Fantasy Football Waiver Wire 2014: Top 10 Week 1 pickups

Devonta Freeman-RB-Atlanta Falcons (43.5%)

In addition to Andre Williams discussed earlier, another rookie rusher who could pay off long term is Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons.  Freeman is on the waiver wire because he’s buried down the depth chart, but that situation could quickly change and Freeman would be a nice piece as part of Atlanta’s possibly rejuvenated offense.

The Falcons running back situation in front of Freeman is far from ideal.  With Steven Jackson looking done last season and Jacquizz Rodgers still struggling to inherit the mantle, the Falcons took Freeman in the fourth round out of Florida State hoping he could develop into their next three-down workhorse.  Freeman has yet to deliver on that promise, but he showed flashes of upside this preseason.

He may get very few touches in the first few weeks, but if Jackson and Rodgers struggle to bring balance to the Falcons attack, they could give Freeman an extended look sooner rather than later.  It wouldn’t surprise me if Freeman is a flex option by the time bye weeks roll around, and he’s at least a name to know so you can snatch him if his situation changes.