James Cook III

Buffalo Bills
Running Back #4
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

James Cook III News RotoBaller

James Cook III Could Expose Vikings' Run Defense

If there is one way to beat the Minnesota Vikings' defense, which is ranked No. 1 against the pass, it's through the running game. That's what Bills running back James Cook III will look to do on Monday night, when Buffalo takes on Minnesota in a critical non-conference affair. The Vikings have allowed 116.7 yards rushing per game this season, which is ranked in the bottom half of the NFL. Last week against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings allowed Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to total 153 yards on the ground and score a touchdown rushing. Cook is coming off his worst performance of the season in terms of yards per carry (3.8) against the Baltimore Ravens, but he has scored a touchdown in six straight games and will look to extend that streak vs. the Vikings. Cook is RotoBaller's 10th-ranked running back and is projected to score 13 fantasy points against Minnesota.

Nov 8, 2026 4:38 AM EST

James Cook III Furthers Touchdown Streak in Week 8 Win

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III put together yet another productive game in his team's 36-10 Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens, recording 101 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 23 touches. Cook III is in the midst of an excellent season in 2026, logging 707 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 138 carries. The 27-year-old has scored at least one touchdown in six consecutive games, and he's topped 100 yards from scrimmage in five out of those six outings. Between his own production and the dominant Bills offense's ability to consistently move the ball up and down the field, Cook III profiles as an elite running back option for fantasy managers.

Nov 1, 2026 4:58 PM EST

James Cook Faces Tall Task in Week 8

Bills running back James Cook enters Week 8 as the third-leading rusher in the NFL, racking up an average of 104.5 yards rushing over his first six games of the year. However, he could face some tough sledding in Week 8, when he and Buffalo go up against a stout Ravens run defense, which has allowed just 98.6 yards rushing per game this season, the ninth-best mark in the NFL. In a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Baltimore limited Cincinnati to just 73 yards rushing on an average of 3.7 yards per carry. Cook has found the end zone in five straight games and has averaged 114 yards rushing per game over that stretch. He's also hauled in six receptions for 73 yards over his last three matchups.Cook is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked running back and is projected to score 16 fantasy points against the Ravens this week.

Oct 31, 2026 7:38 AM EST

James Cook III Carrying a Heavy Workload

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has been very involved and productive in his team's 5-1 start to the season. He has 20-plus carries in four of his last five games and has run for at least 95 yards in each of those four games with a heavy workload. He has scored six rushing touchdowns in his last five games as well and added three catches for 58 yards against the Raiders in the team's most recent game before a Week 7 bye. The Bills return from their bye against the Ravens in a big game this Sunday and then face the Vikings on Monday Night Football in Week 9. Cook doesn't have an easy schedule, but his heavy workload in an offense that is very productive makes him one of the top running back options to consider, as long as he stays in such a heavily involved role in Buffalo's offense.

Oct 29, 2026 5:40 AM EST

James Cook III Bounces Back with Season-High Receiving Performance

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III rushed for 95 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries during Sunday's Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He also caught three passes for a season-high 58 receiving yards. Cook was publicly called out by his head coach after fumbling twice last week, and it seemed to light a fire under him as he bounced back with the best fantasy output (PPR) of his age-27 season. The workhorse running back totaled 25 touches in the win, and he now has at least one touchdown in five consecutive games. He also has more than 700 scrimmage yards this year, which ranks near the top of the NFL. The fifth-year Georgia product remains an undisputed RB1 for fantasy managers, and he'll continue to find himself in must-start territory when the Bills host the Ravens on the other side of their Week 7 bye.

Oct 18, 2026 4:58 PM EST

James Cook III Draws Excellent Rushing Matchup in Week 6

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has already topped 100 rushing yards three times this season, and Sunday's matchup against Las Vegas gives him an excellent opportunity for another productive afternoon. The Raiders are surrendering 140.6 rushing yards per game and 5.21 yards per carry, numbers that should favor a Buffalo offense averaging 5.4 yards per rushing attempt. Cook enters Week 6 with 532 yards and five touchdowns on 95 carries, including 111 yards and two scores on 25 attempts against the Rams. His two fumbles in that game were concerning, particularly with ball security becoming a recurring issue, but Buffalo continued leaning heavily on him throughout the contest. Cook has contributed only seven receptions this season, leaving much of his fantasy value tied to rushing production. Nevertheless, his workload and the favorable matchup make him a strong RB1 option.

