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Running back Royce Freeman shared the backfield in Denver Broncos last season, but what does that mean for his long-term value? Richard King takes a look at Freeman's value in dynasty leagues for the 2019 fantasy football season.
When it comes to dynasty football leagues, you know there is no offseason. Without the in-season worries of setting lineups and waiver wire claims, dynasty league enthusiasts can focus their efforts on making trades to improve their teams and preparing for rookie drafts. Offseason narratives can be difficult to navigate, but we are here to help!
Today's column will take a look at Denver Broncos running back Royce Freeman. We will start off with an overview of the veteran and then take a look at analyzing his value in dynasty leagues. Then, to finish it off, we will propose some possible trades involving Freeman to give you some ideas for either buying or selling him.
For all discussions regarding Freeman's dynasty value, let's assume you are playing in a 12-team, one-quarterback dynasty league with 0.5 PPR scoring. As always, player values can shift quickly in dynasty leagues so be sure to stay on top of the NFL news cycle when proposing trades.
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Overview
Royce Freeman
Team: Denver Broncos
College: Oregon
Age: 23
Height/Weight: 6'0", 229 pounds
2017 NFL Draft: Round 3, Pick 71 overall
Freeman was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, with the 71st selection. He was the eighth running back drafted in that draft.
In his first season in the NFL, he shared the backfield with fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay. Despite the fact Freeman came in expected to be the lead back and Lindsay was an undrafted free agent, it would be Lindsay who provided more fantasy value by far. Ultimately, Freeman was used on rushing downs and was limited in his involvement in the passing game. Freeman played in 14 games and finished the season with 130 rushing attempts for 521 yards and five touchdowns, while catching 14 passes for 72 yards.
Dynasty Value
Freeman was drafted under the previous coaching staff and Lindsay has proven to be an NFL-caliber talent, but there is a reason as to why the Broncos picked Freeman. Freeman is a great runner and is able to catch the ball if he is given the chance. The Broncos offense stalled last season with quarterback Case Keenum, unable to help the offense move once Demaryius Thomas was moved out of town and Emmanuel Sanders had his season cut short. However, this team has historically been able to support a decent running back with C.J. Anderson having fantasy value in recent times (along with the aforementioned Lindsay).
On top of this, new quarterback Joe Flacco is a typical pocket passer who rarely rushes. This gives the running backs the chance of getting the short dump-offs if Flacco is in trouble in the pocket.
Possible Trades
If looking to move Freeman on for draft picks, I would anticipate his value to be a late first-round pick or multiple later picks.
If I was targeting a wide receiver, I'd be likely looking for an effective WR2 option who has the ability to be a top-level receiver, but who hasn't quite proved it yet with any level of consistency -- a player such as Mike Williams, D.J. Moore or Tyler Boyd. Otherwise, I'd be looking at someone such as Alshon Jeffrey or Sammy Watkins, players who have been effective but who have question marks against them coming into this season due to recurring health issues and a relative lack of youth.
Conclusion
Freeman is a player I would be targeting to buy somewhat low this offseason. Lindsay was highly effective last season, but is now coming off a serious injury and has to re-earn his role in the offense with the new coaching staff once he returns. Freeman still has a ton of upside and should come at a nice discount compared to last year.
