Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions vs. Panthers, Week 11

2. Hill, Smith will pick up the slack

Brian Hill and Ito Smith, two players that will likely have to step into the primary running back duties in the game against Carolina while Falcons starting running back Devonta Freeman isn’t looking like he will play in the matchup while trying to recover from an injury, have the ability to pick up the slack for Atlanta on the ground and could very well do just that on Sunday afternoon.

After Freeman was forced out of last week’s game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, Hill was the primary running back that filled the void left by Freeman in the starting rotation. Hill came into the game in relief for Freeman and led the team with 61 yards rushing on the ground with 20 carries, also adding 10 yards receiving in the passing attack.

So far this season, Hill has tallied a total of 101 yards rushing on 28 carries in five total games for Atlanta. With one rushing touchdown, Hill is averaging 3.6 yards per carry on the ground. In the passing game, he is also a valuable asset, having recorded three catches for 24 yards and one touchdown up to this point in the year.

Smith, on the other hand, has shown flashes of being able to produce for the Falcons as well so far here in 2019. If he is able to contribute for Atlanta this weekend, Smith could assist Hill on the ground and within the Falcons’ offensive scheme.

In seven appearances this year, Smith has recorded 106 rushing yards on 22 total carries, recording one rushing touchdown and averaging 4.8 yards per carry in the running game. He has also tallied 11 catches for 87 yards through the air for the Falcons.

If Freeman is indeed out in Week 11, which looks to be the case unless something changes prior to kickoff in Carolina, Hill and Smith could be in for big weeks in the running game for Atlanta while it tries to stay hot this weekend.