Week 6 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Last week in New Jersey Royce Freeman was grounded by the Jets. With the Broncos playing from behind for much of the afternoon, the rookie rushed the ball just five times for 31 yards, with 24 of those yards coming on one carry. Phillip Lindsay and Freeman combined for 92 yards on the ground, but Lindsay received over two-thirds of the attempts. The Rams are allowing 107 rushing yards per game but Denver may be playing from behind again, so consider Freeman a RB3/flex play.
Week 5 at New York Jets
In the Monday night home loss to Kansas City, Royce Freeman finished with eight carries for 67 yards and a patient 14-yard TD run, his third consecutive game with a score. While fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay received 12 rushing attempts, the two RBs will continue to receive playing time and touches. The Jets are middle-of-the pack versus the run, making Freeman a RB3/flex start on the road.
Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
On Denver’s first offensive play versus the Ravens last Sunday, following a blocked punt, Royce Freeman ran six yards for a TD—the second straight game he’s found the end zone. With Phillip Lindsay being ejected in the second quarter of the loss in Baltimore, Freeman led the team with 13 carries for 53 yards. Look for the two rookies to continue to split playing time and touches on Monday night at home versus Kansas City. The Chiefs are allowing 111 rushing yards per game, making Freeman a RB3/flex option.
Week 3 at Baltimore Ravens
In the comeback win versus the Raiders last Sunday, Royce Freeman ran for just 28 yards on eight carries. Starting him wasn’t a total waste for fantasy owners, though, as he scored on a one-yard plunge and saw most of the action near the goal line. Phillip Lindsay carried the ball 14 times for over 100 yards in last week’s victory, which is a concern if Freeman is on your roster. Expect the rookies to continue to split playing time, with Freeman remaining the short-yardage back.
Week 2 vs. Oakland Raiders
In their first regular season game versus Seattle, Royce Freeman and fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay each ran for 71 yards on 15 carries. It was Freeman who received the start, but Lindsay was the more explosive RB during most of the contest. The bigger back, Freeman, picked up 37 of his yards on four attempts during the Broncos' final drive when they were running the clock down. Expect Freeman and Lindsay to continue to share RB duties, with Freeman likely used more in short-yardage situations.
Week 1 vs. Seattle Seahawks
It was announced at the beginning of this week by HC Vance Joseph that Royce Freeman will be the starting RB for the opener. The rookie led the team with a 5.6 yards per carry average and scored three times during the preseason. While Freeman should receive the bulk of the carries on first and second down, look for Devontae Booker to fill in on third down. The Seahawks defense isn’t as dominant as it used to be, which should bode well for owners of the former Oregon Duck. You drafted him, so go ahead and insert Freeman into your Week 1 lineup.
Fantasy Upside
During his college career at Oregon, Royce Freeman was a four-year starter who ran for over 5,600 yards and registered more than 800 receiving yards, on over 1,000 touches. He also combined to score 64 total TDs. With his 230-pound frame, he has the durability of a three-down RB. He was taken in the third round by the Broncos—an indication Devontae Booker is likely not the long-term answer.
He’s a decent receiver, and if he’s able to improve in pass protection, he could play all three downs
Fantasy Downside
Freeman carried the ball 947 times as a Duck, so you have to wonder if he has been overused and will wear down later into the season. Booker has the most experience on the team and has a good understanding of the offense, something Freeman will need to pick up.
2018 Bottom Line
During the preseason, Freeman and Booker will battle it out for the club’s top ball-carrier. The rookie showed good vision on his cutback runs during OTAs, which is key with the running style the Broncos want to use. Look for the veteran to start for at least the first month of the season, but if Booker shows any limitations and/or Freeman excels, it will be Freeman’s job for the bulk of the season. However, a running back by committee will likely be the approach for much of the regular season.
