Atlanta Falcons Ruining Bijan Robinson & Fantasy Football?

Are the Atlanta Falcons ruining the fantasy football potential of players such as Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts?

Fantasy football players and analysts alike are fed up with how the Atlanta Falcons have chosen to use their top draft selections in recent years, whether it be tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, or rookie running Bijan Robinson.

On Instagram, NBC fantasy football analyst Matthew Berry posted: “In a (league) that devalues RB’s, Falcons used the 8th overall pick on Bijan Robinson,” Berry wrote. “Bijan has just 25 touches his past 3 (games). 2 or fewer receptions in 3 straight. Allgeier has out-touched Bijan 26-12 in the red zone this (year). Either in draft or now ATL is making a major miscalculation.”

Recently, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said, “Sometimes, his impact away from the ball can open things up,” referring to Robinson’s lack of usage despite looking like a star when the ball has been in his hands.

The Atlanta Falcons have frustrated Fantasy Football managers by limiting the touches given to star running back Bijan Robinson / USA Today Sports

This isn’t the first time Smith has defended not using a high-profile draft pick. After Pitts finished with the second-most receiving yards of any rookie tight end in history, he entered his second season with massive expectations but instead was used as more of a decoy to “open things up.”

When Smith was asked about Pitts, reduced role in Atlanta’s offense last season, his response was, “It’s not fantasy football. We’re just trying to win.“

Considering that the Falcons have lost three out of the past four games, perhaps it’s time that Smith thinks more like a Fantasy Football manager and gets his stars more touches in the offense so that they can have a direct impact on the game this week against the Arizona Cardinals.