RB Royce Freeman, LAR (1 Viewer)

[ratbast]

I just feel betting on Freeman is betting against Linds who seems to over achieve every prediction ever made in his career. 

 

[dipandglide]

This topic is one of my favorite storylines heading into the fantasy season. I'm betting on a 1a/1b situation. I don't see a  bellcow situation for either player unless an injury happens. 

 

[BoltBacker]

I think both backs have value this season as I expect Denver to run the ball more than most teams. 

I'm not saying that you're mistaken, but why do you feel that way?

I think they were 21st in rushing attempts last season, and some people would argue they should have a better passing game this season than they did last season.

 

[Babooya]

TIL an injured, partial rookie season is all someone needs to evaluate a player and project his career. If a player doesn't excel in one system while injured, you can write off his career even if said system was not an ideal fit for that player's talents and the new system will be.

/thread

It’s a very fair point. One to be compared to TIL a local kid who played hometown ball and got TD30’s respect to wear his number became a pro bowler as an UDFA. Every bit you believe Royce can improve if you are being fair Lindsay can improve. I think the key will be Lindsay’s expanded use in the pass game. That will be the difference between disappointment, content ness, or joy. If Lindsay stays as one dimensional running as he did last year I think there could be regression 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This topic is one of my favorite storylines heading into the fantasy season. I'm betting on a 1a/1b situation. I don't see a  bellcow situation for either player unless an injury happens. 

I was defending Lindsey just because I think he’s the better back but I agree with this. I don’t own either in dynasty and would likely take Freeman in redraft if it’s late enough - but I think both go before I’d take them.

 

[rickyg]

I own both in dynasty.  Lindsay is talented but how can anyone genuinely say he is the better back.  Look at the stats for Lindsay and freeman playing against stacked boxes last year.  I think Lindsay averaged 5 yards before he was even touched on many plays.  Freeman faces stacked boxes on almost every carry.  Freeman broke tackles at a higher clip   

Its comparing apples to oranges.  They are best suited as a thunder and lightning duo.  Freeman I’m on early downs and on GL.  Lindsay in on 3rd downs and split out wide with freeman in backfield.  

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I own both in dynasty.  Lindsay is talented but how can anyone genuinely say he is the better back.  Look at the stats for Lindsay and freeman playing against stacked boxes last year.  I think Lindsay averaged 5 yards before he was even touched on many plays.  Freeman faces stacked boxes on almost every carry.  Freeman broke tackles at a higher clip   

Its comparing apples to oranges.  They are best suited as a thunder and lightning duo.  Freeman I’m on early downs and on GL.  Lindsay in on 3rd downs and split out wide with freeman in backfield.  

just because  you want something  to happen dont mean it will....

 

[Snorkelson]

Freeman was playing hurt last year. Both will get carries, both have value. I expect freeman to look better this year, but neither will be a workhorse type. I think both backs are talented and compliment each other well, and they both probably have some rb2 weeks in them or a decent floor flex. 

 

[FF Ninja]

That's not what I said at all.  I am not writing off anybody's career.  My point was Freeman was hyped and disappointed because Lindsay came out of nowhere to look like the better player.  In addition, Freeman didn't look that great.  He looked slow (even before the injury) and didn't look to be the RB that was being hyped.   I am also not so sure that they will be running a system that is all that different than last year.  There seems to be dissenting reports about that. 

You specifically said that Lindsay was a superior talent to Freeman, so you clearly made a conclusive talent evaluation based on a partial season where a high ankle sprain was involved. And no, Freeman didn't look slow before the injury. That's revisionist history. He made several plays in preseason that added to his hype. Although I wouldn't say anyone was expecting him to be a burner at 230 lbs with a 4.54 40.

