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.

Friday, October 31, 6:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson was elevated from the practice squad last week, playing 15 snaps and carrying the ball 11 times for 30 yards, mostly in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach. Patterson is now expected to be elevated to the active roster this Sunday after the team parted ways with Nyheim Hines. While Patterson showed promise in college, with a 409-yard, eight-touchdown game at Buffalo, Kimani Vidal has become the clear lead back and will face a weak Tennessee Titans run defense. Patterson's role will likely be limited to spelling Vidal during the game or taking additional carries if the Chargers build a large lead. He should not be started and can be safely kept on the bench. His only fantasy value is strictly as a handcuff to Vidal.