The Falcons are going to drive fantasy football owners mad this season by implementing a hot-hand approach at running back.
Devonta Freeman became a fantasy football stud last season when he burst onto the scene — filling in for an injured Tevin Coleman — to compile 1,639 total yards and 14 touchdowns. But Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said the team may not stick to one back this season.
MORE: Week 1 fantasy football lineup advice
"(We're going to) go with the guy who's hot; keep them both fresh," Shanahan said via ESPN. "I don't worry about that stuff too much. I love both those backs. There's really no difference to me which one is in the game, so it's a good problem to have.
"Whoever's rolling with it, you stick with him. When they need a break, the other guy comes in. You try to keep them both fresh to see how it pans out at the end of the game."
Coleman began last season as the starter, but a Week 2 rib injury against the Giants cost him his top spot on the depth chart. Freeman ran away with the job after that, racking up the most fantasy points from the running back position.
"He challenges himself," Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said of Freeman. "He'll come in and say, 'What else did you see? What else can I do?' I love that part of him."
Expect Freeman to get the first opportunity to start and rack up points again this season. But Coleman, who seems to be a favorite of the coaching staff, will be lurking should Freeman slip up.