It’s a very fair point. One to be compared to TIL a local kid who played hometown ball and got TD30’s respect to wear his number became a pro bowler as an UDFA. Every bit you believe Royce can improve if you are being fair Lindsay can improve. I think the key will be Lindsay’s expanded use in the pass game. That will be the difference between disappointment, content ness, or joy. If Lindsay stays as one dimensional running as he did last year I think there could be regression 

Keep in mind Lindsay was a 24 year old rookie. He's three years older than Ronald Jones and a lot of people are shoveling dirt on Jones. Jones will be on his second contract when he's going from 24 to 25. I'm not expecting much improvement from age 24 to 25. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Bottom line, I'm not trying to tell anyone Royce is the better player or that Lindsay is a one-year-wonder. Just that sometimes people forget dynasty is a long game and a partial rookie year isn't enough to make definitive statements. Royce might have been over-hyped. Lindsay might fade into obscurity. Denver might draft a top prospect in 2020. One of them could emerge in the new system and be a 7 year dynasty stud. Both could be RBBC guys for the rest of their careers with a few flash in the pan moments along the way (ala Blount and James White). Lots of options still on the table. Nobody should be digging their heels in yet. 

FWIW, one of the best buys in FF is anybody coming off a high ankle sprain. In my experience, they always rush back and are never the same player that season which leads to being written off by a large percentage of people. I can't remember all the examples, but Ryan Mathews from year 1 to year 2 springs to mind. 

 

[Manster]

If you watched both Freeman and Lindsay in the PAC 12 you'd have wondered why Lindsay was so overlooked in the draft......and you wouldn't really be surprised at what happened last season.

That said, Freeman will be better this season which will cloud things for FF.  For Denver though, they gotta be stoked.

 

[Gally]

You specifically said that Lindsay was a superior talent to Freeman, so you clearly made a conclusive talent evaluation based on a partial season where a high ankle sprain was involved. And no, Freeman didn't look slow before the injury. That's revisionist history. He made several plays in preseason that added to his hype. Although I wouldn't say anyone was expecting him to be a burner at 230 lbs

One year is enough to form an opinion if which RB showed better....and that was Lindsay by a long shot.  That is not to say that Freeman won't make it or won't be effective.  My statement was that Lindsay is the better player and I stand by that.  

 

[Babooya]

You specifically said that Lindsay was a superior talent to Freeman, so you clearly made a conclusive talent evaluation based on a partial season where a high ankle sprain was involved. And no, Freeman didn't look slow before the injury. That's revisionist history. He made several plays in preseason that added to his hype. Although I wouldn't say anyone was expecting him to be a burner at 230 lbs with a 4.54 40.

Keep in mind Lindsay was a 24 year old rookie. He's three years older than Ronald Jones and a lot of people are shoveling dirt on Jones. Jones will be on his second contract when he's going from 24 to 25. I'm not expecting much improvement from age 24 to 25. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Bottom line, I'm not trying to tell anyone Royce is the better player or that Lindsay is a one-year-wonder. Just that sometimes people forget dynasty is a long game and a partial rookie year isn't enough to make definitive statements. Royce might have been over-hyped. Lindsay might fade into obscurity. Denver might draft a top prospect in 2020. One of them could emerge in the new system and be a 7 year dynasty stud. Both could be RBBC guys for the rest of their careers with a few flash in the pan moments along the way (ala Blount and James White). Lots of options still on the table. Nobody should be digging their heels in yet. 

FWIW, one of the best buys in FF is anybody coming off a high ankle sprain. In my experience, they always rush back and are never the same player that season which leads to being written off by a large percentage of people. I can't remember all the examples, but Ryan Mathews from year 1 to year 2 springs to mind. 

Agree here. It’s all fair speculation 

 

[Faust]

Yahoo's Charles Robinson reports the Broncos are "feeling really good" about Royce Freeman and hope to "finally establish the true split" at running back.

Denver feels like that plan is "fully on track," per Robinson. Last year's coaching staff wanted to do the same thing until Phillip Lindsay gave them no choice but to play him more because he was running circles around Freeman before Freeman then sprained his ankle in the middle of the year. Lindsay has again looked the part in camp this summer, but Freeman has been getting all the hype. Freeman averaged 4.4 YPC to Lindsay's 5.8 before Freeman was hurt last Week 7. New OC Rich Scangarello has already compared Freeman-Lindsay to Devonta Freeman-Tevin Coleman. Both backs should have a shot at 150- or 175-plus carries each.