Oct 17, 2026 7:39 AM EST

James Cook III in Danger of Losing Carries

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady said on Tuesday that star running back James Cook III could be in danger of losing carries in the backfield if his ball-security issues continue, according to Bills insider Alex Brasky. "We're putting the ball in harm's way. It's negating all the positive. I have confidence in him. At some point there has to be consequences. It's gotta improve or the carries are gonna decrease," Brady said. The 27-year-old had a big night in the overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night in Week 5, carrying the ball 10 times for 121 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for seven yards, but he put the ball on the ground twice, losing one in overtime that luckily did not cost the Bills the game. Cook continued to pick up chunk gains on the ground for Buffalo against an underperforming Rams defense, and he is already up to five rushing TDs through five games after scoring 28 times on the ground in the last two years. He has three straight 1,000-yard seasons and already had reached the 100-yard mark in three of five games in 2026. Cook is a must-start RB1 in fantasy, but Ty Johnson and Ray Davis could steal more work away if the fumbles continue to happen.

Oct 13, 2026 1:34 PM EST

James Cook III's Touchdowns Make Up for Fumbling Issues in Week 5

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III logged 25 carries, 111 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Monday's Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also converted his lone target into a seven-yard reception. Although Cook scored twice and handled an enormous workload against the Rams, he also dealt with some serious ball security issues. The 27-year-old finished with two fumbles (one fumble lost), nearly costing the Bills the game. This is nothing new for Cook, who has 10 fumbles over his last 22 games. On a more positive note, he has five touchdowns over his last four games and remains a high-end RB1 option in fantasy football. He continues to trend upward ahead of Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, who just surrendered a whopping 45 points to the Patriots.

Oct 12, 2026 8:25 PM EST

James Cook III Remains an RB1 After Lighter Week 4 Workload

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III carried only 12 times against New England, exactly half his workload from the previous week, but still managed 75 rushing yards and a touchdown. That gives him a rushing score in three consecutive games and 421 yards on 70 attempts through four weeks. The workload reduction was frustrating considering Cook averaged 6.3 yards per carry against the Patriots, especially after his back-to-back 100-yard performances. Buffalo has shown it can lean heavily on him, although Josh Allen continues to take some of the short-yardage opportunities. The Rams have a strong defensive front, with Aaron Donald potentially returning Monday after missing Week 4. Cook sits at RB8 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. One game with fewer carries shouldn't change his standing as a dependable RB1, particularly with how efficiently he's been running.

Oct 10, 2026 11:50 AM EST

James Cook III Keeps Rolling Into Week 4

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has put together back-to-back monster rushing performances. He followed 135 yards against Detroit with 154 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries against the Chargers, bringing him to 346 rushing yards on 58 attempts through three games. That is 6.0 yards per carry, and the workload has been every bit as encouraging as the efficiency. Josh Allen will continue to steal some short-yardage touchdowns, but Cook has handled enough volume for that to be a secondary concern. New England has allowed 325 rushing yards through three games. RotoBaller has Cook at RB7 for Week 4, and there is no reason to get cute with this one. He belongs in lineups as an RB1 again Sunday.

Oct 3, 2026 7:14 AM EST

James Cook III Keeps Rolling Into Week 3

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III tore through Detroit in Week 2, carrying 21 times for 135 yards and a touchdown in the 41-31 win. He had already crossed 100 yards before halftime and finished with 139 yards from scrimmage after adding one catch for four yards. Los Angeles did a much better job against the run last week, holding Ashton Jeanty to 48 yards on 21 carries, so Cook is not walking into the same setup he had against Detroit. Buffalo's offense is operating at such a high level that the matchup only matters so much. Cook remains the clear lead back, and his 21 carries last week were a good sign even with Josh Allen continuing to handle some of the work near the goal line. RotoBaller has Cook at RB7 for Week 3. He remains an RB1 against the Chargers.

