The signing of Leonard Fournette may have created a buzz around the city of Buffalo — as well as the rest of the NFL, for that matter — but was it enough to unseat James Cook as the Bills‘ running back of choice to start on your fantasy football team this week? Let’s take a look at the two.
Should You Start James Cook or Leonard Fournette This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Cook is the player to start. His projected 11.9 points include 50 rushing yards, three receptions, and 23 receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms the consensus projections for Fournette (2.2 points).
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My ranking for the two running backs aligns with the consensus, given Cook’s production of late, along with the unproven Fournette.
Fantasy Outlook for Cook This Week
Fournette’s arrival should be viewed as nothing more than insurance at this point. Cook continues to put up fairly decent numbers at the RB spot these days.
He’s coming off arguably the three best consecutive games of the season, rushing for at least 50 yards in three straight games for the first time all season. Cook has averaged at least four yards a carry in all three games as well — also the first time this season he’s done it three games in a row.
Cook comes into this week fifth in the AFC in rushing yards (486) and is facing a Bengals defense that is 28th in rushing yards per game allowed (138.6) and 30th in yards allowed per carry (5.0).
The lack of time in the end zone is disappointing. Of the 18 players with at least 400 rushing yards this season, Cook is one of three with only one rushing touchdown (Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson).
Cook did have a TD reception two weeks ago, and his receiving skills should not be overlooked. He ranks seventh among running backs in receiving yards (192).
Fantasy Outlook for Fournette This Week
As we get closer to the end of the season, expect to see more of Fournette, who will provide the biggest value come playoff time. When he does get himself in game shape, he provides value both as a runner and pass catcher, forming a tough duo with Cook — a player with similar dual-threat capability.
I could potentially see Fournette coming in on goal-line situations and maybe coming away with a short touchdown run.
But that aside this week, do not expect to see Fournette on the field enough this week to make a big impact on anyone’s fantasy team.
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Fournette to finish with five yards and catch one pass for six yards.
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