Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or James Cook

Friday, December 19, 2:32 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the open portion of Friday's practice, signifying a near certainty that he will miss his fourth consecutive game. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Saints' backfield will now be led by second and third-year runners Audric Estime and Evan Hull. With Neal prematurely exiting the team's Week 15 win over the Panthers, it was Estime who out-snapped and out-touched Hull. Although Hull's calling card coming out of college was his receiving ability, it was also Estime who saw three targets to Hull's zero. It's always risky relying on in-game adjustments to predict how a backfield will be split with a full week of preparation, but Estime appears to be the New Orleans running back with the most value heading into a favorable Week 16 matchup with the Jets. Still, it should come as no surprise if Hull is worked in more as the team's dedicated passing back.

Saturday, December 20, 10:24 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had a monster game in Week 15, totaling 111 yards and three total touchdowns against one of the strongest run defenses in the NFL, the New England Patriots. Cook has ascended every season of his career, as he ranks second in the NFL in rushing (1415) behind only Jonathan Taylor. They face the Cleveland Browns in Week 16, who started the season as one of the best defenses against the run, but have struggled in recent weeks. Both Tony Pollard and D'Andre Swift had over 100 scrimmage yards and multiple touchdowns against this Browns defense, so watch for another explosive game from the fourth-year back. Cook is a high-end RB1 who carries as much upside as any back in the NFL in Week 16.