Tyler Allgeier burst onto the scene as a rookie, carving out a role for himself in the Atlanta Falcons’ run-heavy offense. While he showcased glimpses of potential, his fantasy football outlook for the upcoming season remains shrouded in uncertainty. With a new coaching staff and a dynamic teammate in Bijan Robinson, can Allgeier replicate or even surpass his 2022 performance? Let’s delve into his fantasy prospects and analyze the factors influencing his potential.
The Red Zone Riddle: A Look Back at 2022
Allgeier’s rookie season was a tale of two halves. While he wasn’t heavily involved in the passing game, he emerged as a battering ram near the goal line, often spelling Cordarrelle Patterson and showcasing his nose for the endzone. His 35 rushing attempts inside the 20-yard line were a testament to his ability to churn out tough yards in high-leverage situations. However, his three touchdowns on those carries raised eyebrows. Was it a lack of explosiveness or simply bad luck? Fantasy managers will be looking for more efficiency in 2023.
A New Era: The Raheem Morris Effect
The arrival of new head coach Raheem Morris adds another layer of intrigue to Allgeier’s situation. Known for his offensive ingenuity, Morris could deploy a more diverse and explosive playbook, potentially benefiting both Allgeier and Robinson. Will Morris favor a committee approach, or will Robinson assume the lion’s share of the touches? Understanding Morris’ tendencies will be crucial in gauging Allgeier’s upside.
The Bijan Robinson Factor: Competition or Complement?
The Atlanta Falcons made a statement by drafting Bijan Robinson, a generational talent, in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson’s arrival casts a long shadow over the Falcons’ backfield, leaving fantasy managers questioning Allgeier’s role going forward. Will Allgeier be relegated to a pure backup, or can he coexist with Robinson in a timeshare? The answer likely lies somewhere in between.
Finding Fantasy Value: Unleashing Allgeier’s Potential
While Robinson’s arrival undoubtedly impacts Allgeier’s fantasy ceiling, it doesn’t render him irrelevant. Allgeier’s proven ability to handle a significant workload, coupled with his red zone prowess, makes him a valuable handcuff and potential flex option in deeper leagues. Should Robinson miss time due to injury, Allgeier would instantly become a volume-based RB2 with RB1 upside.
Key Factors to Watch: Unlocking Allgeier’s Fantasy Value
- Training Camp Battles: Pay close attention to how Allgeier performs in training camp and preseason games. A strong showing could earn him a more significant role in the offense.
- Offensive Line Play: The Falcons boast a formidable offensive line, which should create ample running lanes for both Robinson and Allgeier.
- Game Scripts: The Falcons are expected to be competitive in most games, which bodes well for Allgeier’s workload, especially in the second half.
The Verdict: Proceed with Cautious Optimism
Tyler Allgeier’s fantasy outlook is one of cautious optimism. While he may not be the focal point of the Falcons’ offense, he possesses the talent and opportunity to deliver solid fantasy production. His value hinges on his ability to carve out a consistent role alongside Robinson and capitalize on his scoring opportunities. Drafting Allgeier as a high-upside handcuff or a late-round flier could pay dividends for fantasy managers seeking depth and potential breakout value.
