Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or James Cook

Saturday, December 20, 8:06 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry faces a tough challenge in the form of the New England Patriots' defense during Sunday Night Football in Week 16. The Patriots have allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs in 2025, as well as the second-fewest rushing yards. The run-stopping unit has been relentless this year, but this matchup is coming at a convenient time for Henry. New England's defense is short-staffed with linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) ruled out. Meanwhile, linebacker Harold Landry III (knee) and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) are both questionable. Henry is coming off an impressive two-game stretch, during which he tallied 202 scrimmage yards. However, he hasn't found the end zone since Week 13. The 31-year-old ranks as the overall RB15 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 16. He has top-12 upside, especially if New England's defense is forced to play without Landry, Barmore, or both.

Sunday, December 21, 5:54 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had 16 carries, 117 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also converted two targets into one catch for 17 receiving yards. Cook's quest for the NFL rushing title continued against a Browns defense that has been absolutely ripped apart by opposing running backs over the last three weeks. Buffalo's primary ball-carrier now has 14 touchdowns and over 1,800 scrimmage yards on the year, including five trips to the end zone in his last two games. Preseason concerns that Cook was due for regression have been completely unfounded, as he remains one of the top fantasy running backs while continuing to play a massive role around the goal line. He's a very strong RB1 option with a high ceiling heading into Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.