Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or James Cook

Saturday, December 23, 2:18 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce should not be started in any format in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. Pierce is coming off the lowest usage game of his career, playing just four snaps. Last week, the second-year back totaled just one carry for three yards. The Texans' running back has found himself falling on the depth chart with Devin Singletary and Dare Ogunbowale playing more snaps than him in both of the past two games. Pierce can not be trusted in Week 16.

Monday, January 22, 12:31 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook started hot but faded late as his team was sent home in Sunday's 27-24 Divisional Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, carrying 18 times for 61 yards and catching four passes for 21 yards. With the Bills dominating on the ground in the first half, Cook picked up one chunk gain after another. But the Chiefs stiffened up to stifle Cook during the second half, leaving the 24-year-old with a fairly quiet evening despite his second straight week with 22 touches. Cook undoubtedly took a big step forward in 2023 -- garnering his first Pro Bowl nod and placing third at his position in scrimmage yards -- but his inability to find the end zone was a major shortcoming. Totaling five TDs on the season on 325 touches including the playoffs, Cook also failed to reach the 90-total-yard threshold in any of his final five appearances. That probably shouldn't prevent Cook from being selected as a top-12 fantasy RB, however, in 2024 drafts.