For some people, fantasy football is more important than the actual game. To a certain extent, it’s warped people’s perception of the game. A lot of fantasy footballers have qualms with the Falcons in particular.
Owners of teams with Kyle Pitts last year are well aware of Arthur Smith’s outspoken disdain for fantasy. He didn’t come close to the production that was expected of him, but there are positives that don’t show up on a fantasy box score that do contribute to the overall team’s success.
The Falcons couldn’t get Pitts the ball more because they wanted it out of Marcus Mariota’s hands, resulting in a sharp decline in his fantasy value. Still, Atlanta’s offense is primed to bounce back and have several worthwhile targets for owners.
None are more intriguing than Bijan Robinson. The 8th overall pick landed in the absolute perfect spot and is expected to challenge for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which would make him quite desirable in fantasy circles.
However, the Falcons’ backfield is crowded. Robinson joins Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier, the latter of which just eclipsed 1,000 yards en route to the franchise rushing record for a rookie. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get different advice. Heed Peter King’s warning — don’t select him too high.
Peter King told San Diego Padres’ pitcher Joe Musgrove, while discussing fantasy football strategy, to be wary of selecting Atlanta Falcons’ running back Bijan Robinson too high in his draft.
“I told him (Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove), ‘Be careful. Arthur Smith’s got a lot of mouths to feed in that Atlanta offense,'” King wrote.
It’s easy to see why King would say this, but even if Robinson shares touches, he’ll make up a certain amount of touches in the pass game. Even still, his points per touch rate is likely to be among the highest players in football. Just look at his first professional carry:
The first NFL carry for Falcons’ rookie RB Bijan Robinson: pic.twitter.com/T0rJMff4JN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2023
I’m not here to give you fantasy advice. I know more football than the average NFL fan but am absolutely horrid at fantasy football. I regularly have the highest football IQ/knowledge of the current NFL landscape in my leagues while commonly finishing toward the bottom of the standings.
It’s because it’s not the same sport. Bijan Robinson has the talent to be RB1, but Kyle Pitts had the talent to be TE1; it’s all about opportunities. Only time will tell what the Falcons offense’s distribution looks like.
—
Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.