RADIO
We all know of the type of numbers Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is capable of putting up. The guy has had a phenomenal year both running and catching the football. Unfortunately for Freeman owners, he's out for today's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Rookie running back Tevin Coleman is slotted in to take his place, but can you trust him today against a good Vikings defense?
Tevin Coleman came into this season as a favorite by many to lead the Atlanta Falcons backfield. The Falcons selected the former Hoosier in the third round of the draft and he was immediately casted as the starter. In Coleman's first game of the year, he showed flashes of being a good running back, carrying the ball 20 times for 80 yards. In Week 2, Coleman followed it up with his first touchdown of the year, but he also injured his ribs, which gave Devonta Freeman a shot to prove himself as the starter. Unfortunately for Coleman investors, Freeman earned the starting job without question and has showed he's one of the best running backs in football this season.
In Freeman's absence, there's a good chance Coleman sees around 20-25 touches today, which bodes well for his production. While the Vikings have a good defense, their run defense was exposed by Eddie Lacy in last week's defeat, a game in which the struggling Lacy ran for 100 yards for the first time this season. In fact, the Vikings defense is giving up about 110 rushing yards per game, which is 18th-worst in the league. The Vikings do only allow around 18 points per game, which is tied for best in the league. These stats lead me to believe that Coleman should rack up some big time yards, but might not find the end zone.
If you're lucky enough to have handcuffed Coleman to Freeman or were able to snag him off of the waiver wire, he is a must play today at either RB2 or flex. I think Coleman is a great young back despite his shaky performance against the Colts last week, and I look for him to bounce back with a good game against the Vikings. I'm predicting Coleman rushes for 110 total yards, but I don't think he'll find the end zone against the Vikings defense.
