Who Should I Start? James Cook or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Wednesday, August 13, 9:13 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is officially back in the fold after signing a four-year contract extension with his team on Wednesday. Soon after the signing was announced, Buffalo GM Brandon Beane told reporters that he views Cook as a three-down back. Beane said, "We do feel he can take more, but we like to use our three options and keep him fresh." Cook often lost passing-down work to Ty Johnson last season and only played on 48% of Buffalo's offensive snaps. It is unlikely that Buffalo installs Cook as their workhorse, as their running game was effective in 2024, but it would be a positive for fantasy managers if the Bills shifted some of the targets in the passing game onto Cook's plate. Either way, he sets up as a solid RB2 in fantasy with an RB1 ceiling if he starts catching more passes.

Saturday, August 16, 11:09 PM

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 39 yards off seven touches in Saturday's win over the Jets. The 25-year-old had a chance to find the end zone in the first quarter. Unfortunately, after an unsuccessful attempt, Devin Singletary entered the contest and scored a touchdown off a one-yard run. Tracy finished his rookie season by amassing 839 yards off 192 carries while totaling six touchdowns. With Cam Skattebo (hamstring) still having trouble getting on the field, Tracy shouldn't have any issues getting the most touches, at least early in the 2025 campaign, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers. However, his lack of consistent involvement as a pass-catcher will limit his ceiling for PPR participants. Skattebo's power could also take away some of Tracy's red zone opportunities, especially near the goal line. The Giants will close out the preseason with a meeting with the New England Patriots on Thursday night.