The absence of running back Tevin Coleman was supposed to be a big blow for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, leaving them with second-year back Devonta Freeman as the team’s only real running back against the Dallas Cowboys. It worked out okay for one week -- Freeman was a monster in the Falcons’ 39-28 win Sunday.
Devonta Freeman has monster game for Atlanta; fantasy value on the rise
In his first game with Tevin Coleman sidelined, Freeman was huge for the Falcons. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Freeman ran the ball 30 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns. He was also the team’s second-leading receiver, with five receptions (on five targets) for 52 yards. Coleman missed Sunday’s game with a rib injury, which is expected to sideline him multiple weeks.
Fantasy impact: The Atlanta offensive line has been an issue for years now, but the running game has looked better early in the season than it has in some time, giving hope that the line has improved. Coleman looked to be the top guy through a couple weeks, with Freeman spelling him. With Coleman out, though, it’ll be Freeman’s job for as long as he can handle it, with undrafted rookie Terrod Ward the only other real running back on the roster.
The Falcons play some friendly defenses over the next few weeks (Week 5 opponent Washington excepted), so Freeman could continue to be productive, at least until Coleman returns. Sunday will be his best game of the season, but he’ll have moments.
