Atlanta Falcons: Fantasy Outlook Finishing the Season
By Adnan Ikic
Hard Running: Devonta Freeman (22 Carries, 73 Rushing Yards, 3 Catches, 17 Receiving Yards, 1 Touchdown: 15.00 Points)
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores a touchdown past Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The difference between this match-up against the Panthers and the one from two weeks ago was absolutely night and day for Devonta Freeman, who scored 10.8 more fantasy points this time around.
The Carolina Panthers have a stout run defense, and they showcased that, holding Freeman to just 3.3 yards per carry. The Falcons stuck with the run game however, and that was the key to the offense’s success.
Freeman was definitely stuffed a few times, but he also burst free a few times, and scored Atlanta’s first touchdown of the game from four yards out thanks to some beautiful blocking. Freeman added 17 receiving yards, but would’ve had at least 15 more if it weren’t for a drop in opposing territory.
Analysis: Judging from my analysis on Julio Jones, and saying that he should be a first round fantasy pick next season, you’d think that I’d advocate for him to be the first Falcon off the board. That’s not the case however, as I think that Devonta Freeman should be a top 3 fantasy pick. He is one of the elite running backs.
Good running backs in fantasy football are few and far between, so you have to get the truly elite ones right away. Freeman is the top scoring running back in fantasy football, and he is just now entering his prime. You wouldn’t be crazy to take him with the first pick next year.