Who Should I Start? James Cook or Matthew Golden


Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
12.8 54.5 0.5 2.0 15.3 0.1

James Cook News

James Cook Wants to Play More on Third Downs

Wednesday, July 30, 8:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.


Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts. Rush. Yds. Rush TD Rec. Rec. Yds. Rec TD
13.7 0.0 0.0 6.8 55.0 0.2

Matthew Golden News

Packers Designing Plays for Matthew Golden

Friday, July 25, 3:10 PM

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden was being used in multiple different fashions during the team's training camp practice on Friday, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today. Wood notes that Golden was "doing a lot of pre-snap motions" and broke a jet sweep for a gain of 20-plus yards along the left sideline. A first-round draft pick out of Texas, Golden was utilized exclusively as a receiver in college. However, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has shown a willingness to get the ball in the hands of wideouts like Jayden Reed and Christian Watson in unconventional manners in the past. It's a good sign for Golden that he appears to be a focus of the offense this early in camp. Green Bay has a deep receiver room, but there's opportunity for the rookie to emerge as the true go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love.


James Cook vs. Matthew Golden

Still trying to decide between Cook and Golden? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that James Cook is projected to score 12.8 points this week while Matthew Golden is projected to score 13.7 points.