RB James Cook, BUF (16 Viewers)

[Banger]

James Cook played on 23-of-58 snaps in the Bills’ Week 4 win over the Dolphins.

Cook was in on only 39.7 percent of the Bills’ snaps this weekend — a season-low for the team’s RB1. Perhaps more alarming for fantasy managers is the fact that Cook played on just 2-of-6 third downs, and was second in routes run behind Latavius Murray. As PFF.com’s Nathan Jahnke also points out in his weekly recap article, Cook has seen a decline in targets every game this season, drawing just one look from Josh Allen on Sunday. Cook has been a top fantasy back through the first four weeks of the season, but pass-catching has always been baked into his ceiling. A continued decline in targets could have a negative impact on him in games like we saw in Week 4, where he was held to just 29 rushing yards on 12 carries.

I'm not sure how concerned to be about this.
Cook's snap %: 59, 59, 62, 40. Targets 6, 4, 3, 1. Rush attempts:12, 17, 15, 12
Murray's snap %: 23, 23, 25, 33. Targets: 2, 2, 1, 2. Rush attempts: 2, 6, 5, 4.
Harris' snap %: 13, 18, 13, 28. Targets: 2, 0, 0, 0. Rush attempts: 1, 7, 5, 6.

Until we see more of a trend his drop in usage this week could be attributed to simple game script/situation. On the other hand Cook got the goal-line TD, so...

Cook is a better pass catcher and more explosive runner than either Murray or Harris...he has two non-threatening vets behind him that can take some carries and do some goal line work if needed. The biggest "fear" I had with Cook was the vulture factor (beyond Josh) and if Cook was going to get any red zone opps. He's been in a few times and converted on a short one this week. Soon enough he's going to break one and have a big week. In the meantime, he's putting up good consistent floor numbers...10.3, 19.9, 13.2 and 14.7....some 20+ point games are coming soon....if anything I'd be buying, not selling.

 

[TommyKramer9]

I love this guy, but I'm stacked at RB so going to try and trade him to the Kelce owner who needs help at RB

 

[eagles 123]

Mr. Consistent

 

[Ministry of Pain]

12/28 on the ground, I'm shocked the Phins were able to contain him
What he added though was a rush TD which always saves a RB from a disappointing day and then he also had a big 48 yd short catch and then long run
That candy from the TD and pass make it about a 14 point afternoon or another double digit return from a guy ranked around RB 30 over the summer

2md/3rd round next year?

 

[Biabreakable]

Yeah bizarre game. I think Harris or Murray were on the field immediately to start the game (if not first snap then right after). And to top it off they give Cook a goalline carry. I wonder if it was matchup thing (does Miami have a fast, smallish defense?). If so, makes sense to hammer them with Murray and Harris. Hopefully its not a trend especially since hes been playing so well.

Sometimes teams like to change things up from past tendencies to throw the defense off from what they have studied of the offense in previous games.

I mentioned this earlier, but when Murray was with the Vikings a few years ago a split stat showed he was more effective with his first 7 carries of the game than carries after. So if this continues to be the case the Bills may want to use him early on in the game when he is most effective, to soften the defense up, then switch to Cook afterwards when the defense is more gassed and Murray doesnt have as much juice left.

This is how the Vikings used him with Dalvin Cook in the past when Murray was a younger player than he is today.

 

[Doubles]

I love this guy, but I'm stacked at RB so going to try and trade him to the Kelce owner who needs help at RB

Did you make this trade? Someone is offering me Ridley for him straight up and Cook is currently my RB3/Flex. Ridley would be my WR1.

 

[TommyKramer9]

I love this guy, but I'm stacked at RB so going to try and trade him to the Kelce owner who needs help at RB

Did you make this trade? Someone is offering me Ridley for him straight up and Cook is currently my RB3/Flex. Ridley would be my WR1.

I tried, but was turned down. It sounds like you need help pretty bad at WR. I like Cook better than Ridley (Actually have both of them) but it's not a bad trade

 

[Sunday Gravy]

5 carries
-4 yards

UGLY

 

[Ilov80s]

5 carries
-4 yards

UGLY

Yeah the last 2 weeks have been weird after such a nice start

 

[eagles 123]

He will bounce back next week against NYG

 

[BlackCrowes]

never understood rotating so many RBs. Seems like it would be really tough to get into a rhythm. Two maybe..,,but three?

 

[Down Under]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

 

[kface]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

Seems like there were more of them this year than usual

 

[zamboni]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

 

[kface]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

 

[Down Under]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

Well, they do focus on Diggs.