Sep 26, 2026 5:36 AM EST

James Cook III Bounces Back with Dominant Week 2 Performance

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III put up a huge game in his team's 41-31 Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions, recording 21 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. It was a nice bounce-back performance for the 26-year-old, who was held to 69 yards from scrimmage on 16 touches by the Houston Texans in Buffalo's season-opener. Cook III's fantasy production is impacted by the presence of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who had two rushing touchdowns against Detroit and continues to be Buffalo's preferred option in short-yardage situations. Still, Cook III was the only Bills running back to receive a carry in Week 2, even in a game that his team largely controlled for 60 minutes. Buffalo's offense also looks like one of the best units in football so far, which should give Cook III plenty of chances to score touchdowns. Entering the Bills' Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cook III remains a clear fantasy RB1.

Sep 18, 2026 5:48 AM EST

James Cook III Remains a Strong RB1 for Week 2

The box score was fine, not great. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III ran 13 times for 57 yards and finished with 69 total yards against Houston, but nothing about his role should worry fantasy managers. He was on the field for 72% of Buffalo's offensive snaps and clearly remained the lead option. Josh Allen simply handled the rushing touchdowns himself. Cook gets Detroit on Thursday with Buffalo expected to move the ball again, and Ty Johnson is questionable with a hamstring injury. That could leave even less competition behind him than usual. Cook also caught both of his targets in the opener, so he does not need a rushing touchdown to salvage his week. RotoBaller ranks him RB6 for Week 2. Allen is always going to steal some work near the goal line, but Cook's workload is plenty strong enough to keep him in the RB1 range against Detroit.

Sep 17, 2026 5:53 AM EST

James Cook III Not a Major Factor in Bills' Week 1 Win

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III rushed for 57 yards on 13 carries during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Houston Texans. He also caught three of his four targets for an additional 12 receiving yards. The Bills eked out a win, but it mostly came on the shoulders of the passing attack, as Josh Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns. Allen also vultured two rushing touchdowns from Cook. The 26-year-old ball-carrier was the overall RB6 with 17.8 fantasy points per game last season, so fantasy managers would have liked to see him replicate that level of production in Week 1. With that being said, the Texans have one of the best defensive fronts in football, so we understand why Cook had trouble getting going on the ground. He'll have another tough test next week against the Detroit Lions, who just held the Saints' running backs to a total of 80 rushing yards.

Sep 13, 2026 2:29 PM EST

James Cook III Carries RB1 Upside Into Week 1

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III returns to Houston after rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Texans last November. Cook went on to lead the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards in 2025, averaging 5.2 yards per carry while scoring 12 times on the ground. He also caught 33 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns, giving him another path to production in a difficult Week 1 matchup. Houston allowed only 1,593 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns last season while holding opponents to 4.0 yards per carry. Cook's lead role remains secure, even with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson behind him, and Johnson enters the weekend questionable with a hamstring injury. RotoBaller ranks Cook RB11 for Week 1. His volume and big-play ability keep him in the low-end RB1 range despite the strength of Houston's front.

Sep 12, 2026 7:29 AM EST

James Cook III Set For More Passing Work To Reduce Rushing Workload

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III led the league last year in rushing with 1,621 rushing yards on 309 carries, but look for him this season to be more involved in the passing game and be more explosive overall. According to a Sports Illustrated article, Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael hinted that Cook was heavily involved in the run game last season and could see a reduction to his workload as a result of increased passing work. That's good news for Cook's health and a boost to fantasy managers with a big season upcoming due to potential big plays in the passing game with Josh Allen running the offense under new coach Joe Brady. Cook looks locked and loaded as a first round pick and this only increases his value. Last year, Cook had 33 catches for 291 yards and two receiving TDs. Look for those numbers to skyrocket this season if he stays healthy.

