Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football Forecast Week Five
The Running Backs
Tevin Coleman – Running Back
Standard: 7.7 Points PPR: 10.7
After rushing for his first career 100 yard day, Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman has been held under 100 total yards for two straight games. Tevin was held in check to the tune of just 14 carries for 51 yards. That’s a below average 3.6 yards per carry, with a long of just nine yards.
Coleman also chipped in three catches for 26 yards. His best play of the day was a 15 yard reception. The last two games have a disappointment for fantasy GM’s who were hoping to get maximum points, while Coleman didn’t have to split carries with Devonta Freeman in the Atlanta Falcons backfield.
Week Five Forecast
Tevin Coleman will face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that is number seven in allowing the least amount of fantasy points, to opposing team’s running backs. Rushing yards can be made against Pittsburgh, as they ranked tied for number 22 in run defense.
Where it will be especially difficult for Tevin to gain yards against the Steelers defense, is through air. They limit the opposing running backs catches, and yards after the catch. That’s how they rank seven versus fantasy running backs.
Looking at the fact that Tevin Coleman has struggled for consecutive weeks and will now have to share the backfield, starting him becomes a risky proposition.
Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is also known to struggle when it comes to getting both running backs fully involved in the game plan.
Advice: Sit Tevin Coleman
Devonta Freeman – Running Back
Devonta Freeman returns after a three game absence. Freeman was held to only eight fantasy points against the tough Philadelphia Eagles front seven in week one. Freeman had only 36 yards rushing and 14 yards receiving in the contest.
Despite the early season struggles combined with injury, it’s important to note that when healthy Devonta Freeman is a top 10 fantasy running back. That makes him a running back number one. He scored double-digit rushing touchdowns in 2015 and 2016. He scored seven touchdowns last season.
Week Five Outlook
Fantasy general managers will be tempted to start Freeman after eagerly anticipating his return. However rust is certain to be a factor. Not only has Freeman missed three weeks, but he didn’t play at all during the preseason. Also it will be important to monitor how Steve Sarkisian divides up the carries.