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Fantasy Football Week 17 Sleeper: RB Devonta Freeman

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By @BPiv_Sports

Devonta Freeman

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

If you are still playing for a championship in Week 17, you are not alone. The Atlanta Falcons have a chance to win the NFC South title this week. However, they may have to do it without running back Steven Jackson. If you need a starting running back or looking for a deep, flex option. Devonta Freeman is your guy.

Quietly, Jackson has produced like a top running back. He is currently ranked as the 21st-best rusher in ESPN.com standard leagues. He enters Week 17 with a questionable tag as he deals with a quad injury. He hasn’t practiced all week, which makes the ruling a little easier.

On the season, Freeman has 59 carries for 235 yards and just one touchdown. That touchdown came last week. He was on the field for 37 percent of the offensive snaps (16.9 percent of snaps throughout the season). He had five carries for 36 yards and a score in Week 16.

Freeman will likely be the starter in Week 17, but he won’t get all of the carries. Jacquizz Rodgers will get some carries as well. Rodgers carried the ball 11 times in Week 16, but had just 29 yards. Currently, neither running back has shown they can be the guy for a full game, they do have the skills to break out for a long run and score 10 fantasy points.

However, that could be easier said than done against their opponent this week. The Carolina Panthers have touted one of the best rush defenses in recent weeks. Since Week 12, the Panthers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs.

If you do need a running back for the final week, Freeman is available in about 94 percent of ESPN leagues.

Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.

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