Who Should I Start? Jaret Patterson or Chase Brown

Monday, December 1, 6:41 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson carried the ball 11 times for 54 yards and a touchdown in the team's 31-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. After being signed to the active roster early last week, Patterson served as the primary back behind Kimani Vidal as the Chargers totaled 192 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Patterson looked decisive and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season as the offense relied heavily on the ground game following Justin Herbert's hand injury. Looking ahead, rookie Omarion Hampton's return from IR is imminent after his 21-day practice window opened last week, which would move Patterson behind Hampton and Vidal. Next Monday night, the Bolts face a Philadelphia Eagles defense that has recently been vulnerable against the run. However, Patterson's fantasy value depends entirely on Hampton's availability in Week 14. If Hampton returns, Patterson might not even see the field. If he doesn't, Patterson will remain a depth piece with a few change-of-pace carries.

Friday, November 28, 2:53 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown looked good in the Thanksgiving win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 25-year-old didn't find the end zone, although he still got it done for fantasy managers by finishing with 78 yards off 15 carries (5.2 YPC) while catching all seven of his targets for 35 yards. The Bengals were fortunate to get Joe Burrow (toe) back from a lengthy stint on the Injured Reserve list. Unfortunately, Tee Higgins (concussion) didn't suit up after taking a hit in the Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots. The Bengals have a few extra days to recover before the Week 14 meeting with the Bills in Buffalo. While Brown is back to being considered a must-start fantasy option, his ceiling will be higher if Higgins remains sidelined.