Tevin Coleman

Fantasy Upside

After failing to make an impact as a rookie in 2015, Tevin Coleman finished 2016 as fantasy's RB18. While Devonta Freeman heads into 2017 as Atlanta's No. 1 back, Coleman is more of a 1B to Freeman's 1A. Atlanta uses Coleman in a variety of ways, both as a runner (118-520-8) and as a receiver (31-421-3), and have been known to use him as the centerpiece in game plans (see Week 5's victory in Denver where Coleman torched the Broncos linebackers for four receptions, 132 yards, and a touchdown). Thanks to his speed, Coleman is a big play waiting to happen every time he gets his hands on the ball. He became a must start in fantasy last season.

Fantasy Downside

Coleman was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot the Tuesday following Atlanta's Super Bowl collapse versus the Patriots. He was forced from the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and never returned. He'll be fine for the regular season, but it was a reminder to fantasy owners of Coleman's injury history. The third-year back missed four games in 2015 as a rookie and three games a year ago with various injuries. As previously mentioned, Coleman also enters the season as Atlanta's No. 2 back, and Freeman is on the verge of signing a large contract extension so that situation won't change in 2017.

2017 Bottom Line

Coleman carries some injury concerns but he's also a legitimate RB2, even in a timeshare with Freeman. He was a must start in the second half of last season, and given how he impacts both the running and passing game in Atlanta, that status won't change in 2017. Ranked as our RB23 in PPR formats, Coleman can be had in the early-sixth round in 10-team leagues.

NFC Championship vs. Green Bay
Tevin Coleman rushed 11 times for 57 yards in the Falcons' Divisional round win over the Seahawks, adding three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown. Coleman out-rushed Devonta Freeman by 12 yards despite receiving three fewer carries, although both backs were outstanding for Atlanta's explosive offense. Coleman's score came on a well-designed route combination that exposed Seattle's Cover-3 scheme. He was left wide open for a 14-yard touchdown reception to put the Falcons up 19-10 right before halftime. Coleman ranks as our RB6 for Championship Sunday and will be an excellent DFS play because he'll be cheaper than Freeman, Le'Veon Bell, Dion Lewis, Ty Montgomery and LeGarrette Blount. Outside of Bell, Coleman will have just as many opportunities for a big game as those other backs.

Week 17 vs. New Orleans
Tevin Coleman rushed nine times for 90 yards and scored once while catching all three of his targets for an additional 45 yards in the Falcons' Week 16 win over the Panthers. Coleman's day basically consisted of two plays: A 31-yard reception up the sidelines on a third-and-21 with the Falcons backed up to their own goal line in the fourth quarter, and a 55-yard touchdown run when he broke through several half-hearted tackles by Carolina defenders. Nevertheless, Coleman continues to be a big-play threat every time he touches the ball and despite working in a timeshare with starter Devonta Freeman, there is more than enough touches to go around in Atlanta's explosive offense. Ranked as our RB11 for Week 17, Coleman is a low-end RB1 option for Sunday's game against the Saints, who rank No. 27 against fantasy running backs this season.