Who Should I Start? James Cook or Parker Washington

Friday, December 20, 3:57 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is a must-start RB1 for this weekend's fantasy football playoffs. The 25-year-old bounced back against Detroit last week (133 yards, two touchdowns) after a disappointing affair two weeks ago in Los Angeles (29 yards). Cook takes his momentum into a home matchup against New England. The Patriots have fielded a below-average rush defense all season. The Bills are favored by 14 points, which could lead to more rushing attempts for Cook and his backfield mates, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson.

Saturday, December 21, 12:00 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is a difficult player for fantasy managers in the playoffs to feel good about starting in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders serve as a good matchup for the young receiver, but Washington has been overshadowed by Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange ever since he broke out with six catches for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 13. Also, Mac Jones has been a volatile player when replacing Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, either having good enough games to support multiple receiving options in fantasy or struggling to support even one. Despite a great matchup with the Raiders, it is hard to recommend Washington with confidence in Week 16 due to his target competition and inconsistent quarterback play.