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Devonta Freeman 2019 Outlook: Forgotten RB1
6 years agoAtlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman was essentially a wasted pick last year, missing all but two games and leaving fantasy owners down a starting RB. Assuming good health, there is no reason he shouldn't immediately be a factor once more. In fact, Freeman could be set for his best season since 2016. Backfield-mate Tevin Coleman signed with San Francisco, leaving Ito Smith, Brian Hill, and fifth-round pick Qadree Ollison as the only other RBs of consequence on the roster.
Freeman is not only set to see a big workload, he will do so on an offense that ranked 10th in scoring offense last season and just bolstered its offensive line with two first-rounders in the NFL Draft.
Freeman already has a pair of standout seasons under his belt, going over 1,000 rushing yards and scoring 11 TD in both 2016 and 2017 despite sharing time with Coleman. While he may be viewed as an injury risk or discriminated against by fantasy owners who prefer youthful RBs, he is just 27, the same age as Le'Veon Bell. Freeman is available outside the top 20 running backs, which still means you'll need to grab him before the fifth round. He is a high-upside RB2 and a perfect ZeroRB target if the value is right.
