again. Leave the rookie on your waiver wire for now.
Week 5: Freeman vs. Giants
Devonta Freeman rushed just twice for eight yards while adding two catches for 12 yards in the Falcons' Week 4 loss to the Vikings. Atlanta likes to use all four of its backs in a committee but Freeman continues to be low man on the totem pole. Leave him on your waiver wire.
Week 4: Freeman vs. Vikings
Devonta Freeman rushed 11 times for 12 yards in the Falcons' 56-14 win over the Buccaneers in Week 3. He also added a seven-yard reception and lost a fumble when the ball was easily popped out of his grip in the second half. Freeman is just one of the four backs that Atlanta employs in its backfield committee and at this point, he holds no fantasy value. In the past we've recommend to stash Freeman in case he eventually emerges as the lead back but owners can safely drop him if they're in need of a roster spot. OC Dirk Koetter seems adamant on using all four of his backs in his offense.
Freeman vs. Bucs
Devonta Freeman caught 2-of-4 passes for 22 yards in the Falcons' Week 2 loss versus the Bengals but was also held without a rushing attempt. Atlanta used all four of its backs effectively against the Saints in Week 1 but scaled back its committee in Week 2 and Freeman received less touches as a result. With Steven Jackson looking like a shell of his former self, the more explosive Freeman should get more looks in the Falcons' pass-first offense soon. Then again, coach Mike Smith stuck with Michael Turner a full year after the veteran stopped being productive so maybe Jackson will continue to see the bulk of carries at the expense of guys like Freeman. If you have the roster space, keep Freeman on your bench for now and stash him for down the road. At some point Smith might not have a choice but to turn to the rookie to jump start the running game but for now, Freeman has no fantasy value.
Week 2: Freeman vs. Bengals
Devonta Freeman rushed for 15 yards on two carries and added two catches for 18 yards in the Falcons' 37-34 overtime win over the Saints. On one of his receptions, he caught a pass near the sidelines and broke a tackle in order to pick up a key first down early in the game. While his production was limited, Freeman showed more burst and playmaking ability than Steven Jackson, who also looked indecisive on most of his 12 carries. Freeman isn't a fantasy option yet, but if you're patient and have an open roster spot he's certainly worth a stash. He's our No. 60 RB for Week 2.
Week 1: Freeman vs. Saints
Devonta Freeman is currently buried on the Falcons' depth chart behind Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith, but that doesn't mean he isn't worth a roster stash right now. If Jackson were to suffer an injury, Rodgers has proven that he's merely a COP back in Koetter's offense and while Smith has flashed home run ability in the past, his role will remain limited as well. Once he can be trusted in pass protection and on special teams, Freeman should see his role in Atlanta's offense increase. And if Jackson were to ever suffer a serious injury (always a possibility with him), then Freeman may become the Falcons' featured back.
Fantasy Upside
Due to his playmaking ability in both the running and passing game, rookie Devonta Freeman has the potential to be a RB1 at some point in Atlanta. He's currently buried on the team's depth chart, but look who is in front of him: Steven Jackson is 31 and already dealing with a hamstring injury, the coaching staff ostensibly don't view Jacquizz Rodgers as a RB1, and Antone Smith is regarded as a change-of-pace back. One serious injury to Jackson and Freeman could find himself as the RB1.
Fantasy Downside
Freeman only played one series in the Falcons' third preseason game, which could mean the coaching staff doesn't trust him enough yet to give him significant reps. Conversely, the coaching staff seemingly has faith in Rodgers to lead a committee if Jackson were to miss time in the regular season. Rodgers started Atlanta's third preseason game and handled the majority of the first-team work. Freeman is being drafted ahead of Rodgers in both standard and PPR leagues, but he has yet to overtake both Rodgers or Smith on the depth chart.
Bottom Line
Owners that target Freeman in the 11th (10-team) or ninth (12-team) round of their leagues will need to show patience. He has the tools to be a starter but the coaching staff in Atlanta will be slow in giving him an increased role with three veterans ahead of him on the depth chart. But he's still worth a roster stash, as he has more upside than any back on the Falcons' roster. Don't expect an immediate return on your investment, but with Jackson's injury history and Rodgers' limitations, Freeman may force Mike Smith and Dirk Koetter's hand at some point. He simply has too much talent to ride the bench all season.
