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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is now the RB9 overall in typical PPR scoring formats. He's been a boom-or-bust player with an admittedly decent floor but massive ceiling, boosted by his ridiculous 15 rushing touchdowns, two receiving scores, and 1,239 yards from scrimmage this season.
He's on a great offense with a great offensive line, and the Bills are now 13-3 thanks to their explosive passing and rushing attack. While that's certainly given him plenty of space to run this season, it's also the problem for this week -- the outcome of this game is completely meaningless.
Buffalo has clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC, and the Baltimore Ravens, who have the third-best record this season at 11-5, can't catch up. So Week 18 is a meaningless game for the Bills, and they won't have a bye week. So will Cook start and play this week with that in mind?
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James Cook Fantasy Football Outlook
The Bills will face the New England Patriots, an essentially hopeless team this season. They're just 3-13 and have nothing to play for. But although Cook has made a killing off extreme efficiency this season, it's possible he could get pulled after just one drive, or not play at all.
Since his breakout game in Week 6 when James Cook was OUT, Ray Davis has revered back to just a 20% snap share & 18 touches in those last 3 games
Yet still averages:
🔹 6 yards/att
🔹 25 yards/recAnd has 2 TD!
How is he not seeing more touches yet?!pic.twitter.com/y32lyVkF6Y
— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) November 5, 2024
In addition, it's easy to see why the team might want to give reps to backup RB Ray Davis. He's played very well in limited action this season, and should Cook get hurt at any point in the playoffs, the extra playing time could help him be better prepared to step in and carry the backfield load.
Should I Start James Cook in Week 18?
It will be helpful to wait and see what the Bills coaching staff has to say about their players' usage for the final game of the regular season, but we don't have much confidence Cook will get enough volume to make him a safe fantasy start.
James Cook runs it in 65 yards for the TD and the longest play of his career! 🔥
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/2zDS5hrqzq
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 2, 2024
That's not to say he isn't a great player. He's a very elusive RB with great acceleration and is one of the fastest offensive players in the NFL this year. We just don't expect the team to risk hurting him for a bunch more big plays in Week 18.
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