Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

James Cook Has Big Day, But ...

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Mon, Dec 16 2024 5:15 AM UTC
James Cook Headshot

Bills RB James Cook ran for 104 yards and 2 TDs on 14 carries in Sunday's win over the Lions. What he didn't do, though, was see much receiving work. Cook also played just 41.4% of offensive snaps overall, his second-smallest share of the season.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Cook tallied 28 receiving yards against Detroit, his third-largest tally of the season. But that came on just 1 reception, giving Cook just 4 total catches over his past three games.

Ty Johnson led Buffalo RBs in pass routes Sunday, running 15 to Cook's 10, according to Pro Football Focus. Johnson also caught all five of his targets to rank second on the team in receptions and lead all Bills in receiving yards (114).

The Bills interestingly incorporated their top three RBs on the first three plays. A Cook carry opened things, then Johnson caught a 33-yard pass on the second play. And then Ray Davis ran for 5 yards.

By the end of the game, their snap counts went:

  • Cook 29
  • Johnson 21
  • Davis 18

That would be a more worrisome split if Buffalo had tougher matchups remaining. But if Cook can deliver at Detroit, then he's tough to bet against in home dates with the Patriots and Jets.

Expect Cook to at least land among our top 20 RBs the next two weeks. The recent dip in receiving opportunities still lowers the floor.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

3:31pm UTC 4/21/25

Draft capital is important for incoming fantasy rookies, but context is often lost on the draft class. See how the top skill positions match up in the top 100 prospects

Read More »
Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

12:28pm UTC 4/19/25

QB Jaxson Dart has the arm strength and rushing upside to be a fantasy difference-maker. Is he a beacon of light in a dim QB class? Or are we reaching for a mediocre talent in a QB-starved league?

Read More »
Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

8:41pm UTC 4/17/25

Cam Ward looks like the No. 1 pick -- but is that enough to make him a high-value superflex asset? Should you target or pass on Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in your dynasty rookie draft? Let's talk through the top prospects PLUS three sleepers.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »