Who Should I Start? James Cook or Cedric Tillman

Friday, February 13, 7:31 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III solidified himself as one of the NFL's best running backs in 2025, racking up 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 309 carries across 17 games. The 26-year-old also impacted the game as a receiver, hauling in 33 receptions for 291 yards and two scores. Cook III has always been an efficient player, but he was able to reach new production heights in 2025 thanks to an increase in workload. After logging 239 touches across 16 games played in 2024, Cook III recorded 342 touches in 2025 and still averaged a highly efficient 5.6 yards per touch. Cook III signed a four-year extension with Buffalo before the start of the 2025 season, so he's locked in as the team's lead rusher for the foreseeable future. The Bills also promoted former offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, so it seems unlikely that the team would radically shift its offensive approach going forward. Now that he's proven he can handle a significant workload, Cook III profiles as a high-end running back option for fantasy managers in dynasty formats.

Tuesday, February 17, 9:25 AM

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman had a three-game flash near the middle of his sophomore season, during which time he caught 21 passes for 255 yards and two scores. Unfortunately, nothing he's shown before or since has indicated a need to keep him rostered anywhere outside of the deepest dynasty leagues. Remaining relatively healthy throughout the 2025 season, the soon-to-be 26-year-old totaled only 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns, unable to carve out a meaningful role on one of the league's worst receiving units. With rookie drafts approaching in many dynasty leagues, managers now face decisions over who to cut to make room for the new class. With early reports tying Cleveland to some of the top receiving talent in the NFL draft, and with no promise of improved quarterback play in 2026, Tillman no longer needs to be held if roster space is at a premium.