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

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 8% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Atlanta Falcons running back Ito Smith did not register a touch in Week 1, but quickly received an expanded workload in Weeks 2-4 (9 touches per game) while Devonta Freeman was contending with a sprained MCL. Smith averaged 46 total yards during that span, then manufactured a touchdown in Week 5 despite Freeman’s return. Freeman is now on the IR and is set for groin surgery, upgrading Smith to the backup RB in an offense that freely uses two backs.

Smith garnered more touches than Tevin Coleman last week (13/11) and recorded a touchdown for the third consecutive game in Week 6. This shows that he should not recede into an irrelevant role behind Coleman on Atlanta’s depth chart. Instead, he may have even vaulted beyond Coleman as the superior option for anyone who is searching for a potential flex option. With Freeman on the IR, Smith is a great flex option in deeper leagues and should be added in most formats.