Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Cordarrelle Patterson
Since returning from the injured reserve, the Falcons have bubble wrapped Cordarrelle Patterson and inexplicably deployed a four-headed backfield.
The four-time pro bowler has averaged 38.5% of the snaps, ten touches and 36.5 total yards the last two weeks. With his snaps and volume being capped, Patterson owners may be looking elsewhere in Week 11.
Hold the phone.
This isn’t rocket science. Atlanta wants to run the football and Patterson is the Falcons best playmaker by far. In six active weeks, the 31-year-old has THREE top five fantasy finishes (amongst RB’s.)
He returned from a four week absence and immediately scored two touchdowns compiling 55 yards against the Chargers, but just one week later finished with six touches. Why? The answer is simple. There’s was no need for the Falcons to overwork their top running back on a short week, just removed from the IR.
Now off a mini-bye, expect the Falcons to once again utilize Patterson as the featured back.
The Bears are 28th in rushing yards allowed per game, 27th in explosive run rate, and have allowed the fourth most fantasy points per game to running backs. The O/U for Sunday’s Falcons/Bears game is currently listed at 48.5 – the 2nd highest total of the week.
Cordarrelle Patterson should be in all fantasy lineups in Week 11.
