Bijan Robinson’s 2024 fantasy outlook is shaping up to be incredibly promising, largely due to his evolving role in the new-look Falcons offense. As Robinson himself stated, “I’m going to be more of a runner that does everything else,” indicating a return to his college roots as a primary rusher while maintaining versatility in the passing game.
Comparing his anticipated usage to that of Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, Robinson’s dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver make him an invaluable asset with massive upside for fantasy teams. This expanded role suggests he will be a focal point in the offense, poised for significant touches and opportunities to rack up fantasy points across all three downs.
BIJAN ROBINSON: 3-DOWN WORKHORSE
Despite Arthur Smith’s use of his star rookie running back causing fantasy managers frustration at times, Bijan Robinson consistently displayed the elite three-down skill set he showcased in Austin. He concluded his rookie campaign with 1,463 total yards from scrimmage (976 rushing and 487 receiving) and eight touchdowns.
If he is going to get the workhorse treatment he deserves, he demonstrated exceptional receiving skills as a rookie, leading his position in advanced metrics in key areas, which will entrench him as a fantasy stud.
The former Longhorn ranked first in routes run with 385, second in route participation at 72.6%, and third in target share with 17.2%. His impressive receiving metrics highlight his integral role in the passing game, positioning him as one of the top receiving backs in the league.
Robinson’s production on the field was equally remarkable. He secured fourth place in receiving yards with 487 and ranked sixth in both scrimmage yards (1,463) and receptions (58).
His ability to be elusive and maximize his opportunities underscores his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon. Despite being 19th in carries with 214, he ranked fifth in yards created with 1,041, showcasing his efficiency and vision. With 63 evaded tackles (7th) and an 11th-place finish in juke rate at 23.2%, Robinson has proven his evasiveness and potential as a top-tier running back.
PEACE OUT, ARTHUR SMITH
The departure of Arthur Smith from Atlanta signals a new era for Bijan Robinson in 2024.
Adding Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, the former Rams passing game coordinator from the Sean McVay coaching tree further enhances Bijan Robinson’s value. This will set the stage for a locked-in RB1 season with 2,000-total-yard upside.
Over the course of five seasons, Robinson saw firsthand how McVay deploys a workhorse, and McVay has not had a talent similar to Robinson since he took over a Todd Gurley-led backfield in 2017.
In 2017 and 2018, Gurley finished No. 1 in fantasy points per game with 25.6 and 26.2, respectively.
Over those two seasons, Gurley amassed 2,556 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns while adding 123 receptions and 1,368 receiving yards out of the backfield.
Just last season, McVay and Zac Robinson cooked up an offensive attack led by Kyren Williams, who’s not in the same stratosphere athletically or analytically as Bijan Robinson.
Williams was the definition of a bell-cow, carrying the ball 228 times in 12 games and finishing with 1,144 rushing yards, 206 receiving yards on 32 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns–good for No. 2 overall in fantasy points per game with 21.3.
“Seeing him play in person up close, I was like, ‘This guy is unbelievable,'” said Zac Robinson. “Then you study him throughout the draft and you realize what a special player he is. With the ball in his hands, there are so many things he can do. There’s nothing he can’t do. That’s what gets you excited.
“I’ve got goosebumps thinking about it because knowing that we’ve still got a couple of months to wait, but certainly excited to work with a guy like Bijan.”
BIJAN ROBINSON 2024 FANTASY OUTLOOK
Currently, Bijan Robinson ranks RB3 and No. 7 overall on The Wolf’s 2024 Fantasy Rankings and Big Board. However, if he receives usage similar to McCaffrey, Robinson could dominate fantasy football in a significantly improved Falcons offense.
The Falcons substantially upgraded at quarterback with Kirk Cousins and are expected to enhance their passing game with Zac Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore. Additionally, Robinson and the offense will benefit from playing 12 games inside a dome.
While replicating Christian McCaffrey’s 2023 performance of over 2,000 total yards and 21 touchdowns would be challenging, achieving 1,800 total yards and 15-plus touchdowns is well within reach for this generational running back prospect. It’s wheels up for Bijan.
