Who Should I Start? James Cook or Marvin Harrison Jr.

Friday, September 5, 1:23 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he unexpectedly tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns after tallying just two in the previous season. He also surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground for the second year in a row, but fantasy managers may have to temper expectations in Week 1. Cook is set to battle the Baltimore Ravens, who boasted the league's top-ranked run defense last season, when the teams kick off Sunday. The Ravens held opposing rushers to a paltry 3.6 yards per carry - a far cry from Cook's 4.9 YPC. Cook faced the Ravens twice in 2024 and combined for 106 yards on 26 carries, four catches for another 24 yards, and zero scores. The explosive 25-year-old enters 2025 as a high-end RB2 in fantasy, but with the Ravens standing in his way, Cook may not storm out of the gates in the opener.

Sunday, September 7, 9:44 PM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. recorded five catches on six targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in his team's 20-13 Week 1 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Harrison Jr. led Arizona in receiving yards, but was out-targeted by his teammate, star tight end Trey McBride (nine). Entering his second season, Harrison Jr. is expected to take a leap after posting modest numbers (relative to expectations) as a rookie in 2024. The touchdown grab is obviously a positive sign, but Harrison Jr.'s 20.7% target share in Week 1 is lower than fantasy managers should be hoping for.