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Fantasy Football NFC South rankings for 2016: Devonta Freeman

By Freddie Boston

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Washington Redskins defense during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Washington Redskins defense during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Redskins 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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We continue our “Falcons 50” countdown with a look at the top five fantasy football players in the NFC South for 2016. Falcons football is just 24 days away. You can follow along with the full countdown here.

Top NFC South fantasy players of 2016: #4 Devonta Freeman

Enter last season’s premier fantasy running back, Devonta Freeman. A three-touchdown performance at Dallas in Week 3 proved to be no fluke, Freeman storming to an incredible 1,639 all-purpose yards with 14 total touchdowns.

Not only is Freeman a dangerous runner between the tackles, he was also one of Matt Ryan’s favorite targets in the passing game.

Last season’s numbers

Games: 15

Yards: 1,639

Touchdowns: 14

Fantasy points: 246.40

Positional ranking: 1

The big question with Freeman is whether he can back up his stunning 2015 season. Talent isn’t the issue, second-year running back Tevin Coleman is.

Unlike Freeman, Coleman was drafted under this regime, so there will be a sense of loyalty from Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan to get their man the ball. Keeping Freeman fresh is also a priority, especially after burning out at the backend of last year.

The big question is how many carries Coleman will take away. Assuming Freeman picks up where he left off last term, it will be hard to keep the ball out of his hands.

Freeman will once again be among the premier fantasy running backs in all of football, but will he hold the No. 1 spot again? That’s somewhat doubtful.

For that reason, be cautious when selecting Freeman. Is he worth a first-round pick? Probably not, but he could be an excellent second-round steal.

Even with Coleman sharing some of the spotlight, Freeman’s ability to catch the football as well as line up in the backfield makes him a fantasy football stud. And one you want on your team.

Next: Falcons 50: The full countdown to kickoff

Freeman will once again sit with the stars in 2016.

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