Should I Pick Up James Cook For Fantasy Football Week 17? Waiver Wire Outlook

As we exit Week 16 of the NFL season, fantasy managers have an eye on what is "Championship Week" in most leagues. Obviously, every decision made ahead of Week 17 is a crucial one.

After a sluggish start to his rookie campaign, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has ramped up his fantasy production in recent weeks.

What has Cook done lately? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues ahead of Week 17?

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What Has James Cook Done Lately?

The rookie running back from the University of Georgia was pegged as a fantasy darling by many analysts prior to the 2022 season. Despite that preseason hype, James Cook struggled out of the gates this year. The rookie lost a fumble in the season opener and failed to find a consistent role - or log consistent fantasy production - over the first half of the year.

However, Cook has settled in nicely as the season progressed. Though he's still playing behind fellow Bills running back Devin Singletary, the rookie has popped for some solid games while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

Cook put forth one of his best fantasy efforts of 2022 in a Week 16 victory over the Chicago Bears, as Buffalo went with a run-heavy scheme in nasty winter weather conditions. The 23-year-old logged 108 total yards and a TD on 13 total opportunities against the Bears.

Should I Pick Up James Cook Off the Waiver Wire In Week 17?

Cook has continued to close the gap on Devin Singletary's workload. The rookie has logged 110 snaps to Singletary's 145 over Buffalo's last four games.

While Cook is finally turning into the player that many expected him to be this year, it might be too late for fantasy managers that are fighting to win a league championship this week. His Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals isn't particularly enticing and he figures to remain locked in a committee role with Singletary.

That said, desperate fantasy GMs that are dealing with injuries or are in need of a hail mary in their playoffs can take a stab with the explosive Cook at the FLEX position.

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