Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or James Cook

Sunday, October 5, 12:32 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce is active for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. He had previously been a healthy scratch and hasn't seen the field since the season opener. While this week's development is a step in the right direction for Pierce, his exact role remains unclear. Houston has a very crowded backfield with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks atop the depth chart, as well as British Brooks, Dare Ogunbowale, and Pierce in depth roles. The former Florida product should be avoided in all fantasy leagues as long as the rest of his fellow running backs stay healthy.

Saturday, October 11, 1:46 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will face one of his toughest challenges of the season when he takes on Atlanta's sixth-ranked run defense on Monday night. The Falcons have excelled at controlling time of possession and limiting offensive opportunities, though they've allowed a 44.7% scoring rate on drives, leaving the door open for Cook to find the end zone. The third-year back is averaging 107.8 scrimmage yards and one touchdown per game, but he's coming off a sluggish performance against New England's opportunistic defense. While Cook's volume and role in Buffalo's high-powered offense keep him in RB1 territory, fantasy managers should temper expectations--his Week 6 success will likely hinge on finding pay dirt against a disciplined Falcons front.