Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or James Cook

Wednesday, January 7, 11:23 AM

Across 17 games in 2025, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith recorded 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets. While the 27-year-old's season-long numbers are solid, he ended the year on somewhat of a cold streak. Over his last six games played, Smith recorded more than 10 PPR points just once. However, Smith remains the clear second option in the Eagles' passing game alongside wideout A.J. Brown. Philadelphia also has a relatively favorable matchup in the first round of the NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. In the regular season, San Francisco's defense ranked 23rd among all NFL units in passing yards allowed (4,110) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (29). Smith should have a chance to make plays, particularly if the 49ers' high-powered offense forces Philadelphia into a shootout. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues can view Smith as a solid wide receiver option entering the postseason.

Tuesday, January 6, 2:27 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook took two carries for 15 yards in an abbreviated appearance in the team's Week 18 win over the Jets. It was enough to keep distance between him and a surging Derrick Henry, with Cook ultimately securing his first regular-season rushing crown with 1,621 yards. Heading into the postseason, he should be viewed as one of the highest upside running backs in fantasy playoff leagues. Buffalo currently holds the fourth-highest Super Bowl odds in a wide-open AFC and is a slight road favorite over a 13-4 Jacksonville team that has been a headache for fantasy running backs throughout most of the season. Despite the tough matchup, Cook is RotoBaller's RB2 for the week, and he could be in line for a massive postseason if Buffalo can advance.