Allgeier the 2023 lead back?

The Athletic's Josh Kendall expects Tyler Allgeier to operate as the Falcons' lead back in 2023. Allgeier somewhat quietly topped 1,000 rushing yards on 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie last year, with 431 of his rushing yards coming over the final 4 games. He ranked 6th among 45 qualifying RBs in Pro Football Focus' rushing grades and 3rd in Elusive Rating. Allgeier totaled just 16 catches last year -- and a lack of pass-catching work could cap his fantasy ceiling this coming season. But he at least has a shot at RB2 value if he can garner 15 or so carries per game. We'll see what else Atlanta does with the RB group this offseason.

Tyler Allgeier operated as the Falcons' workhorse RB in Tampa Bay on Sunday, with RB Bijan Robinson barely playing due to an illness. Allgeier struggled to get anything going on the ground, totaling just 59 yards on 21 carries. He added 53 yards on three catches, most of that coming on a 46-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter. We'll look for further updates on Robinson but would expect Allgeier to be back in his prior role next week. He averaged 12.5 carries and 1.7 targets over the first six games of the season. Week 8 brings a tough matchup vs. the Titans' ninth-ranked RB defense.

Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier recorded 13 carries for a team-leading 51 rushing yards in Week 6’s loss vs. the Commanders. His rookie teammate Bijan Robinson logged an equal number of carries with 31 rushing yards and roped in 5 of 8 targets for 43 receiving yards as a pass-catcher in the contest. Though the Falcons’ run game wasn’t super effective on Sunday, Robinson’s contributions in the receiving game elevated him to 13 PPR points. Fantasy managers can hope for a better outing in Week 7 vs. the Buccaneers.

Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier ran efficiently as a 2022 rookie. Among 61 RBs with 70+ carries (including the playoffs), he ranked sixth in yards after contact per attempt, sixth in Pro Football Focus' elusive rating, and tied for 12th in yards per carry. He also ranked ninth in NFL Next Gen Stats' rush yards over expected per carry, among 36 RBs with 90+ carries. Allgeier took over the backfield after the Week 14 bye, averaging 19.8 carries per game and claiming 56% of the team's rushing attempts over the final four games. He's not going to get anywhere near that after Atlanta drafted RB Bijan Robinson eighth overall. But it's fair to wonder whether Allgeier will cut too far into Robinson's workload to allow the rookie to pay off his Round 1 fantasy ADP. We'll watch for signals of the work share plan through training camp and preseason. Expect Allgeier to remain more handcuff than standalone fantasy option. You can read more about his outlook in our 2023 RB rankings.

Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier racked up 20 carries for 83 yards and a TD in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. He more than doubled RB Cordarrelle Patterson (9) in rushing attempts but watched Patterson control the receiving. Patterson caught a team-high 6 passes -- on a team-high-tying 8 targets -- for 42 yards. Patterson added a ground TD on 9-42 rushing. Atlanta closes out against a Buccaneers defense that has been a negative matchup for RB scoring but a neutral matchup for rushing overall (4.5 yards per carry allowed to RBs). Tampa Bay also might not have much to play for after clinching the NFC South title with a Week 17 win. Allgeier has claimed 17+ carries in 3 straight games.

Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier once again the team in rushing for Sunday's loss to the Ravens. He rushed 18 times for 74 yards (4.1 per carry), compared with just 8-17 for RB Cordarrelle Patterson (2.1). Allgeier also beat his backfield mate in targets (5-1), receptions (4-1) and receiving yards (43-14). The rookie will be an intriguing play in Week 17 against a Cardinals defense that entered this week as the 5th most friendly RB-scoring matchup by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.