Fantasy Fallout: Devonta Freeman a must-start with Tevin Coleman sidelined

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Here are the fantasy implications of Atlanta Falcons RB Tevin Coleman being unlikely to play in Week 8 due to a hamstring injury:

The surprisingly functional two-headed monster of Devonta Freeman and Coleman will be out of action this week. Freeman owners are rejoicing, though, as he will undoubtedly be the lead back against Green Bay in Week 8. In season-long leagues, Freeman is a must start, while he's now a strong option in both cash and tournament daily fantasy formats.

Through the first seven games, Freeman has outproduced Coleman, amassing 508 yards on 105 carries. Coleman's countered with 234 yards on 59 attempts. Freeman has propped up his fantasy appeal by securing 22 catches for 169 yards, though Coleman's 19 receptions have gained 330 yards. The only thing restricting Freeman's fantasy value has been touchdowns.

Due to the committee situation in Atlanta, Freeman's scored just three times this year. Coleman's registered six TDs (five via the ground). Last season at this time, Freeman had 10 scores. He had also topped 20 carries in three of those contests; he's eclipsed 17 only once this year. With Coleman sidelined, Freeman's chances of seeing 20+ carries and finding pay dirt rise dramatically.

Freeman's Week 8 breakdown

The one factor working against Freeman going into Sunday is the matchup. Green Bay has been especially stout against the run this year. The Packers currently rank first against the run, allowing just 71.8 yards per game. They've also stymied red zone runs, allowing just one rushing score inside the 20.

Big plays have also been hard to come by for those opposing running backs. The Pack have surrendered just 10 runs of over 10 yards and a long run of 29 yards. Only Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot has been able to torch the Green Bay run defense this season, rushing for 157 yards on 28 carries, though he failed to score. Otherwise, Green Bay has held opposing rushers to under 50 yards in five of six contests.

While Freeman's rushing production will certainly face stiff resistance, he may be able to showcase his receiving skills this week. Green Bay is allowing 242 passing yards against per game this season and has surrendered 10 scores through the air. Atlanta has been one of the top passing teams, ranking first in total offense per game, second in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, and first in overall points per game.

When all is said and done, Freeman should finish with around 20 carries, five or so receptions, and over 100 yards from scrimmage. Whether he finds the end zone will be the determining factor in elevating him from a good to great fantasy option this week.

Waiver wire targets

For those looking to replace Coleman, here are two running back options and one receiving option, in case you play Coleman in a FLEX spot.

• RB Matt Asiata, Vikings (at Bears): Asiata already gets the goal-line touches in Minnesota. Going into Week 8, Asiata could get all of the carries with Jerick McKinnon sporting a questionable tag due to an ankle issue. If McKinnon can't go, Asiata is going to become a highly-targeted waiver claim.

• RB Chris Thompson, Redskins (at Bengals): RB Matt Jones simply can't hold on to a football. Last year, Jones fumbled fives times in 13 games. He's already put the ball on the ground three times this season. These miscues should push Thompson into a larger role this week and see him finish with 12-15 touches. If you're desperate, Thompson could suffice for one week with that expected workload.

• WR Marquise Goodwin, Bills (vs. Patriots): Goodwin was the de facto WR1 for Buffalo in Week 7. With Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods both out of action, Goodwin finished with four catches, 93 yards, and a score on seven targets. A former sprinter at Texas, Goodwin has deep threat potential, allowing him to rescue any fantasy week in one play. Keep an eye on his status, though, as he entered the NFL's concussion protocol after Sunday's game.