Who Should I Start? James Cook or Bucky Irving

Saturday, December 13, 5:18 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has handled 83 carries over his last four games, totaling 388 rushing yards and one touchdown while adding 11 receptions for 143 yards and another score. The 26-year-old ranks second in the NFL with 1,308 rushing yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Cook faces a formidable challenge against a Patriots defense that ranks third in the league, allowing just 89.5 rushing yards per game and five rushing touchdowns all season. New England surrendered just 49 yards on 15 carries to Cook in their Week 5 meeting. Despite the difficult matchup, Cook's workhorse role remains secure with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson serving as change-of-pace options behind him. His 20.8 carries per game over the last month demonstrate elite volume, though modest receiving usage limits PPR upside against a stingy Patriots front. Cook ranks as RotoBaller's RB10 in PPR formats for Week 15.

Thursday, December 11, 11:03 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has worked his way back from injury and is starting to heat up at the perfect time for fantasy managers. Since making his return in Week 13. Irving has totaled 162 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the past two games. His snap count has been limited since returning, as he's played just 53% of the snaps, while Rachaad White has played 44% and Sean Tucker has played 16%. Hopefully, Irving can pull away from this rotation as he did in his rookie season, where he averaged 17.4 PPR points per game from Week 15 on. He faces the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, who Irving has yet to eclipse 45 rushing yards in his NFL career. Despite his previous struggles against this Falcons defense, fantasy managers should fire up the second-year back as a low-end RB1 in Week 15.