Who Should I Start? James Cook or De'Von Achane

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.

Saturday, October 4, 10:31 AM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane should be very busy in an extremely favorable matchup in Week 5, when his team rolls into Carolina. Achane is coming off a season-high 20 carries on Monday night against the Jets in Week 4, totaling a season-high 99 rushing yards and scoring his first rushing touchdown. His targets were down dramatically because the Dolphins played from ahead, but he could get more work as a receiver with Tyreek Hill (knee) done for the season. Coach Mike McDaniel knows that Achane is a key playmaker in the offense ans always is sure to get him his volume. The Panthers have been a good matchup for running backs, giving up three running back touchdowns in four weeks along with 110 rushing yards and 30.3 receiving yards per game to the position. Achane should continue to serve as the primary back in Miami, and even though he is sharing a little work with rookie Ollie Gordon II, he remains a great play in all formats. His big-play ability, consistent volume, and favorable matchup combine to place him at No. 5 in the RotoBaller RB rankings for this week.