FanDuel Studs to Target in Week 12

Devonta Freeman

FanDuel Salary: $8,900
numberFire Projected Points: 8 (accounting for risk of not playing)

This recommendation comes under the assumption that Devonta Freeman will be cleared to play on Sunday, particularly since early reports are that he is "off to a good start" in the concussion protocol. And if Freeman suits up on Sunday, he should feast.

First, the Falcons square up against the Vikings, who possess a slightly below average run defense, ranked 18th in the league per our numbers. Fresh off of getting gashed by the inefficient Eddie Lacy, who sports a below-average -0.04 Rushing NEP per rush for the season, Freeman's highly impressive 0.13 Rushing NEP per rush should be able to translate into a big game against the same Vikings team.

And this season, finally equipped with a capable running back, the Falcons are relying much less on Matt Ryan's arm to do damage in this offense. In fact, 44% of the team's total offensive touchdowns have come via the rush, good for fifth in the league. So again, if Freeman suits up, he's going to get his chances.

Finally, part of what makes Freeman so appealing is his role in the passing game. He has caught five or more passes in six of the seven games in which he's been the starting running back, excluding Week 11 when he got injured early on. And per Football Outsiders, the Vikings rank 22nd in the league at defending running back receptions. So the matchup for Freeman is doubly tasty.

Plug Freeman in your lineups provided he plays, and worry about building the rest of your squad around him.