 

[kface]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

Well, they do focus on Diggs.

I meant one rb

 

[zamboni]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

I agree about the lack of focus on one guy, but seems like they've made a more dedicated approach to running the ball, albeit not nearly as much with Josh to keep him healthy. Maybe it's getting them a bit too much away from what makes them tick, although the offense has had a lot of ups and downs over the past few years.

 

[kface]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

I agree about the lack of focus on one guy, but seems like they've made a more dedicated approach to running the ball, albeit not nearly as much with Josh to keep him healthy. Maybe it's getting them a bit too much away from what makes them tick, although the offense has had a lot of ups and downs over the past few years.

Allen and Diggs owner here and it's a good observation you make...although they have been up and down something seems off this year

 

[zamboni]

Another over-hyped forum guy....

It's not just here - much of fantasy community was on him, and seemed like good reason. Often it's not the guy himself, but the offensive ecosystem around him.

The offensive ecosystem around him said 'the bills don't run the ball nor do they focus on one guy' so it was weird to think that cooks was going to change that

I agree about the lack of focus on one guy, but seems like they've made a more dedicated approach to running the ball, albeit not nearly as much with Josh to keep him healthy. Maybe it's getting them a bit too much away from what makes them tick, although the offense has had a lot of ups and downs over the past few years.

Allen and Diggs owner here and it's a good observation you make...although they have been up and down something seems off this year

I agree - have had Allen for the last four years and it seems a bit different this year with fewer designed runs that has been a huge weapon for him and the offense. He's had 20 total rushing attempts in 5 games, which is not something we're used to seeing.

 

[jobarules]

Don't think this guy is playable anymore. Honestly looks like the backup. Not even the 3rd down back or goal line back. Dare I say droppable.

 

[jobarules]

People who didn't watch the game will see 14 carries for 71 yards and be happy. I'll be trying to sell high to those people for a rb who is actually on the field.

 

[rockaction]

Don't think this guy is playable anymore. Honestly looks like the backup. Not even the 3rd down back or goal line back. Dare I say droppable.

You must be frustrated because I saw a guy that they trusted in key situations last night. You probably drafted him in too high a position and it's coming back to nip at you. People were reaching a full round or two for this guy, and that wasn't wise.

He's not droppable in a standard twelve-team league.

 

[menobrown]

Don't think this guy is playable anymore. Honestly looks like the backup. Not even the 3rd down back or goal line back. Dare I say droppable.

He's not droppable and he's literally RB24 in PPG without much TD benefit so he's certinaly playable. LIke most low end RB2/high end RB3 types you'd like to have better options, he's pretty far from a must start, but he has value.

But despite his actual strong individual play they certainly seem to be reducing his role a little. Was an even timeshare with Latavius last night and Latavius was in the game in high majority of high value fantasy situations. Tough to be much for fantasy when you don't get a lot of usage in the red zone and not a big part of the passing game. Makes sense to not overuse him, but it's been disappointing to see unfold as he looked more like a solid higher end RB2 after the first few weeks.

Speaking of which the one play which annoyed me last night was the one time Diggs lined up in the backfield, ran the same route that Cook had run several times but the one time Diggs ran it that's where Allen threw it while never throwing it to Cook or based on my TV copy so much as looking his direction. That's going to be only thing that picks his value up IMO, getting Allen to try and no be so dialed into Diggs and use some of this other weapons more. I'm not counting on it but I'd say even if I did not play fantasy footballl I'd think for the Bills to get where they want to go they need to get Allen to start looking at involving other players more in the offense with what should be an obvious caveat that Diggs should own the lions share, but I think they are failing big time on getting other players involved more. Whole offensive approach just seems to have Allen scramble around until Diggs get open and run if he can't.

Relative to RB's he's not a bust. Majority of the RB's chosen around him are either full on busts or injured. That was a true RB dead zone of drafts. Mentioned he was performing as RB24 in PPG and in my leagues he was drafted around RB21 range. I feel like that in sense I'm getting what I paid for at least but for sure if I had benefit of hindight I'd have drafted him zero times. Thankfully did not invest often,two places which are both redraft and one of them he was on my bench yesterday and will likekly be benched more weeks then not in both leagues going forward, but he's a usable RB to have in your stable for sure.

Seems like a tough guy to sell high unless you are throwing other parts into the mix but only two places I own him don't allow for trades so nothing that I can or am considering but if I had him on a league I could trade and had some decent RB depth I'd be trying to see what I can get for sure.