RELATED: 

Phillip Lindsay

SOURCE: Charles Robinson on Twitter

Aug 1, 2019, 12:51 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Royce Freeman had 10 carries for 56 yards and caught one pass for five yards in Week 1 against Oakland.

Freeman was part of a committee with Phillip Lindsay. He saw just one fewer carry and was the more effective back, averaging 5.6 YPC. Injures and a slow start faded Freeman last year, but he has some standalone value in what looks like a two-man backfield. Freeman gets a matchup with Chicago in Week 2.

Sep 10, 2019, 1:24 AM ET

 

[FF Ninja]

Two games is not a significant sample by any means, but so far Freeman has 21 carries at 5.2 ypc compared to Lindsay's 24 carries at 3.3 ypc. 
Additionally, he's got 8 targets for 6 receptions and 53 yards to Lindsay's 13 targets for 8 receptions and 53 yards. 

Again, too early to tell, but maybe it was wrong to write him off after an injured rookie year.

 

[rickyg]

Two games is not a significant sample by any means, but so far Freeman has 21 carries at 5.2 ypc compared to Lindsay's 24 carries at 3.3 ypc. 
Additionally, he's got 8 targets for 6 receptions and 53 yards to Lindsay's 13 targets for 8 receptions and 53 yards. 

Again, too early to tell, but maybe it was wrong to write him off after an injured rookie year.

of course it was too early.  He actually looked good last year when healthy.  He's the better back.  Lindsay has some top end speed that freeman doesn't have but freeman is a more complete all purpose back.  Cream always rises.

 

[cloppbeast]

Two games is not a significant sample by any means, but so far Freeman has 21 carries at 5.2 ypc compared to Lindsay's 24 carries at 3.3 ypc. 
Additionally, he's got 8 targets for 6 receptions and 53 yards to Lindsay's 13 targets for 8 receptions and 53 yards. 

Again, too early to tell, but maybe it was wrong to write him off after an injured rookie year.

Yeah looks you were right. I don't know that Freeman is doing better just based on ypc, I seen Lindsay have a few big runs brought back. He's at least as effective though and part of the offense; biggest surprise for me is the big fella's role in the passing game. Disappointing for those of us hoping Lindsay would runaway with it, and get most of the receptions.

 

[The Frankman]

Royce Freeman rushed 10 times for 35 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' Week 7 loss to the Chiefs, adding four receptions for 32 additional yards.

Freeman's score was a one-yard plunge in the second quarter. It was his first carry inside the five-yard line all season. Phillip Lindsay entered the league amongst the league leaders in goal-line totes with seven. It's unlikely Lindsay will cede that advantage going forward. Freeman remains a near weekly lock for 15 touches, but he is having trouble turning it into RB2 value in the Broncos' inept offense. An Indianapolis road trip is on tap for Week 8.

 

[Faust]

Royce Freeman (ribs) was a limited participant for Wednesday's practice.

He had previously been fighting through a sore shoulder. Freeman has taken a backseat to Phillip Lindsay over the team's last three games, getting out-touched 52 to 22 since Week 11. Although he has no standalone value over the final four games, Freeman qualifies as a valuable bench stash (in the event Lindsay misses time) wherever applicable. He's expected to play in Week 14.

SOURCE: Ryan O'Halloran on Twitter

Dec 4, 2019, 5:13 PM ET

 

[The Frankman]

Royce Freeman went for 28 yards and a touchdown on nine carries while also snagging two catches for nine yards on two targets Sunday in Denver’s Week 16 win over Detroit.

Freeman largely took a backseat to Phillip Lindsay (118 yards on 21 touches), continuing a theme that began about a month prior. He made the most of his limited work, using his 238-pound frame to hammer home a one-yard touchdown, his fourth end-zone visit of 2019. The hulking 23-year-old hasn't had much success on the ground recently, averaging a sluggish 2.78 yards per carry since Week 13. He'll look to finish on a high note when the Broncos host Oakland in next week's finale at Mile High.

 

[Faust]

The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran doesn't believe Royce Freeman's role as the Broncos' No. 3 running back is secure.

