Is James Cook, Damien Harris, Or Latavius Murray The Bills RB1? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Buffalo Bills have an open competition at the running back position. After losing Devin Singletary in free agency, the Bills have a new No. 1 running back this season.

James Cook returns after being a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Buffalo added Damien Harris from the division rival New England Patriots after losing Singletary in free agency. The Bills also signed Latavius Murray after the NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, Nyheim Hines is out for the year after suffering a knee injury in a jet ski accident. While the Bills signed Darrynton Evans to replace Hines on the depth chart, he isn’t in the mix for the starting role.

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What Did The Bills Running Backs Accomplish Last Year?

Many had high hopes for the rookie running back last season. However, Cook had a quiet rookie year. He had 89 rushing attempts for 507 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie also had 21 receptions on 32 targets for 180 receiving yards and one touchdown last season.

Meanwhile, Harris was outstanding in 2021, totaling 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, both career highs. Unfortunately, his production fell off a cliff last season. The former Alabama star had only 106 rushing attempts for 462 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, he averaged 4.4 yards per rushing attempt, the lowest average since his rookie year.

Murray played one game with the New Orleans Saints last season, totaling 11 rushing attempts for 57 yards and a touchdown. The veteran joined the Denver Broncos the following week after they lost Javonte Williams to a season-ending injury. Murray was arguably Denver’s top running back last year, totaling 160 rushing attempts for 703 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.

Who Will Be The Top Running Back For The Bills In 2023?

All three running backs will play a role for Buffalo this year. However, Cook has been the top guy in the backfield this offseason. Furthermore, Josh Allen has been impressed with the second-year player.

While all signs point to Cook being the No. 1 running back for the Bills this season, Harris will have a role at the goal line. Buffalo reportedly wanted to add a bigger running back this offseason. However, Harris struggled with injuries last year. If he can’t stay on the field, Murray will fill that goal-line role.

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