Who Should I Start? James Cook or Bucky Irving

Saturday, October 4, 5:51 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III draws a difficult matchup in Week 5 against a Patriots defense that has surrendered just 77.5 rushing yards per game, tied for second-fewest in the league. While Cook may find tough sledding between the tackles, his versatility as a receiver should keep him firmly in the RB1 mix. Last week against Baltimore, he managed only 44 yards on the ground but offset that with 58 yards through the air, showing his ability to remain productive even when the rushing lanes are clogged. In what projects to be one of Buffalo's biggest games of the season, the Bills will likely lean on Cook in multiple ways to generate offense. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as a high-end starting option in both standard and PPR formats.

Sunday, October 5, 11:20 AM

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), who has already been ruled out for Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to miss at least two weeks. Irving is dealing with a sprained foot and a shoulder injury, with the shoulder injury being the more serious of the two injuries. With Irving out on Sunday against Seattle, it will mean more work for Rachaad White, who will be bumped to RB2 fantasy status with the increase in volume in Tampa's backfield. In addition to White seeing an expanded role, Sean Tucker will also see a boost in the change-of-pace RB2 role behind White. Fantasy managers should have already scooped White up if he was available on the waiver wire in their leagues. If Irving cannot play in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, his next chance to return would be for a Monday night showdown in Week 7 versus the Detroit Lions.