Cordarrelle Patterson vs Michael Carter: The Full Breakdown
The gap between Cordarrelle Patterson and Michael Carter is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.8 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Cordarrelle Patterson averaged 5.5 PPG with the Pittsburgh Steelers across 15 games, and Michael Carter posted 6.3 with the Arizona Cardinals in 13.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Cordarrelle Patterson ran for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns; Michael Carter posted 333 and 1. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Cordarrelle Patterson has his bye in Week 9, and Michael Carter rests in Week 14. 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.
