Who Should I Start? James Cook III or Chase Brown


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.4 82.2 0.6 2.0 17.1 0.1

James Cook III News

James Cook III to be Used More in the Passing Game?

Tuesday, August 11, 6:43 AM

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has hinted that the Buffalo Bills will look to use running back James Cook III more in the passing game this year, per Alex Brasky of Sports Illustrated. "Anytime you can get the ball in his hands, you have an opportunity for a big play. I think that he can bring value, not only in the run game and the pass game as well," Carmichael said. Cook led the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards and also scored 12 touchdowns on a career-high 309 carries in 17 regular-season games last year, adding 33 receptions for 291 yards and another two scores as a pass-catcher. It was a big year for the 26-year-old, but new head coach Joe Brady has hinted at the possibility of Buffalo lightening Cook's rushing load going into his fifth season in the league. One way to have Cook take less of a beating would be to cut back on his carries and give him more work in the passing game. Even if Cook's overall rushing workload drops, he could easily finish as a top-five RB in fantasy if he adds more targets in the passing game in Buffalo. The three-time Pro Bowler has had a nose for the end zone the last two years, scoring 28 rushing touchdowns after finding paydirt just four times as a rusher in his first two years in the league.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.3 60.8 0.4 3.7 25.1 0.2

Chase Brown News

Chase Brown Locked In As Bengals' RB1 In Preseason Opener

Friday, August 14, 8:08 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown handled five carries for 16 yards in the 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions in the preseason opener on Friday night. Brown didn't catch a pass in this game, but it's well established that his pass-catching ability is a key part of the Bengals' offense. Backup running back Samaje Perine mixed in for one carry and two catches, but he only played about 30.8% of the snaps compared to Brown's 69.2%. The 26-year-old back is fresh off a season with over 1,000 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 69 receptions and five receiving scores. Brown is one of the most dynamic running backs in one of the league's most friendly offensive environments and should be considered a strong RB1 for the 2026 season. Brown will look to keep his momentum going in next week's preseason game against the Chicago Bears.


James Cook III vs. Chase Brown

Still trying to decide between Cook III and Brown? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Cook III is projected to score 16.4 points this week while Chase Brown is projected to score 16.3 points.