Pat Freiermuth Week 1 Outlook - Steelers at Falcons

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Wed, Sep 4th 2024, 8:38pm EDT

Last year wasn't exactly the type of season anyone hoped for, Freiermuth. He finished as the TE27 in fantasy points per game before a hamstring issue derailed his season. Among 51 qualifying tight ends, Freiermuth ranked 23rd in target share, 34th in yards per route run, and 28th in first downs per route run. The hope candle has been lit again for the 2024 season, but I have my worries. We have all seen what Arthur Smith does with player usage. I won't rule out Darnell Washington cutting into Freiermuth's snaps and routes more than anyone wants to see. If Freiermuth retains an every-down role, the matchup is nice for Week 1. With Raheem Morris at the controls for the Falcons' defense, we should expect a heavy dose of Cover 3 and Cover 4. Over the last two years, Morris has utilized these two coverages on 57.9-59.5% of defensive snaps. Last year against Cover 3 and Cover 4, when Freiermuth was healthy, he saw a 12% target share and 14.2% first read share producing 1.25 yards per route run. None of these numbers are amazing, but Morris's defense could be vulnerable to tight ends in 2024. The Falcons have upgraded their defense this offseason, but they still surrendered the fourth-most receptions and receiving yards to tight ends last year.