Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or James Cook

Tuesday, July 22, 7:10 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams good a lot of work with the first-team offense at training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Williams signed a one-year deal with Dallas in free agency this offseason and is expected to share backfield duties in 2025 with Miles Sanders. The Cowboys also drafted Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but they probably have a ways to go before threatening either Williams or Sanders for serious playing time in 2025. Williams, who was a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2021 out of North Carolina, impressed with 903 rushing yards in his first season, but he hasn't been the same tackle-breaking RB since tearing his ACL in his sophomore season in 2022. He should be the favorite to lead Dallas' backfield in touches, but for fantasy purposes, he's merely an RB3/flex target.

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.