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Devonta Freeman: Worthwhile Add in DFS and FFL?

By Matthew Schoettler

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Through the first two weeks of the 2015 season, Devonta Freeman has assumed the second-string role for the Atlanta Falcons, but that could quickly change heading into Week 3.

The Atlanta Falcons spent their third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on running back Tevin Coleman. The rookie running back out of the University of Indiana compiled 3,219 rushing yards on 452 rush attempts, for a healthy average of 7.1 yards per carry.

-= Related: Tevin Coleman: Falcons’ RB to Miss Time with Fractured Rib =-

Tevin Coleman appeared poised to carve out a large role in the Falcon’s backfield. During Week 1, Coleman showed promise, rushing for 80 yards on 20 carries. He seemed capable to repeat, if not better, those stats in Week 2; however, he suffered a fractured rib during his tilt with the New York Giants.

Dan Quinn has not given a timetable for when the rookie could return to action, but Coleman is highly unlikely to return to action in Week 3, leaving the door open second-year running back Devonta Freeman. Freeman should see a large uptick in carries in Week 3. 

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Although Devonta Freeman will likely see a larger role in the upcoming weeks, he faces a stingy Dallas Cowboys defense that held DeMarco Murray to a measly two yards on 13 carries. Moreover, this same Dallas defense allowed just 99 yards to the Giants’ backfield; thus, don’t expect a dominating performance from Devonta Freeman in Week 3 .

Devonta Freeman could be a high-risk, high-reward player in Week 3, especially in daily fantasy (DFS); since, he will have a very cheap price tag. So do not be afraid to roll him out in the daily leagues like FanDuel and Draft Kings, because Freeman poses little risk with such a low price tag.

In addition to DFS, Freeman is likely to become a hot commodity on the waiver-wire in fantasy football leagues (FFL) for teams looking to boost their running back strength. He may not have a stellar performance in Week 3, but Weeks 4 and 5 could allow him to rack up points (facing Houston and Washington, respectively).

Filling in for the injured Coleman after he left early in Week 2, Freeman managed to score a rushing touchdown, despite only rushing for 25 yards on 12 carries. Devonta Freeman could be a sneaky play in week three, but do not expect for him to put up eye-popping numbers, because that would be unlikely against the Cowboys’ defense.

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It would be unlikely that Tevin Coleman only misses Week 3; thus, he could miss Week 4. Week 4 presents a much more appealing matchup for Devonta Freeman, because the Atlanta Falcons play the Houston Texans at home. Devonta Freeman becomes a must-add for fantasy football leagues that have 10-plus teams.

He should provide value over the next couple of weeks, especially with Coleman having no timetable for a return to the field. Cracked ribs are a tricky injury, due to the fact that any hit could re-injure the rib. Dan Quinn will want to monitor Coleman’s situation closely, so expect for Freeman to stand as the bell-cow back for the next couple weeks.

Next: Desmond Trufant: The NFL's Next Great Shutdown Corner?

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