Free agent pickup Melvin Gordon and last year's No. 1 Phillip Lindsay form the clear-cut one-two punch for new OC Pat Shurmur. Freeman is a capable back, but he doesn't contribute on special teams, which is typically something coaches like to have from their depth players. Freeman has posted a mediocre 262-1,017-8 rushing line (3.9 YPC) across his two seasons since being drafted 71st overall in 2018. Perhaps GM John Elway will give him another chance, but he's competing with Khalfani Muhammad and undrafted rookie LeVante Bellamy for a couple jobs.

RELATED: 

Khalfani Muhammad

, LeVante Bellamy

SOURCE: Denver Post

Jun 17, 2020, 10:16 AM ET

 

[travdogg]

I thought when Gordon was signed that either Lindsay or Freeman could be dealt before/during the draft. 

There are quite a few teams where Freeman would be an upgrade from what they have at #2 RB. Thinking teams like Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Carolina. 

 

[ahartig]

With Gordon possibly facing a 3+ game suspension soon is there anything to see here? He was all the rage a few years ago... he seemed like he had some juice in his tank too. 

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

With Gordon possibly facing a 3+ game suspension soon is there anything to see here? He was all the rage a few years ago... he seemed like he had some juice in his tank too. 

I was following this closely as a Lindsay owner, and Lindsay (in my eye) was really a better back than Freeman or Booker for that matter.

Freeman had some solid power runs, and looked more promising in his rookie season than last year, but is inconsistent and had a drop in numbers/production YoY. For Lindsay to clearly displace him even though he had a prototypical build and pedigree said a lot to me in terms of Freeman being more JAG than having potential.

That said, I though Booker was a similar meh kinda runner but he seemed to find some spark this year in Oakland.

If Gordon needs to sit for a while, Royce will likely have opportunity in short yardage/redzone snaps in standard format. To me, I think I'd almost take more of a chance on a guy like La'Mical Perine in terms of opportunity.  

 

[SproutDaddy]

With Gordon possibly facing a 3+ game suspension soon is there anything to see here? He was all the rage a few years ago... he seemed like he had some juice in his tank too. 

His court date isn't for another month, so whatever suspension he gets won't happen until after.

 

[JFS171]

His court date isn't for another month, so whatever suspension he gets won't happen until after.

True, but we may get a preview if they play this weekend. The NFL changed protocol on sick players even if they test negative for COVID-19 as Gordon has done. They had to send him home from the facility. Idk how that impacts his status for Sunday. 

Also, there’s a chance the team imposes punishment on its own before the legal process moves forward (likely in an effort to void his guarantees like Jacksonville did with Fournette).  That would also likely involve him missing Sunday’s game. 

Freeman seems a solid stash if you have roster space in a deep league. Let’s not forget Lindsay is just returning from a pretty significant turf toe injury. I don’t know if those just go away, or if he’s now more likely to injure it again, but having already missed time, I would think Freeman at least assumes a similar role to last year should Gordon miss time. 

 

[shades]

Gordon isn't playing this weekend. Is not traveling with the team due to illness. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Gordon isn't playing this weekend. Is not traveling with the team due to illness. 

Strep throat.  Not COVID.

 

[shades]

Strep throat.  Not COVID.

Correct, although his RB coach does have covid. 

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Broncos plan on waiving RB Royce Freeman.

As 9News's Mike Klis noted, Denver may hold onto Freeman for a few days in an attempt to trade him. Freeman played well in the preseason but the additions of Javonte Williams and Mike Boone made him expendable. His rushing workload has been scaled back since his rookie season but he did manage to find 43 receptions in 2019. After failing to establish himself as anything more than a backup-caliber runner, Freeman's trade market will be slim at best.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Sep 1, 2021, 1:35 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Panthers claimed RB Royce Freeman off waivers from the Broncos. 

It's a no-brainer move for the Panthers, who had only fourth-round rookie Chuba Hubbard behind Christian McCaffrey on the depth chart. There will never be a good time for CMC to go down, but in the event, the Panthers would now be caught less flat-footed. Freeman failed time and again to produce as more than a replacement-level back in Denver, but he is capable of contributing on all three downs. It is quite possible he would be the first man up over Hubbard were CMC to get injured, but the duo would almost certainly form a committee. It would not be a 1-for-1 situation like Mike Davis was in 2020. 

