2017 Outlook: Devonta Freeman

You'd think a second straight season with over 1,500 total yards and 13 total touchdowns would create demand for Devonta Freeman in Fantasy. Instead, there's worry about whether he'll stay hot. Tevin Coleman's rise in the Falcons offense meant over 50 fewer touches for Freeman in 2016. Coleman actually had just as many 10-plus Fantasy point games as Freeman, and he played in three fewer games. But Freeman averaged more than 2.0 Fantasy points per game more than Coleman in every format thanks to posting career-high averages in rushing (4.8) and receiving (8.6). If Freeman's going to remain a stud, he must maintain those lofty averages, find the end zone a bunch and outpace Coleman in touches, which he did for 18 of 19 games last year including the playoffs. It's a lot to ask,  but Freeman deserves the benefit of the doubt given his recent success. He also enters a contract year, which should motivate him to play well. Bank on Freeman getting picked within the first 20 picks of every draft this summer, maybe even late in the first round.