Falcons Post-Week 3 Fantasy Outlook

The Falcons marched into the Louisiana Superdome on Monday Night and sent a message to the rest of the division, winning in a nationally televised shootout. The fantasy football results were rich and rewarding.

Take a breather Falcons fans, you just witnessed one of the most satisfying wins ever, for the birds. Atlanta’s offense marched to the beat of its own drum in New Orleans, as Matt Ryan marshaled an upset against the arch rivals on their special night.

For the second straight week, the Falcons were in the middle of a shootout, and that means an explosive fantasy football day.

Here is the week 3 Falcons fantasy review, and outlook heading into week 4.

(Note: This is based on NFL.com standard scoring)

1. Devonta Freeman

Stiff Arms and Ankle Breakers: Devonta Freeman (14 carries, 152 rushing yards, 5 catches, 55 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown: 26.70 points)

At least for this week, Devonta Freeman managed to reward fantasy owners for their first round investment in him. The Florida State alum exploded for 207 yards from scrimmage, and reminded fantasy players that he was the highest scoring running back in the game last season.

Freeman was as explosive as ever on Monday night — having three separate plays where he went for over 20-yards (the longest being a 36-yard run). He led the team in both rushing yards and receiving yards.

The offensive line was splendid, and Freeman made New Orleans’ life miserable — laying down a viscous stiff arm, and twice making Jairus Byrd fall over with a juke move, on his way to 152 rushing yards on 10.9 yards per carry.

The fantasy highlight of the day for the third year man was a 13-yard pass which he took to the endzone, on the first play of the second quarter.

Analysis: From a fantasy perspective, it was Atlanta’s running backs who were the real winners on Monday Night.  Freeman and Coleman were fed the rock early and often, and the Saints just had no answer for the ground game.

While Freeman out-touched Tevin Coleman – 19 to 15 – it should be worrisome to Freeman fantasy owners that Coleman got the goal-line carries, and all 3 rushing touchdowns. This is a true committee, and it looks like Kyle Shanahan has made the decision to make Coleman the primary goal-line back.

Fire Freeman up as a low-end RB2 against a stifling Carolina Panthers defense. Due to the presence of Coleman, a spot in the RB1 ranks will elude Devonta Freeman this season.