RELATED: 

Denver Broncos

Sep 2, 2021, 4:50 PM ET

 

[King of the Jungle]

Strange, I could have swore I read earlier that the Chargers grabbed him. This puts a damper on Chuba’s value.

 

[Bald Bull]

This could definitely hurt Chuba's value.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

This could definitely hurt Chuba's value.

No question. I’d even take out the “could”. it absolutely hurts Chubba’s value. 

Before the acquisition, if CMC went down, Chubba would be a league-winner. 

If CMC were to go down, the range of outcomes is now

• mostly Chubba w/Freeman sprinkled in

• mostly Freeman w/Chubba sprinkled in

• full on RBBC

We should be able to tell more about this by seeing who the Panthers use as the breather back when CMC needs a blow. Of course that won’t help anyone drafting this weekend. 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If Royce Freeman affects Chuba’s playing time, that means he wasn’t very good in the first place. The guy who we saw in the preseason looked a lot better than Freeman has ever looked. Hubbard had very little value in redraft anyway other than as a handcuff/injury RB. In dynasty this should change nothing.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Is this the same Royce Freeman that hasn’t been able to beat out any RB in Denver, including UDFAs, during his career that people are now worried about?

 

[Bald Bull]

If Royce Freeman affects Chuba’s playing time, that means he wasn’t very good in the first place. The guy who we saw in the preseason looked a lot better than Freeman has ever looked. Hubbard had very little value in redraft anyway other than as a handcuff/injury RB. In dynasty this should change nothing.

I'm going to disagree with Hubbard's value in redraft. With CMC's injury plagued 2020 and what Mike Davis did in his replacement, Hubbard definitely has value in redraft. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

If Royce Freeman affects Chuba’s playing time, that means he wasn’t very good in the first place. The guy who we saw in the preseason looked a lot better than Freeman has ever looked. Hubbard had very little value in redraft anyway other than as a handcuff/injury RB. In dynasty this should change nothing.

Yes, I was speaking purely to redraft. 
changes nothing for dynasty. 

 

[simey]

This could definitely hurt Chuba's value.

Royce is different than CMC and Chuba. Royce is more of a power back. The Panthers waived Bonnafon off of IR, and they released Trenton Cannon. They needed another RB, and it is good to have one different than CMC and Chuba. I don't know how they plan on using Royce, but my guess is he will be like the former Panther Mike Tolbert, who would bulldoze for those short yards. Giovanni Ricci (who is on the depth chart under RB) was moved from TE to FB, and he plays on special teams. 

 

[Bald Bull]

Royce is different than CMC and Chuba. Royce is more of a power back. The Panthers waived Bonnafon off of IR, and they released Trenton Cannon. They needed another RB, and it is good to have one different than CMC and Chuba. I don't know how they plan on using Royce, but my guess is he will be like the former Panther Mike Tolbert, who would bulldoze for those short yards. Giovanni Ricci (who is on the depth chart under RB) was moved from TE to FB, and he plays on special teams. 

We also don't know what Chuba can do. We won't know until CMC is relieved.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I would assume it would be a split if CMC goes down, much like most back fields.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I'm going to disagree with Hubbard's value in redraft. With CMC's injury plagued 2020 and what Mike Davis did in his replacement, Hubbard definitely has value in redraft. 

Well that’s what I said - he has handcuff and injury value. If you draft him and don’t have CMC you’re “hoping” for an injury.

 

[Faust]

Royce Freeman rushed five times for 17 yards in the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Texans, adding an eight-yard reception. 

The late summer waiver claim notched his first touches as a Panther after Christian McCaffrey departed 18 minutes into the contest with a hamstring injury. It had the looks of a multi-week issue, though Chuba Hubbard predictably operated as the Panthers' post-CMC lead back. Hubbard played 36 snaps to Freeman's 10. Truly desperate zero RB desperados could take a Freeman flier, but we wouldn't start anyone other than Hubbard against the Cowboys in Week 4. 

