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Devonta Freeman 2018 Outlook: Prepare The Bounceback
6 years agoBetween 2015 and 2016, Devonta Freeman had 2,135 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns plus another 1,040 receiving yards. After a down season in 2017, it feels like we have completely forgotten about all he’s done. Is he done though?
Freeman averaged 4.4 yards per carry last season, which was higher than his breakout season in 2015. The problem is that the Falcons reduced his workload. Freeman suffered two concussions last season and that probably contributed to his workload issues. So, while we would love to see Freeman have the same volume as past seasons, his efficiency was still better than previous seasons. That will be key to his success in 2018.
If Freeman can stay healthy and continue to provide elite efficiency, then there will be a place for him on all our fantasy rosters. It’s time to buy Freeman and buy a bounce back season. Fantasy owners underestimate changes in coordinators and how it affects a team. Kyle Shanahan is a great coach and it’s possible that the Falcons just needed a year to adjust to Steve Sarkisian. The addition of another dynamic pass catcher in Calvin Ridley will help to open the offense again. I don’t expect Matt Ryan to win an MVP in 2018 or the Falcons to have the best offense in the NFL, but they will be much better.
