Who Should I Start? James Cook or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, December 6, 7:30 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook recorded a season-high 32 carries for 144 yards during last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite missing both starting tackles, Cook and the Bills' ground game tore up the Steelers for 249 total rushing yards. The 26-year-old has been an elite fantasy asset all season, handling 231 rushing attempts for 1,228 yards and eight touchdowns with 27 receptions (29 targets) for 236 yards and a touchdown. He ranks as the RB6 on the year, averaging 18.6 PPR points per game. The Bills' RB1 has already set a career high in rushing yards and is set up to surpass his career high of 237 carries in Week 14 against a porous Cincinnati Bengals defense. The Bengals have allowed the most PPR points per game to opposing running backs, setting Cook up for another potential massive game on Sunday.

Friday, December 5, 9:55 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III went catchless on two targets in Week 13 and will look to carve out a larger role against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, but while the matchup is appealing, Austin's role is becoming increasingly uncertain. Pittsburgh claimed veteran Adam Thielen off waivers earlier this week, signaling a desire to upgrade its receiving corps. It's unclear how involved Thielen will be in his Steelers debut, but any added competition only further clouds Austin's already inconsistent usage. That said, Austin is not a viable fantasy option this week and should remain on waiver wires in most redraft formats.