In his second season, Buffalo Bills RB James Cook ascended from “nice piece” to “focal point” and wore it well (281 touches for 1,567 yards and six touchdowns).
Now that we have confirmation that the 2022 second-round pick can star at the NFL level, just how high can Cook’s fantasy football stock extend in 2024?
James Cook’s 2024 Fantasy Forecast
If I’m planning on a receiver-heavy start to my draft, Cook is highlighted in a major way on my cheat sheet. The Bills made it clear in their Week 15 dismantling of the Dallas Cowboys that they’re confident in Cook as a true bell cow (27 touches for 182 yards and a pair of touchdowns) and not afraid to go to a run-heavy scheme (Josh Allen completed seven passes in that 31-10 win).
James Cook’s rate of rushes that went for 15+ yards ranked best among all running backs last year.
Not rookie running backs. ALL running backs.pic.twitter.com/EpurQnLzad
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) March 31, 2023
The raw numbers were great in that spot, but I’m more encouraged by offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s willingness to change the focus of an offense that consistently ranked among the elite in pass rate over expectation during the Josh Allen era.
Buffalo further showed us its desire to establish balance this offseason by trading Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and allowing Gabe Davis to depart to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, rookie Keon Coleman, and past washouts (Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Chase Claypool) make up Buffalo’s WR room, a depth chart that looks a lot like a team that will rely heavily on their budding star in Cook.
Including the postseason, Cook caught 82.5% of his targets and showcased the type of versatility that it takes to lead a team (be it the Bills or your fantasy squad). It’s rare to see a young RB receive 22 touches in consecutive playoff games in an offense with a franchise quarterback, but that’s exactly what we saw last winter.
Cook is currently being drafted as the RB14, a slot that lands him in the middle of the fourth round in most cases. I think that’s a reasonable price tag (though I would select him ahead of an inefficient back like Rachaad White), and one that I’ll be considering no matter the shape of my roster through three rounds.
I often find myself with two receivers and a running back after three picks, with Cook and Isiah Pacheco being my primary targets in Round 4. In either of those options, I get access to a clear-cut workhorse for a high-powered offense who figures to consistently be in scoring position.
What more could you ask for after 40+ players are off the board?
Buffalo’s offense will look different than we’re accustomed to, but it’s still going to be counted on to put up points. In addition to four divisional games that should require significant offensive production, the Bills face high-upside offenses (Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts), the top of the MVP board (Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud), and NFC contenders (San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions).
Buffalo’s ability to move the football will play a big role in its ability to compete in the AFC, and based on what the Bills showed us late last season, Cook is set to be a major cog in this machine.