Who Should I Start? Jermar Jefferson or Jaret Patterson

Tuesday, December 31, 9:23 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson was given just three attempts during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday evening. However, all three attempts were within the San Francisco ten-yard line. With David Montgomery (knee) sidelined, Jahmyr Gibbs has been deployed as the workhorse option in this backfield, but with the Lions having little to play for regarding their position in the standings, they opted to give Gibbs occasional rest on Monday evening. While Gibbs still finished the game with 18 attempts and four targets, he would have likely been given this goal line work in a must-win situation. Instead, Jefferson was given some high-value touches but could not punch in any of them as he finished with just nine total yards. In addition, Jefferson saw four fewer carries than the presumed No.2 option, Craig Reynolds. Fantasy managers should expect Gibbs to take on a three-down role during Week 18 and throughout the entire postseason, leaving just a handful of attempts for Jefferson and Reynolds.

Monday, October 27, 6:48 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson was elevated from the practice squad for Thursday night's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and served as the primary backup to Kimani Vidal. Patterson ran the ball 11 times for 30 yards (2.7 YPC), showing effort but little ability to break tackles. The Chargers ran the ball 43 times overall, relying heavily on Vidal as they controlled the game. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) sidelined and Nyheim Hines seeing limited snaps, Patterson may get another opportunity in Week 9 against a struggling Tennessee Titans defense. Patterson's value depends on whether he's elevated again, as the team will need to make a roster decision soon with multiple injured backs. The 25-year-old played college football for the Buffalo Bulls before signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He rushed for 1,072 yards in just six games with the Bulls and had a 409-yard, eight-touchdown game against Kent State during his junior year.