Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Kenneth Gainwell

Saturday, September 23, 11:31 AM

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) has been given a questionable designation for the Week 3 game on Sunday in Detroit against the Lions. Patterson popped up on the injury report on Thursday after not practicing, but he was able to put in a limited session on Friday to give him a chance to suit up this weekend. The 32-year-old didn't enter the Week 2 win over the Green Bay Packers with an injury designation but was still made inactive. Patterson has yet to play for the Falcons so far in 2023, and even if he does make his season debut in Detroit, he's going to have a small role behind RBs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. He is far from the fantasy radar right now heading into Week 3.

Monday, September 25, 10:38 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell took 14 carries for 43 yards and added one reception for five yards during the team's 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his return from a rib injury, the 24-year-old took a backseat to D'Andre Swift until the game's final drive, where he was given eight carries while Philadelphia was milking the clock. Gainwell was largely inefficient, averaging 3.1 yards per carry and running straight into defenders once he crossed the line of scrimmage. Swift's second straight performance of over 100 yards has secured him the starting role. However, Gainwell still carries fantasy value in plus matchups and will take over as the clear leader if anything happens to the former Detroit Lion. Consider the third-year back a low-end flex option in Week 4 against the division rival Washington Commanders.