Who Should I Start? Cordarrelle Patterson or Rashod Bateman

Monday, July 28, 2:17 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Cordarrelle Patterson, according to a tweet from Patterson himself on Monday morning. The 34-year-old appeared to be fifth on the team's depth chart at running back behind Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, and Trey Sermon, so this news does not come as a huge surprise. Patterson appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh in 2024, rushing for 135 yards on 32 carries and catching 12 passes for 80 yards. He also served as a kick returner, which is where Patterson has arguably made the biggest impact throughout his career. It remains to be seen whether the 12-year vet will look to catch on with another team as a gadget piece on offense and contributor on special teams, or hang up his cleats. Either way, his days as a fantasy-relevant player are in the past.

Saturday, October 25, 11:13 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is in the midst of quite a rough fantasy season. Outside of his big game against the Detroit Lions, he's scored a total of nine fantasy points in the other five games in half-PPR formats. It turns out that when Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is hurt, there's no one to throw a deep ball to Bateman. In Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, Bateman could have his starting QB back under center with a good matchup in front of him. Nahshon Wright is likely to lineup opposite him, and he's allowed 8.6 yards per target and four touchdowns so far this year. Bateman's value is quite dependent on Jackson playing, so he'll be off the fantasy radar if the two-time MVP can't suit up.