Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or James Cook

Monday, January 8, 4:43 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III took 17 carries for 78 yards in Week 18. He also caught his only target for three yards in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Ten of Walker's attempts were for three yards or less but his stat line was bailed out with four rushes that resulted in gains of at least 11 yards. Coming into the season his status as the starter was threatened after the Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 draft. Injuries aside, Walker held onto his role all year but Charbonnet's efficiency makes depth chart projections murky for 2024. Playing in 15 games in 2023, Walker had 219 carries for 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 29 catches for 259 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Thursday, May 9, 2:20 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook bounced back from being benched last year and enters his third season in the NFL in 2024 as the unquestioned lead back with a giant gap between him and either Ty Johnson or rookie Ray Davis. Cook should continue to push toward some of the heaviest involvement the Bills have seen in recent years out of their top back. Johnson's game is similar to Cook's, so he'll likely have a game-day role when Cook needs a breather. The Bills are hoping Davis can add power and short-yardage ability, something the team has been wanting to add for years to the backfield. The 24-year-old Cook had a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2023 but added just two rushing TDs. What Cook lacks in scoring opportunities, he could make up for with his pass-catching abilities and sheer volume in 2024.