Who Should I Start? James Cook or Bucky Irving

Monday, March 31, 12:26 PM

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said the team isn't close to getting a long-term contract extension done with running back James Cook. "I don't see us getting something done anytime soon ..we're onto the draft .just because we don't get something done this year doesn't mean we can't get something done before he's a free agent," Beane said. Cook made it clear in February that he wants a contract extension and wants the ball more moving forward. The 25-year-old played only 48 percent of the team's offensive snaps in 2024, although he was very productive with 18 total touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. Cook's 16 rushing touchdowns -- he also had 1,009 yards on 207 rushing attempts -- led the league in 2024. Still, the Bills aren't making it a priority to give Cook an extension as he heads into the final year of his current deal. Cook will face obvious TD regression in 2025.

Monday, January 13, 12:53 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional six yards through the air. In the loss, Irving averaged his lowest yards per carry since Week 9 (excluding his injury-shortened Week 14), which is not an indictment on his performance but rather a testament to just how well he's been running the football lately. He carved out the lead-back role once again on Sunday, registering 17 carries to Rachaad White's one. White has essentially been delegated to pass-catching situations, and even then, he continues to lose opportunities to Irving. It has been fascinating to watch this backfield dynamic develop throughout the season, with White slipping way down from the RB1 tier in fantasy football while Irving becomes one of the top running backs in dynasty fantasy football (and a mid-range RB1 in redraft leagues, too). Barring an unexpected change or addition within the Buccaneers' backfield, Irving should remain their primary ball carrier entering 2025.