With less than a minute remaining on the clock, Cordarrelle Patterson made a 64-yard reception from Matt Ryan, setting up the Atlanta Falcons’ for the game-winning field goal against division-rival New Orleans Saints. Younghoe Koo stepped up to take the field goal as time expired to avoid a disastrous collapse.

Patterson was again the team’s best offensive weapon with 126 receiving yards on six catches and also provided the clutch play to carry the Falcons over the line. 

Also Read: NFL: Here is why Aaron Rodgers has not yet taken the COVID vaccine

After Sunday’s performance, it’s fair to say Patterson a.k.a CP3, has been slowly becoming an unlikely fantasy darling. The 30-year-old has operated as a gadget player — a combination of a running back (RB) and wide receiver (WR) — in the NFL so far. Although throughout his career, Patterson has been good enough to be a contributor, he has never broken the glass ceiling of becoming a star for his team.

He began this season at the age of 30, when players, especially running backs start to fade. In the offseason, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, Cordarrelle’s 5th NFL team. However, the Falcons and head coach Arthur Smith might be the first to have devised a way to utilise and maximise Patterson’s talents.

Also read: NFL: Detroit Lions winless in eight games, fearing to reach lows of 2008 season

Earlier in the season, Patterson had seven rushing attempts for 11 yards and a TD in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. In Week 3, Patterson caught six catches for 86 yards in a 17–14 win over the New York Giants. Patterson had a career-high three receiving touchdowns in Week 4 against the Washington Football Team.

However, at the beginning of the season, the expectations were so low for CP3, he went undrafted in most fantasy leagues at the beginning of the season. Lucky or prescient, Fantasy Footballers snapped him up after his first couple of hot weeks though. CP3 is one of the rare players who are dual position eligible.

He can be played in an RB or WR slot in most leagues. Before week 9, CP3 stood in the top 12 at both WR and RB, and has won his owners many games. His real-life NFL team is benefitting too. The Falcons currently are one game above .500, at 5-4.