Fantasy Upside
Despite suffering a hamstring injury during camp, Devonta Freeman remains the favorite for early-season work as Atlanta's RB1. He is considered by some to be a perfect fit for new OC Kyle Shanahan's outside zone rushing attack and if he makes the most of his opportunities early in the season, Freeman could wind up being the team's lead back all season. The Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman in the third round this year, but Freeman opened camp as the first-team back and Coleman hasn't separated himself due to a hamstring injury. Running backs have a knack for producing in Shanahan's system (see Alfred Morris) and Freeman will likely have the first opportunity to impress.
Fantasy Downside
Both Freeman and Coleman suffered hamstring injuries at the same time, but Coleman was able to return for the team's third preseason game while Freeman was not. Coleman is the superior runner to Freeman and has more big-play ability. If the rookie makes the most of his chances early, Freeman could quickly lose his loose grasp on the team's starting running back job.
Bottom Line
The Falcons are headed for a committee at running back and while Freeman will likely receive an opportunity to start early in the year, he has done nothing to separate himself from Coleman. He also wasn't drafted under new coach Dan Quinn, who may prefer Coleman eventually become the lead back in Atlanta. Ranked as our RB37, Freeman is worth a late-round flier for depth, but Coleman has more upside in the Falcons backfield.
Week 17: Freeman vs. Panthers
Devonta Freeman rushed five times for 36 yards and one touchdown while also adding three catches for 48 yards in the Falcons' Week 16 win over the Saints. The rookie gave Atlanta a 20-7 lead midway through the third quarter when he ran off tackle, cut outside and hurdled a would-be tackler on his way to a 31-yard score. With Steven Jackson expected to miss Sunday's game against the Panthers after suffering a thigh injury last week, Freeman is an intriguing flex option for Week 17. The problem is that Jacquizz Rodgers will likely start the game and, at the very least, split carries with Freeman. Even so, Freeman is the more talented player and if you're going to roll the dice on any Falcons RB this week, roll with the former FSU Seminole.
Week 16: Freeman vs. Saints
Devonta Freeman carried the ball four times for 21 yards while also catching one pass for an additional nine yards in the Falcons’ Week 15 loss to the Steelers. We’d love to see what the shifty Freeman could do with more touches but Atlanta’s coaching staff insists on giving Steven Jackson the majority of the carries. Freeman doesn’t receive enough opportunities to have fantasy relevance. Avoid him for Week 16.
Week 15: Freeman vs. Steelers
Devonta Freeman rushed twice for negative two yards and caught two passes for 10 yards in the Falcons' Week 14 loss to the Packers. Dirk Koetter isn't using the rookie enough in his offense to merit fantasy consideration. Leave Freeman on your wavier wire.
Week 14: Freeman vs. Packers
Devonta Freeman rushed eight times for 26 yards while also catching one pass for four yards in the Falcons’ Week 13 win over the Cardinals. Freeman nearly scored on Atlanta’s opening possession and had coach Mike Smith challenged the play, likely would have as he appeared to be laying on defenders as he stretched the ball over the goal line. Either way, Freeman continues to be an afterthought in the Falcons’ offense despite showing great burst on outside runs. He has limited fantasy value.
Week 13: Freeman vs. Cardinals
Devonta Freeman rushed five times for only seven yards in the Falcons' Week 12 loss to the Browns. Steven Jackson continues to be the leader in Atlanta's three-back committee, which has left limited opportunities for the rookie Freeman. Avoid him in all formats.
Week 12: Freeman vs. Browns
Devonta Freeman rushed six times for 28 yards in the Falcons’ Week 11 win over the Panthers. With Antone Smith now out for the year with a broken leg, Freeman should see more touches in Atlanta’s offense. That said, Steven Jackson remains the clear-cut No. 1 running back in Dirk Koetter’s offense and thus, Freeman’s opportunities will remain suppressed. He’s only worth a waiver wire pickup in deeper leagues and because Jackson has been sick this week. Freeman ranks as our No. 41 overall RB for Week 12.
Week 11: Freeman vs. Panthers
Devonta Freeman rushed three times for 16 yards and caught one pass for negative two yards in the Falcons’ Week 10 win over the Bucs. The rookie continues to be used sparingly in Atlanta’s offense as Steven Jackson remains the Falcons’ clear RB1. Leave Freeman on your waiver wire.
Week 10: Freeman vs. Bucs
Devonta Freeman carried the ball three times for five yards while also catching a seven-yard touchdown pass in the Falcons’ Week 8 loss to the Lions. He’s shown more burst and elusiveness than the 31-year-old Steven Jackson but Atlanta seems reluctant to give more carries to Freeman and/or Antone Smith. We doubt the Falcons’ coaching staff came to its senses during the bye and will give Freeman more looks, so it’s safe to leave him on your waiver wire.
Week 8: Freeman vs. Lions
Devonta Freeman rushed twice for 20 yards and also caught five passes for 17 yards in the Falcons’ Week 7 loss to the Ravens. The five receptions tied a season high for Freeman but there’s no guarantee that he’ll continue to be involved in the passing game. Instead of giving Freeman and Antone Smith more touches, OC Dirk Koetter continues to spread the wealth between all four of his backs, including ineffective players like Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. Freeman has little to no fantasy value.
