Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Cordarrelle Patterson vs Jaleel McLaughlinWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Jaleel McLaughlin is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 6.9 PPG to Cordarrelle Patterson's 5.5 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Jaleel McLaughlin is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Jaleel McLaughlin edges Cordarrelle Patterson by 1.4 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Jaleel McLaughlin goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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RBPittsburgh Steelers#99

Cordarrelle Patterson

PPG

5.5

Games

Rush Yds

225

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

142

Bye

Week 9

RBDenver Broncos#99PPG LEADER

Jaleel McLaughlin

PPG

6.9

Games

Rush Yds

382

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Cordarrelle Patterson

Jaleel McLaughlin

Head to Head

5.5 PPG6.9 PPG

15 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 9Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Cordarrelle Patterson: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Jaleel McLaughlin: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Cordarrelle Patterson is producing at 25% of elite pace and Jaleel McLaughlin at 31%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Cordarrelle Patterson vs Jaleel McLaughlin: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Cordarrelle Patterson finished the 2025 season at 5.5 PPG over 15 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Jaleel McLaughlin clocked in at 6.9 across 15 appearances for the Denver Broncos. A 1.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Cordarrelle Patterson ran for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns; Jaleel McLaughlin posted 382 and 2. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

One scheduling note: Cordarrelle Patterson is off Week 9 and Jaleel McLaughlin Week 14. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Cordarrelle Patterson (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Jaleel McLaughlin (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Jaleel McLaughlin outscored Cordarrelle Patterson by a projected 24 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Cordarrelle Patterson scored 3 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Cordarrelle Patterson vs Jaleel McLaughlin: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Cordarrelle Patterson	Jaleel McLaughlin
PPG (Half-PPR)	5.5	6.9
Games Played	15	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	83	104
Rushing Yards	225	382
Rush Yds/Game	15.0	25.5
Rushing TDs	2	2
Receptions	18	22
Receiving Yards	142	168
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	3	3
Bye Week	Week 9	Week 14

Summary

Jaleel McLaughlin outscored Cordarrelle Patterson by 1.4 PPG in 2025 (6.9 to 5.5). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Cordarrelle Patterson or Jaleel McLaughlin in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Jaleel McLaughlin has the edge at 6.9 PPG compared to Cordarrelle Patterson's 5.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaleel McLaughlin average in 2025?▾

Cordarrelle Patterson averaged 5.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 1.4 points per game.

When are Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaleel McLaughlin's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Cordarrelle Patterson (PIT) has a bye in Week 9, and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Cordarrelle Patterson or Jaleel McLaughlin a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin outscored Cordarrelle Patterson by 1.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.