Fantasy Football Outlook

Say goodbye to Devin Singletary and say hello to the Buffalo Bills’ lead running back, James Cook. Singletary left the Bills in the offseason and went to the Houston Texans. Recently, the Bills added Latavius Murray, Damien Harris, and Darrynton Evans to the backfield. After that, they added Nyheim Hines, who unfortunately will miss the entire season after a freak accident where he was hit by a jet ski.

All things considered, the only running back who was a part of the team last year was Cook. One might say that Cook is not the lead back, but there are reasons why I believe in him starting for this top-tier team.

Last year as a rookie, he split the backfield with Singletary but still sustained 89 carries while earning over 500 rushing yards. You can’t count out the 21 receptions with 180 receiving yards either. Singletary totaled 177 carries overall last season which cut obviously killed Cook’s rookie campaign. Now, the second-year running back is ready for a bigger role. Additionally, there are already raves about him in training camp takeover as the potential RB1 on this offense.

Fantasy Football Outlook for 2023

A running back that can catch passes in the backfield and burst all over the field, what more can you ask for fantasy-wise? In our 2023 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings he is 89th overall and in the running back category, he is 30th overall. In his role, he can easily jump up into the at least top 20 ranked running back by the end of the season.

Furthermore, Offensive Coordinator, Ken Dorsey, has been raving about him during the training camp. In the Buffalo News Dorsey was quoted stating; “I think a guy like that provides a lot of versatility for you, not only as a pass catcher, but a guy you could hand the ball off to. He’ll get tough yards, he’ll lower his pads and get some hidden yards. He’s explosive. I think you saw all of that last season”. 

That quote above should put faith into the hype train that has left the station at a fast pace. In training camp, Harris is already battling an injury to his knee. We know in the past Harris has been injury-riddled and missed five games last season. Personally, I don’t trust Harris having a running back role on this team. Especially with early injuries being sustained in training camp. If anything, he’ll be the early-down back and get some goal line work.

Of course, the Buffalo Bills offense will be led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league Josh Allen. Not to mention, an elite route runner in Stefon Diggs. The Buffalo Bills added the first-round 2023 NFL Draft pick in Dalton Kincaid and still have Dawson Knox at the tight end position. Overall, the offense has weapons and Cook is just another receiving option that can catch passes with his elite hands while the pressure doesn’t have to be 100% on him.

In all reality, elusiveness, a burst of speed, injuries to fellow running backs, and experience in the system are reasons to be excited. Furthermore, his pass-catching ability is a major reason why I believe he can be a top-20 running back by the end of the season.

Dynasty Football Outlook

In dynasty fantasy football leagues, this is where the fun begins for Cook. While in your PPR redraft leagues, the receptions alone make him a worthwhile running back two on your roster or a low-end running back one. In dynasty leagues, I personally want him on all my teams as the young stud will only improve in the Buffalo Bills system. Don’t be afraid to make some offers for Cook, but don’t go out of your way to overpay, unless you believe in him as much as I do.

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