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The Atlanta Falcons offense looks quite underwhelming entering 2022, and their backfield might be the worst in the NFL. Still, there could be some low-end value from this unit if we can determine whom the starting running back will be.
Atlanta welcomes back hybrid breakout Cordarrelle Patterson once again, but they're also introducing rookie Tyler Allgeier into the offense. As training camp continues, both players are vying to win the starting running back job out of training camp.
Will Tyler Allgeier or Cordarrelle Patterson be the RB1 for the Falcons? What does their fantasy value look like and when should you draft him? Let's dive in.
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Fantasy Football Update - August 29
In the days after this article was posted, the Falcons' depth chart took shape even more. On Monday, Josh Kendall of The Athletic released his final 53-man roster projection with Patterson listed as the Falcons' No. 1 running back. Damien Williams projected as the No. 2 option and Allgeier was No. 3.
Will Tyler Allgeier or Cordarrelle Patterson Be the RB1?
When the Falcons kicked off their preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, it was Qadree Ollison and Damien Williams who ran with the starters. Patterson, who racked up 1,166 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns last year while offering versatility as both a running back and receiver, would have started if he didn't sit out the game. The 30-year-old averaged 17.7 fantasy points from Weeks 1 to 14 last season.
Only in the third quarter did Allgeier see his reps, working completely with the second and third-team players, including rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Allgeier's role increased in Week 2 of the preseason when he and Williams both shared the field on the opening drive. However, Allgeier played for the entire game, seeing reps with Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Feleipe Franks. If the plan was for Allgeier to start Week 1 of the regular season, he wouldn't have played the entire game. Similarly, the Falcons' decision to rest Patterson for two consecutive weeks suggests he's in line to be the starter.
What is Tyler Allgeier's Fantasy Value?
Allgeier might not be worth starting in fantasy throughout the early weeks of the season, but he still has fantasy value and might be worth drafting depending on the format of your league.
Last season, the Falcons fed Patterson like crazy for the first half of the season before drastically lessening his workload in the second half. The Falcons are expected to take a similar approach at the midway point in 2022, if not sooner. By the time that happens, Allgeier will be ready to handle lead-back duties. He might not have the dual-threat stardom that Patterson showed in 2021, but he has fresh legs and represents the future of the Atlanta backfield. The Falcons will want to incorporate him into the offense as soon as he is ready.
Allgeier currently sports an ADP of 144, making him the 51st running back off the board. That price tag equates him to an RB5 and late 12th-round pick in 12-team leagues, which is exactly where he should be drafted.
What is Cordarrelle Patterson's Fantasy Value?
Patterson is going to see usage in both the running and passing games right out of the gate. He will be a worthwhile FLEX as soon as Week 1 and could see his value rise even higher, much like it did last season. However, his fantasy production won't be sustainable over the entire season given the coaching staff's willingness to rest his legs and turn the backfield over to Allgeier.
Patterson's ADP of 107 equates to RB38. He will get you points in the early part of the season before you start to lose trust in him as the year progresses. If your running back depth (and roster as a whole) can afford to lose a player like that around Week 7 or 8, he's a solid pick at his current ADP.
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