Ito Smith (RB, ATL) - Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 10% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Devonta Freeman just can't seem to stay on the field, and as of Monday has finally been placed on IR. He may be eligible to return later in the season, but this opens up a potentially large opportunity for the rookie Ito Smith to continue his emergence for the Falcons.

Smith has reaping the rewards the past few weeks in limited duty, and will continue to do so for several weeks at least. There aren't many NFL touches on his resume just yet, but Week 6 marked the third straight game with a touchdown scored for Atlanta's new RB2. Smith hasn't totaled 50 yards in any game this season, with 10 and 24 combined yards the last two weeks respectively. The good news is that he received 11 carries and 13 touches in Week 6, compared to 10 carries and 12 touches for Tevin Coleman. He also received four rushes in the red zone, compared to zero from Coleman.

Given the overall lack of depth at running back, and the explosive nature of Atlanta's offense, Smith should be a priority add for those needing to address a hole at RB. At the very least, we're most likely looking at a 50/50 timeshare between Coleman and Smith - but there's upside for more. If Smith becomes the goal-line back, emerges as the more productive runner, or Coleman gets injured as well - then we can be looking at a solid RB2 for fantasy owners with upside for more. Grab him off the waiver wire if you can, and see how this unfolds over the next few days and weeks.