Divisional Round at Philadelphia Eagles
Tevin Coleman rushed for 23 yards on 11 carries while adding 2 catches for 14 yards on 2 targets in the Falcons’ Wild Card win over the Rams. Coleman’s biggest contribution came on a 3rd-and-9 play early in the third quarter when he caught a screen pass, slipped a tackle, and ran 14 yards for a first down. Atlanta capped the drive off with a field goal to extend its lead to 16-10.
Coleman has averaged just 22.3 rushing yards over his last four games and has clearly taken a backseat to Devonta Freeman in Steve Sarkisian’s offense. Coleman has always been Atlanta’s No. 2 back but his usage has dipped greatly since Freeman returned from a concussion in early December. Why Sarkisian doesn’t use Coleman more in the passing game is confusing but nevertheless, avoid using the back on Saturday when the Falcons visit the Eagles. He’s our No. 12 RB for the Divisional Round.
Wild Card Round at Los Angeles Rams
Tevin Coleman rushed 11 times for 23 yards while adding 2 catches for 14 yards on 2 targets in the Falcons' Week 17 win over the Panthers. Coleman's season ended with a thud as he was barely used in Atlanta's crucial victory. Former OC Kyle Shanahan would line Coleman up everywhere along the line of scrimmage, creating mismatches against nickel corners or linebackers. Steve Sarkisian, however, never figured out how to use Coleman this season.
On Saturday night the Falcons will take on the Rams in the Wild Card round. The Rams rank 22nd in rushing defense DVOA and in order to slow down Aaron Donald and L.A.'s nasty pass rush, Atlanta will need to run the ball consistently. That could make Coleman a sneaky start this weekend, although there's no guarantee he'll get enough touches to be worth starting in your playoff formats. Ranked as our No. 10 RB for Wild Card weekend, use Coleman at your own risk.
Week 17 vs. Carolina Panthers
Tevin Coleman rushed 6 times for 12 yards and caught 4 passes for 40 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ Week 16 loss to the Saints. The touchdown came in garbage time as Coleman saved his fantasy day but otherwise did nothing. Coleman has been quiet since Devonta Freeman returned from his concussion three weeks ago and he has a horrible matchup Sunday when the Falcons host the Panthers (No. 4 defense against fantasy running backs). Coleman ranks as our No. 37 RB for Week 17. Avoid him.
Week 15 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tevin Coleman rushed just 9 times for 32 yards in the Falcons' Week 14 win over the Saints. For the second time in three weeks, Coleman wasn't targeted in the passing game. He also suffered a concussion midway through the fourth quarter and still hasn't been cleared to play Week 15 when the Falcons travel to Tampa. Ranked as our No. 34 RB for this week, it's best to avoid Coleman even if he does clear concussion protocol in time for Monday night. Ever since Devonta Freeman returned from his own concussion three weeks ago, Coleman's fantasy appeal has taken a hit.
Week 14 vs. New Orleans Saints
Tevin Coleman rushed 8 times for 22 yards and caught 3-of-6 passes for 27 yards in the Falcons' Week 13 loss to the Vikings. With Devonta Freeman back from a concussion, Coleman reverted back to his role as the No. 2 back in Atlanta's offense. While he was mostly unproductive, Coleman did see 11 touches and remains an active part of the offense.
That said, avoid Coleman if you can in Week 14. He has another somewhat difficult matchup against a Saints defense ranked 11th against fantasy running backs this season. Ranked as our No. 30 RB, Coleman is merely a FLEX option for Thursday night. If Mike Davis or Peyton Barber are available on your waiver wire, they would be better options than Coleman this week.
Week 13 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Tevin Coleman rushed 19 times for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Falcons' Week 12 win over the Bucs. His second score came from 14 yards out with Atlanta attempting to put the nail in the coffin late in the fourth quarter. It was Coleman's best game since replacing Devonta Freeman (Concussion) in Week 10.
Coleman will return to his No. 2 role behind Freeman, who has cleared concussion protocol and will return on Sunday. The Falcons have a difficult matchup in Week 13 when the Vikings travel to Atlanta. Minnesota owns the No. 3 ranked fantasy defense against running backs and thus, it'll be difficult to trust Coleman as anything more than a FLEX option. He ranks as our No. 33 RB for Week 13.
Week 12 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tevin Coleman rushed 20 times for 43 yards and 1 touchdown in the Falcons' 34-31 victory over the Seahawks on Monday night. He made the start with Devonta Freeman (concussion) out and ran hard against a tough Seattle run defense. He nearly scored a second touchdown late in the fourth quarter but replay showed he was just short of the goal line.
With Freeman still in the concussion protocol as of Friday morning, Coleman will draw another start on Sunday when the Falcons host the Buccaneers. Assuming Freeman is out again, Coleman is a low-end RB1 and ranks as our No. 8 RB for Week 12. He has a nice matchup against a Tampa Bay defense ranked 19th against fantasy running backs this season.
Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks
Tevin Coleman rushed 20 times for 83 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' Week 10 win over the Cowboys. He became the team's lead runner early in the game after Devonta Freeman left with a concussion in the first quarter. While Coleman didn't hit any home runs, he was steady throughout and now has double-digit touches in three of his last five games.
Freeman is reportedly unlikely to play on Monday night when the Falcons travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks. If he sits, Coleman becomes a borderline-RB1 despite the difficult matchup. If Freeman plays, Coleman is still a FLEX option given his usage over the last few weeks. For now, Coleman ranks as our No. 9 RB for Week 11. Terron Ward would be Coleman's backup if Freeman can't play.
Week 10 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Tevin Coleman rushed 5 times for 5 yards and also caught 1-of-2 targets for a 19-yard touchdown in the Falcons' Week 9 loss to the Panthers. Coleman owners were about to take it on the chin until he scored his second-half touchdown. He took a backseat to Devonta Freeman and was shut down by Carolina's dominant run defense.
Coleman was a steady RB2 in PPR formats but he's more of a boom-or-bust RB3/flex play right now. The Falcons host the Cowboys on Sunday and Dallas ranks 14th against fantasy running backs, so the matchup is okay this weekend. Ranked as our No. 23 RB for Week 10, view Coleman as a FLEX option instead of a solid RB2.
Week 9 at Carolina Panthers
Tevin Coleman rushed 14 times for 82 yards in the Falcons' Week 8 win over the Jets. He also caught his lone target for 22 yards. Coleman provided Atlanta's offense with a major boost when he broke off a 52-yard run in the second half. He actually out-touched Devonta Freeman 15 to 13 on the day. (It's important to note Freeman did suffer a stinger late in the second half.)
Coleman's usage has been inconsistent but he remains a weekly FLEX option. Ranked as our No. 22 RB for Week 9, he doesn't have a great matchup this Sunday when the Falcons travel to Carolina. The Panthers rank third against fantasy running backs this season but Coleman is still a viable starting option despite the tough matchup.
