Austin Ekeler vs Cordarrelle Patterson: The Full Breakdown
Deciding between Austin Ekeler and Cordarrelle Patterson is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Washington Commanders running back put up 9.0 PPG in 2025 over 14 games; Cordarrelle Patterson of the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 5.5 in 15. A 3.5-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 3.5 points favors Austin Ekeler, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Austin Ekeler is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 360 yards, while Cordarrelle Patterson profiles as a more traditional rusher with 225 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Austin Ekeler carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Austin Ekeler has his bye in Week 14, and Cordarrelle Patterson rests in Week 9. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