SOURCE: Mike Clay on Twitter 

Sep 24, 2021, 12:22 AM ET

 

[BobbyLayne]

***crickets***

waived by Panthers, picked up by Texans

just in case no one noticed 

_______________

Check this out

Last week he split the backfield with Rex Burkhead. Neither was very effective:

Average RBa 11-40 & 4-26 / 54% snaps 

Average RBb 11-26 & 6-51 / 46% snaps

Would you be excited about either? How about if I told you David Johnson cleared Covid today. Wait, that’s irrelevant. Mark Ingram was traded six weeks ago and STILL leads the team in rushing.

If you’re in the playoffs, are YOU dropping precious FAAB on him? Would you start him with confidence? If you were desperate? (FTR I’m not)

FBGs projects Royce Freeman to be RB8 in Week 15. Playing at Jax.

First round of playoffs. Not one projector but four - this is their consensus  Bench Javonte. Start a guy who has been cut twice this year and has never been good. League Dominator + Projections. Royce Freeman. Playoff flag player, league winner.

I am not making this up.

LET’S PLAY A GAME

I’ll ask, you answer:

Q1) How many RB1 games does Royce Freeman have in the last 4 years?

Did you guess zero? You’re moving on to the next round.

Q2) How many RB1 games do the Texans have this year? No peeking!

You guessed zero again? WTG, you’re moving on’

Q3) How many years are left on my FBGs subscription? How many years do I plan to renew? No cheating!

PM your answers, grand prize winner will be announced 3pm Thursday.

 

[titusbramble]

Yeah, this seems optimistic but I'm probably shooting my remaining FAAB on him for first round of playoffs where I have Pollard/Mattison/Edmonds/TJohnson out of desparation and dropping Iggy for him elsewhere trying to grab for 0

 

[Dizzy]

FBGs projects Royce Freeman to be RB8 in Week 15. Playing at Jax.

FBGs 5 Second Primer also has one of the "guru's" suggesting that I play Calvin Ridley over Amari Cooper this week. If looking for another scoop-a-rama.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Yeah, this seems optimistic but I'm probably shooting my remaining FAAB on him for first round of playoffs where I have Pollard/Mattison/Edmonds/TJohnson out of desparation and dropping Iggy for him elsewhere trying to grab for 0

I have Najee and Javonte but need a Flex

Carter - maybe this week

McKissic - maybe this week 

Pollard - maybe this week

Swift - maybe not this week 

Herbert - welp, he does return kicks so maybe 3.25-5.50 there eh

Waiver Wire - lolololol

 

[Team Smokin']

The initial surprise R Freeman rankings this morning seems to have caught a few eyebrows raised. It appears the adjustment has been made and Royce is now projected for like RB 36-40 range only because of opportunity and Covid. 

If you need a warm body that may get you 8-10 then Royce may get you that depending upon usage.

 

[Faust]

Royce Freeman rushed 11 times for 51 yards in Houston's Week 15 loss to Kansas City, adding one catch for five additional yards.​

We know what you're thinking: "Who?" Freeman joined the team after Dameon Pierce was placed on IR yesterday and was the hottest hand in a backfield that averaged 3.5 yards per carry. He also was cut and re-signed to the practice squad by the team several times this season. Is there fantasy value here? It's the Texans so probably not. He essentially split carries with Dare Ogunbowale. But it's not like the other Texans backs have been roundly impressive. Freeman's got a desperation FLEX pulse for Week 16 against Tennessee.
Dec 18, 2022, 5:14 PM ET

 

[eighsse2]

Royce Freeman rushed 11 times for 51 yards in Houston's Week 15 loss to Kansas City, adding one catch for five additional yards.​

We know what you're thinking: "Who?" Freeman joined the team after Dameon Pierce was placed on IR yesterday and was the hottest hand in a backfield that averaged 3.5 yards per carry. He also was cut and re-signed to the practice squad by the team several times this season. Is there fantasy value here? It's the Texans so probably not. He essentially split carries with Dare Ogunbowale. But it's not like the other Texans backs have been roundly impressive. Freeman's got a desperation FLEX pulse for Week 16 against Tennessee.
Dec 18, 2022, 5:14 PM ET

Thanks for finally doing something, my highest-ever dynasty drafted player.