 

[Biabreakable]

Just absurd to be talking about droping him.

For what?

He is getting twice the points per game as anyone that might be available to pick up.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

People were reaching a full round or two for this guy, and that wasn't wise.

This

 

[zoonation]

The Bills are underusing this guy. He is way more explosive between the tackles and outside than Murray.

 

[Gally]

Just because he isn't currently meeting his lofty expectation doesn't mean he is waiver wire fodder. I think it's been demonstrated that although he has disappointed that is all based on expectations. He still have value and if he can get some passing game work he will improve. There is a path to reaching his expectations so he is a hold at this point.

 

[FarFromHome]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

 

[menobrown]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

I don't find that maddening and makes sense to me they'd use him Latavius or Harris if available in that role. Cooks just not a big guy and I think his total rushing volume is where you'd like to see if it if you are the Bills.

But what I do find maddening is seeing him get zero targets in the passing game while the Bills lined up Harty and Diggs in the backfield and threw it to both of them each time they ran routes like Cook had been running all game.

 

[RenegadeRoy]

Murray is the big body, and they basically have him for free, so it makes sense to use him to grind down defenses.

They need to work on getting Cook more passes. Using Diggs in that role is foolish and a good way to get your #1 WR hurt IMO. The yards per a carry are there for Cook, but he needs to get some balls in space to show off his explosiveness.

It's also possible they are using Murray more early in the season and saving Cook. Not sure I agree with that logic, but it's possible.

 

[efactor]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

Especially when Murray was really bad in that role last night. Got two chances to punch it in from the 2 and lost yardage.

Cook is averaging 4.8 a carry and 10 yards per reception. Not sure why they have stopped using him in the passing game after week 3. Not like they were tearing it up last night. Perplexing.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Man he looks good to me whenever I tune in. I really don't understand the obsession with taking him off the field when he's running hot. Never throw him the ball either. Looks very dynamic though.

Having Murray in there for the two runs on the last possession last night was just mind boggling. The last few years have taught us to not trust this coaching staff with a talented rb.

 

[jobarules]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

Especially when Murray was really bad in that role last night. Got two chances to punch it in from the 2 and lost yardage.

Cook is averaging 4.8 a carry and 10 yards per reception. Not sure why they have stopped using him in the passing game after week 3. Not like they were tearing it up last night. Perplexing.

Murray started the game last night. I started noticing this perplexing usage a few weeks ago when cook scored his only TD. Since then they've lost to Jax and should've lost to a miserable Giants team. Needless to say their usage is clearly costing them. The only time they moved the ball last was when cooks was in game. It's beyond bizarre.

 

[themeistersinger]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

Especially when Murray was really bad in that role last night. Got two chances to punch it in from the 2 and lost yardage.

Cook is averaging 4.8 a carry and 10 yards per reception. Not sure why they have stopped using him in the passing game after week 3. Not like they were tearing it up last night. Perplexing.

It's because his pass blocking is terrible. If his receiving usage is just to be a check down then Murray can do that just as well. Hopefully his pass blocking will improve and then his snaps will also improve.

 

[skinsrule05]

Don't think this guy is playable anymore. Honestly looks like the backup. Not even the 3rd down back or goal line back. Dare I say droppable.

Don't do this. This is playing emotionally. If you overpaid for him, that is in the past. He is RB24. Would you drop any other RB that is a RB 2/3?

 

[efactor]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

Especially when Murray was really bad in that role last night. Got two chances to punch it in from the 2 and lost yardage.

Cook is averaging 4.8 a carry and 10 yards per reception. Not sure why they have stopped using him in the passing game after week 3. Not like they were tearing it up last night. Perplexing.

It's because his pass blocking is terrible. If his receiving usage is just to be a check down then Murray can do that just as well. Hopefully his pass blocking will improve and then his snaps will also improve.

Disagree that's the reason

I made it a point to watch Murray on pass plays last night. He barely blocked at all. He would flair out on virtually every play so it doesn't seem pass blocking superiority was why he was in the game.

 

[efactor]

We all might have drastically overestimated how Bills were gonna use him. I own no shares, but watching Murray in most red zone snaps was maddening.

Especially when Murray was really bad in that role last night. Got two chances to punch it in from the 2 and lost yardage.

Cook is averaging 4.8 a carry and 10 yards per reception. Not sure why they have stopped using him in the passing game after week 3. Not like they were tearing it up last night. Perplexing.