Sep 3, 2026 6:59 AM EST

James Cook III Remains a Top-Tier Running Back to Target in Fantasy Drafts

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has been a top-eight fantasy option each of the last two seasons, and he shows no signs of slowing down ahead of the 2026 campaign. Cook rushed for a career-high 1,621 yards last year, added another 33 catches and 291 receiving yards, and scored 14 total touchdowns. His touchdown total dipped slightly from 2025 to 2026, but he improved in every other category. In addition to the overall counting stats, we're very impressed by the fact that he rushed for 5.25 yards per carry, which is the highest mark since his rookie campaign in 2022. Last year, fantasy managers said they were concerned about drafting Cook because he was due for touchdown regression and was going to lose volume to Josh Allen in the rushing game. Neither of those things happened, and even though Allen remains a presence in the rushing attack for 2026, this backfield belongs to Cook. He's an every-down back who should command a ton of volume (including around the goal line) in a very powerful offense. That's a recipe for success in fantasy football, and it's why Cook is a consensus first-round pick in drafts once again. Specifically, he ranks as the RB5 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings.

Aug 29, 2026 5:41 PM EST

James Cook III a Safe Pick with Upside in 2026

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has finished as a top-10 running back in overall scoring in back-to-back seasons. He has rushed for 2,630 yards on 516 carries with 28 touchdowns across 33 games. In addition, Cook won the rushing title last year with 1,621 rushing yards. The 26-year-old has proven he can be a top fantasy producer by relying on his rushing production. However, Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has hinted that the Bills will look to use him more in the passing game this year, according to Alex Brasky of Sports Illustrated. Cook was labeled the best receiving running back in the 2022 NFL Draft coming out of Georgia due to his skillful route running and excellent hands. Conversely, Cook has mainly operated as an early-down runner and a goal-line back near the end zone. If Cook gets more involved in the passing game, it could boost him into a top 3 overall finisher at the position this season.

Aug 22, 2026 11:44 AM EST

James Cook III to be Used More in the Passing Game?

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has hinted that the Buffalo Bills will look to use running back James Cook III more in the passing game this year, per Alex Brasky of Sports Illustrated. "Anytime you can get the ball in his hands, you have an opportunity for a big play. I think that he can bring value, not only in the run game and the pass game as well," Carmichael said. Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards and also scored 12 touchdowns on a career-high 309 carries in 17 regular-season games last year, adding 33 receptions for 291 yards and another two scores as a pass-catcher. It was a big year for the 26-year-old, but new head coach Joe Brady has hinted at the possibility of Buffalo lightening Cook's rushing load going into his fifth season in the league. One way to have Cook take less of a beating would be to cut back on his carries and give him more work in the passing game. Even if Cook's overall rushing workload drops, he could easily finish as a top-five RB in fantasy if he adds more targets in the passing game in Buffalo. The three-time Pro Bowler has had a nose for the end zone the last two years, scoring 28 rushing touchdowns after finding paydirt just four times as a rusher in his first two years in the league.

Aug 11, 2026 6:43 AM EST

James Cook III Could be Looking at Fewer Touches

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III led the NFL in rushing last year with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns on 309 carries in 17 regular-season games, with the Bills rushing the ball 52.4% of the time under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The offense has leaned more heavily on the running game since Brady took over play-calling duties in Week 11 of 2023, but Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com questions whether the Bills will throw more under Brady in 2026. "I don't think you ever go into each game with a mindset of, 'This is how many carries he's going to have.' But it does pile up throughout the season, and I give him a lot of credit," said Brady. "I would love to be able to get Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Frank Gore Jr., those guys involved, and I hope those opportunities come up this year. James was just playing at such a high level last year. And this year again we're looking at everything." Cook is a three-time Pro Bowler who runs behind an elite offensive line, but fantasy managers may want to expect some regression in the rushing department in 2026, especially since the Bills made a concerted effort to upgrade their receiving room in the offseason. Don't forget that Cook had just four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons, then exploded for 28 rushing TDs in the last two seasons.

Jul 29, 2026 4:55 PM EST