The Atlanta Falcons picked up their biggest win of the season Sunday, beating the Denver Broncos 23-16, and running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman were two big reasons why.
Freeman and Coleman both had big days, with the former doing his damage on the ground and the latter making an impact through the air.
If the two can continue sharing the workload in such a balanced manner, then they’ll both position themselves as major contributors in standard fantasy football leagues.
Below is an outlook for Freeman and Coleman following Week 5.
Devonta Freeman
Freeman had a somewhat lukewarm start to the season, rushing for 113 yards and zero touchdowns through Atlanta’s first two games. The last three weeks, however, he has been more of what fantasy owners expected when they selected him early on draft day.
It’s not as if benching Freeman was ever a discussion, but the last few games have offered reassurance that the third-year running back is an RB1 in standard leagues.
Fantasy owners should expect Freeman to have less of a role in the passing game, though, with Coleman’s emergence. Last year, Freeman had 73 receptions for 578 yards and three touchdowns. A repeat of those numbers isn’t happening.
As long as he’s getting the majority of carries, though, Freeman will be a must-start every week.
Tevin Coleman
Coleman isn’t going anywhere. Sunday’s game was evidence the Falcons have found a way to maximize his abilities while simultaneously establishing the running game with Freeman as the workhorse.
ESPN.com’s Bill Barnwell highlighted how Atlanta had success finding mismatches for Coleman:
Coleman’s 31-yard touchdown reception illustrated how his speed can cause serious problems for an opposing defense:
The presence of Freeman somewhat hinders Coleman’s fantasy ceiling. In Week 4, Coleman had 33 all-purpose yards in a win over the Carolina Panthers. As the backup running back, he’ll be prone for the occasional barren showing.
Still, Coleman is making a strong case to at least be a flex option going forward.
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