Murray started the game last night. I started noticing this perplexing usage a few weeks ago when cook scored his only TD. Since then they've lost to Jax and should've lost to a miserable Giants team. Needless to say their usage is clearly costing them. The only time they moved the ball last was when cooks was in game. It's beyond bizarre.

Murray was also split wide on multiple plays. Might as well have been playing with 10 people on the field

If their offense was cooking, I wouldn't give it a 2nd thought, but it's not

 

[jobarules]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

 

[travdogg]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

James Cook got Allen decked a couple times against the Giants. Clearly they don't trust him at all as a pass blocker or GL runner, and those are Fournette's biggest strengths.

I wouldn't say droppable, but he's probably an RB3 at this point.

 

[bj diggy]

good lord...he is fine..just RELAX

Murray sucks, fournette is a fat slob....just put him in your lineup and chill

 

[bj diggy]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

James Cook got Allen decked a couple times against the Giants. Clearly they don't trust him at all as a pass blocker or GL runner, and those are Fournette's biggest strengths.

I wouldn't say droppable, but he's probably an RB3 at this point.

eh...the O-line got him decked, right?

 

[travdogg]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

James Cook got Allen decked a couple times against the Giants. Clearly they don't trust him at all as a pass blocker or GL runner, and those are Fournette's biggest strengths.

I wouldn't say droppable, but he's probably an RB3 at this point.

eh...the O-line got him decked, right?

The play where Allen got banged up, Cook went full Tito Santana on a blitzing LB.

 

[LawFitz]

Would you trade him for George Pickens?

 

[travdogg]

Would you trade him for George Pickens?

In dynasty, for sure.

In redraft, if you need a WR I would. If you are thin at RB, its probably 50-50.

 

[bj diggy]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

James Cook got Allen decked a couple times against the Giants. Clearly they don't trust him at all as a pass blocker or GL runner, and those are Fournette's biggest strengths.

I wouldn't say droppable, but he's probably an RB3 at this point.

eh...the O-line got him decked, right?

The play where Allen got banged up, Cook went full Tito Santana on a blitzing LB.

Wait...so you are saying Josh Allen..the rough, tough running QB that plays with reckless abandon and throws himself around at the goal line...on the team where the coaching staff regularly abandons the run game so he can sling it 50 times a game (note...this approach has likely cost the bills multiple superbowl appearances) depends entirely on cook picking a blitzing LB...not to mention the crap O line that they have......the whole game plan and health of the QB is up to cook? Are you high? Your saying play the 32 year old garbage backup rb...that is how the bills win? WOW

 

[LawFitz]

Is he droppable now boys?

Leonard Fournette tells me he is visiting the #Bills tomorrow.

Fournette has fielded interest from several teams, and there’s a good chance he signs in Buffalo if all goes well. https://t.co/zs64rnZiK3

-Jordan Schultz | 9:46 pm ET

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1714095413823709372

James Cook got Allen decked a couple times against the Giants. Clearly they don't trust him at all as a pass blocker or GL runner, and those are Fournette's biggest strengths.

I wouldn't say droppable, but he's probably an RB3 at this point.

eh...the O-line got him decked, right?

The play where Allen got banged up, Cook went full Tito Santana on a blitzing LB.

Wait...so you are saying Josh Allen..the rough, tough running QB that plays with reckless abandon and throws himself around at the goal line...on the team where the coaching staff regularly abandons the run game so he can sling it 50 times a game (note...this approach has likely cost the bills multiple superbowl appearances) depends entirely on cook picking a blitzing LB...not to mention the crap O line that they have......the whole game plan and health of the QB is up to cook? Are you high? Your saying play the 32 year old garbage backup rb...that is how the bills win? WOW

Yeah, pretty sure he isn't saying any of that.

 

[RenegadeRoy]

I think the Lenny news is more a sign that Harris isn't coming back this year than it is Cook getting usurped.

 

[ohio#1eaglesfan]

It might make his owners mad that they are using Murray but it is probably wise for Cooks’s health. Kyle Shanahan should take notes and not run his best player into the ground too.

 

[King of the Jungle]

I think the Lenny news is more a sign that Harris isn't coming back this year than it is Cook getting usurped.

Not so sure, there seems to be a lack of trust with Cook. Whether it is pass pro or running routes, they just do not seem to want to use him in the pass game. I thought he would become a “Jame White+” in that offense but something is amiss. Lenny is a proven commodity in that area and would immediately be called upon imo. Not a plus for Cook.