Week 11 vs. Indianapolis
Devonta Freeman rushed for just 12 yards on 12 carries but saved PPR owners by catching 8-of-10 targets for 67 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons Week 9 loss to the 49ers. The bye week likely benefited Freeman, who is carrying a struggling Atlanta offense. While he's in his second NFL season, this is the first year that he's been a full-time player so hopefully he doesn't hit a wall soon. As of now, he remains fantasy's top overall player and is our No. 1-rated running back for Week 11. Start him in all formats against the Colts.
Week 9 at San Francisco
Devonta Freeman rushed for 88 yards on 21 carries while also catching 6-of-8 targets for 43 yards in the Falcons Week 8 loss to the Titans. While he failed to reach the end zone, Freeman remains one of the best backs in fantasy and should have a monster day this Sunday against San Francisco and its 30th-ranked fantasy defense versus running backs. Ranked as our RB1 for Week 9, Freeman is a must-start in all lineups as he continues to pace Atlanta's offense.
Week 8 vs. Tampa Bay
Devonta Freeman continues to tear up defenses, rushing 25 times for 116 yards in the Falcons Week 7 win over the Titans. The 100-yard effort was his fourth in his last five games and he also caught two passes on three targets for an addition 14 yards. It's too bad Kyle Shanahan went away from Freeman at the goal line several times in the fourth quarter or else the 23-year-old back would have had another monster day. Regardless, Freeman is entrenched as Atlanta's workhorse back and will continue to be a RB1 no matter what the matchup looks like. He ranks as our RB3 for Week 8 and should be in all fantasy lineups.
Week 7 at Tennessee
Devonta Freeman's destruction of defenses continued in Week 6, as he rushed 13 times for 100 yards and a touchdown while also adding eight catches for 56 yards and an additional score. He now has nine total touchdowns in his last four starts, and even though Tevin Coleman looked good before losing a fumble in the second quarter, Freeman is the clear every-down back in Atlanta. Freeman is averaging 18.17 points per game in standard formats and 22.87 in PPR leagues. He's our No. 1 back for Week 8 and is a must-start every week.
Week 6 at Saints
Devonta Freeman rushed 27 times for 153 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in 7-of-8 targets for 44 yards in the Falcons Week 5 win over the Redskins. Despite rookie Tevin Coleman returning from injury, Freeman still played on 68-of-80 offensive snaps and is entrenched as Atlanta's every-down back. With Julio Jones questionable for Thursday night's game versus the Saints, Kyle Shanahan may lean on Freeman and the running game against New Orleans' No. 16-ranked fantasy defense against RBs. Freeman is a legitimate RB1 and ranks as our No. 2 running back for Week 6.
Week 5 vs. Washington
Devonta Freeman rushed for 68 yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns while adding five receptions for 81 yards in the Falcons Week 4 win over the Texans. After racking up 37 fantasy points in his first career start in Week 3, Freeman followed up that performance with another 32 points last Sunday. The 69 standard fantasy points through his first two career starts is the most by any player in his first two starts during the 21st century according to ESPN.com. Tevin Coleman (ribs) is getting closer to returning from injury, but Freeman has staked his claim as the Falcons starting running back. Now Atlanta has a running game for the first time since 2011, it would be insane for the coaching staff to mess with what's working. Freeman is now a legit RB1 and despite facing fantasy's No. 5 defense versus running backs this Sunday, he's our RB3 for Week 5. Start him.
Week 4 vs. Houston
Devonta Freeman had a breakout performance last week in Dallas, rushing 30 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns in the Falcons come-from-behind victory over the Cowboys. He also added five catches for 52 yards on five targets while playing 88 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps. Tevin Coleman (ribs) began running this week, but isn't expected to play against the Texans (No. 16-ranked fantasy defense vs. running backs). After how he responded to the workload last week, Freeman is a top 10 running back for Week 4.
Week 3 at Dallas
Devonta Freeman rushed 12 times for 25 yards and a touchdown while also adding four catches for 34 yards in the Falcons 24-20 Week 2 win over the Giants. With Tevin Coleman sidelined with a broken rib suffered in the first half, Freeman went on to play 49 of 72 offensive snaps for the Falcons in the win. Freeman will now see the bulk of the workload in Atlanta's backfield as Coleman is unlikely to play at Dallas this Sunday. Freeman doesn't have the same playmaking ability Coleman does, but he's a decent option from a volume standpoint. Against the Cowboys, he'll face the No. 20 fantasy defense versus running backs and ranks as our RB21 for Week 3. He'll be a low-end RB2 in all formats.
Week 2 at New York Giants
Devonta Freeman rushed for 18 yards on 10 carries while catching three-of-our targets for 29 yards in the Falcons 26-24 win over the Eagles in Week 1. Freeman was Atlanta's RB2 behind Tevin Coleman, who shined while rushing for 80 yards on 20 carries. While Freeman was used more in the passing game, Coleman averaged 4.0 YPC compared to Freeman's 1.8. Atlanta's offensive line didn't open many running lanes for the backs, but it was Coleman who succeeded by gaining positive yards more consistently than Freeman. While Freeman will rotate in with Coleman, he's a RB4 with limited upside. He ranks as our RB45 for Week 2 and should be avoided for Sunday's game versus the Giants.
Week 1 vs. Philadelphia
Devonta Freeman has been dealing with a hamstring injury since the start of the preseason. He didn't play in any exhibition game and was limited in Thursday's practice. Tevin Coleman is the back to own in Atlanta, as he is listed as the starting running back on the Falcons official depth chart. While Freeman will still be in the mix, Coleman could wrap up the starting job early in the season if he flashes on Monday versus the Eagles. Freeman is currently ranked as our RB47 for Week 1 and should be avoided. Even if he does play, he'll be limited.
