Who Should I Start? James Conner or James Cook

Monday, January 8, 12:55 AM

In a valiant effort during the Cardinals' 21-20 loss to the Seahawks, Arizona running back James Conner stood out with an impressive performance. Finishing with 27 carries for 150 yards and a touchdown, Conner added another dimension to his game with four receptions for 54 yards. Despite Conner's heroic late touchdown, the Seahawks managed to respond, denying the Cardinals the victory. This marked Conner's first 200-total-yard game of the season, capping off a remarkable quarter of the schedule where he amassed 514 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Conner's outstanding efforts contributed to the first 1,000-yard season of his career in just 13 games. As he enters the final year of his contract, Conner remains a strong contender for the starting role pending the outcome of Arizona's offseason moves.

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.