Week 4 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Running Back: Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
14 Rushes, 68 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 5 Receptions, 81 Yards, 6 Targets
NEP: +12.76

Last week I claimed that Devonta Freeman had a prime opportunity to claim a majority stakehold of the Atlanta rushing offense after his three-touchdown performance netted him +11.08 NEP. How did he follow that up? By repeating for another three-touchdown performance at an even more efficient pace.

Freeman picked up 68 rushing yards on 14 rushes while reaching the end zone three times against a Houston Texans defense that had no answers. Freeman added 5 receptions for 81 yards on his 6 targets, showcasing his dual threat talents in a 48-21 blowout before the coaching staff turned the reigns early to Terron Ward. By the end of the day, Freeman netted a +12.76 NEP for a new season-high among all running backs.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's play calling and offensive line coach Chris Morgan have this unit rolling on all cylinders. What was supposed to be a rather underwhelming offensive line has performed admirably so far this season as they came into the week with 12th-highest Adjusted Line Yards per FootballOutsiders.com. Freeman's vision and burst have led to him having the sixth-most carries of five or more yards so far on the season among all running backs.

He's also displayed that vision as a receiver, as he leaked out uncovered on a sneaky wheel route this week for a 44-yard play. After being up 35-0 in the middle of the third quarter, the coaching staff basically called it a day for Freeman, letting this week's top scoring fantasy running back (39.7 PPR points) rest the remainder of the game.

The Atlanta coaching staff will have an interesting decision as they prepare for Week 5 with Tevin Coleman expected to return this week. Freeman's play has warranted the coaching staff's trust to enter as the lead running back, but prior to Coleman's injury, Coleman was the more productive and efficient back by our numbers.

Some interesting names followed Freeman by numberFire's metrics. This now makes it two weeks in a row with Jamaal Charles having a top-three weekly NEP performance. Jonathan Stewart's 10 carries for 50 yards might not have helped fantasy owners a ton, but he performed in a very efficient manner. The remaining list has some newcomers, but most were featured prominently in their respective passing games this week. Passing is often more effective than rushing, so these types of backs will generally fare much better towards a higher cumulative ranking by our metrics.

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