Week 8 at Atlanta Falcons
Royce Freeman had three carries and one reception for a total of 19 yards last week against the Giants. Chuba Hubbard is getting the bulk of the work in Carolina while Christian McCaffrey is hurt, and there’s no reason to expect that to change. He should remain on waivers.
Week 7 at New York Giants
Royce Freeman has had some spot-duty work since Christian McCaffrey went down, but he only had one carry for three yards last week and has clearly taken a backseat to Chuba Hubbard. Leave him on waivers.
Week 4 at Dallas Cowboys
Royce Freeman played a little against the Texans after Christian McCaffrey got hurt, winding up with one catch and five carries for 25 yards. While we fully expect Chuba Hubbard to get the bulk of the work in McCaffrey’s absence, fantasy managers should add Freeman to their rosters if they have the roster space. Freeman got a little work last week, and if Hubbard falters, he could get yanked quickly. Don’t start him this week, but keep an eye on the situation.
Week 17 vs. Oakland Raiders
While Phillip Lindsay continues to receive the majority of Denver’s rushes, Royce Freeman finished last Sunday’s game with nine carries for 28 yards and his fourth score of the season – second in the past three weeks. Freeman has reached 500 yards on the ground in ’19 and is a contributor in the passing attack with 42 receptions. Back in September against the Raiders he led the Broncos with 56 rushing yards but should only be started in the rematch if you’re low on options.
Week 16 vs. Detroit Lions
The Broncos offense was held to 52 rushing yards and three points at Kansas City last week. Royce Freeman received five carries for 12 yards and four receptions for 14 yards in the loss. He continues to play second fiddle to Phillip Lindsay in the ground game, as he hasn’t had double-digit rushing attempts in six straight games and is averaging just 28 total yards during that span. Freeman should only be started if you’re out of other RB options.
Week 15 at Kansas City Chiefs
At Houston last week Royce Freeman ran for only 24 yards, but helped fantasy owners with a short TD reception, his third score of ’19. Freeman remains Denver’s No. 2 RB behind Phillip Lindsay and is averaging less than eight touches over the past five games. In the home loss to Kansas City, Freeman finished with 67 total yards and the team’s lone TD, but he continues to be a risky play due to the recent lack of opportunities, even against a poor KC run defense.
Week 14 at Houston Texans
For the seventh straight game, Royce Freeman failed to rush for at least 45 yards in the win over the Chargers last Sunday. Over the past four contests, he is averaging only seven touches without a score. With Drew Lock making his first start, the Broncos ground game was held to 84 yards by the Los Angeles defense that often was crowding the line. The rookie will remain at QB and Freeman just isn’t seeing enough action for him to be included in your starting lineup.
Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
With the Broncos offense doing next to nothing last week at Buffalo, Royce Freeman finished with just 29 yards on a season-low four touches. With Brandon Allen under center the past three games Freeman has averaged only six touches for 29 yards and no TDs. In Week 5 against the Chargers, the RB rushed for 61 yards but with his lack of opportunities lately, he’s a risky fantasy start.
Week 12 at Buffalo Bills
With Phillip Lindsay receiving 16 carries at Minnesota last week, Royce Freeman finished with eight rushes for 31 yards and a 14-yard reception. Freeman hasn’t rushed for more than 40 yards in five straight games and has just 15 total touches the past two contests. While he’ll continue to share the backfield with Lindsay, Freeman’s recent lack of productivity makes him a risky fantasy play, especially on the road against a stout defense.
Week 11 at Minnesota Vikings
Two weeks ago versus the Browns, Royce Freeman was held to season lows of 15 yards and five carries. It was Phillip Lindsay’s game to shine, as he rushed for more than 90 yards and a score in the win. With Brandon Allen now the signal-caller, look for defenses to force the inexperienced QB to try to beat them, which could stymy the Denver ground attack. Versus the Vikings No. 7 run defense, Freeman is more of an RB3/flex option.
