Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or James Cook

Wednesday, May 14, 1:50 PM

Running back Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens reached an agreement on Wednesday on a two-year, $30 million contract extension that includes $25 million fully guaranteed over the next two seasons, according to Todd France of Athletes First. It is the largest deal in NFL history for a RB over 30 years old. The Ravens have rewarded the 31-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Player of the Year after he recorded 1,921 rushing yards and a league-high 16 rushing touchdowns on 325 carries in 17 regular-season games in 2024 in his first year in Baltimore. He added 19 catches for 193 yards and two more TDs. While some were expecting physical decline from King Henry last year, he was as dominant as ever in the Ravens' run-first offense, finishing as the RB1 in fantasy. Henry has limitations as a pass-catcher, but until he proves otherwise, he's a high-end RB1 target in fantasy.

Wednesday, July 30, 8:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.