Who Should I Start? James Cook or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, December 27, 10:18 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was dominant in Week 16's win over the Cleveland Browns, totaling 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on just 17 touches. Cook has ascended once again in the 2025 season, jumping from 79.2 scrimmage yards per game in 2024 to 121.3 this season. He currently leads the NFL in rushing yards and ranks RB6 in PPR formats. The Bills host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. While star defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be active this week for the Eagles, Cook and the Bills are running the ball with ease, so fantasy managers should expect more dominance from the fourth-year back.

Tuesday, December 30, 8:45 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) was inactive for the team's Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Steelers were also missing DK Metcalf due to a suspension that will continue into the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Tight end Pat Freirmuth led the Steelers in receiving with three catches for 63 yards against Cleveland. The 26-year-old Austin is trending in the right direction to return to the division-deciding battle against Baltimore this weekend, and with Metcalf out for another game, Austin could be heavily targeted by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Austin still won't exactly inspire confidence from fantasy managers with something still on the line in Week 18, as he has gone over 50 receiving yards just twice in 13 games, and not since Nov. 2. Austin has only found the end zone twice in 2025, too, with the last one coming back on Sept. 21.