Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Audric Estime

Sunday, December 22, 8:28 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson converted his lone target into a 12-yard touchdown catch during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Patterson touched the ball just once on offense this week, but he made the most of it as he withstood contact from a defender and held on to the football for six points. The 33-year-old continues to have a steady depth role in Pittsburgh, registering a total of 132 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and one touchdown this year. He's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.