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Fantasy Football: 10 things to watch Preseason Week 3

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) takes part in a drill on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) takes part in a drill on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Falcons RB Battle

Much like the Cowboys, the Falcons still have a ton of room in their RB rotation, and they have even more question marks since their young rushers haven’t been able to get on the field yet this preseason.  The RB competition could come down to who runs better against the Dolphins in Miami this Saturday night.

The incumbent option after the Falcons jettisoned Stephen Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers this offseason was Devonta Freeman.  Freeman ran for 248 yards and a touchdown last year on 65 carries for Atlanta. He was presumed to have the lead on rookie Tevin Coleman coming into camp, but a hamstring issue sidelined him for 11 days from August 6-17.  He has since returned and looks poised to make his preseason debut this week.

While Tevin Coleman could have used Freeman’s absence as a chance to seize the job, he also had a hamstring issue which kept him out for just about the same amount of time.  Coleman was drafted number 73 overall in last year’s draft, and ultimately he probably has a higher ceiling if he can earn the majority of the carries in Atlanta’s backfield.

At the start of camp, new Head Coach Dan Quinn said the two backs were “absolutely battling for” the starting running back job, and with both missing so much time it’s likely that they’ll start the season in a timeshare.  Who gets what part of that timeshare will determine their fantasy value, and it’ll be interesting to watch who gets what work on Saturday and if one can separate themselves as the better option in the Falcons backfield.

Next: 1. Packers WR Situation

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