Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or James Cook

Sunday, January 7, 11:41 PM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams finished the regular season with a strong performance in the 27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He led the team with nine carries for 32 yards and only his third rushing touchdown of the season and also led the team with seven catches on a team-high nine targets for an additional 43 yards. It helped that rookie Jaleel McLaughlin left the game with a head injury and never returned. The 23-year-old entered Week 18 after barely averaging over 2.00 yards per carry the last two weeks, but he was able to finish strong heading into the offseason. Overall, the third-year back was a disappointment, carrying the ball 217 times for 774 yards and three touchdowns while adding 47 catches (58 targets) for 228 yards and two TDs through the air. Heading into the final year of his contract, Williams' fantasy value in 2024 will depend on what Denver does at the QB position in the offseason.

Monday, January 22, 12:31 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook started hot but faded late as his team was sent home in Sunday's 27-24 Divisional Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, carrying 18 times for 61 yards and catching four passes for 21 yards. With the Bills dominating on the ground in the first half, Cook picked up one chunk gain after another. But the Chiefs stiffened up to stifle Cook during the second half, leaving the 24-year-old with a fairly quiet evening despite his second straight week with 22 touches. Cook undoubtedly took a big step forward in 2023 -- garnering his first Pro Bowl nod and placing third at his position in scrimmage yards -- but his inability to find the end zone was a major shortcoming. Totaling five TDs on the season on 325 touches including the playoffs, Cook also failed to reach the 90-total-yard threshold in any of his final five appearances. That probably shouldn't prevent Cook from being selected as a top-12 fantasy RB, however, in 2024 drafts.