Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or James Cook

Saturday, November 15, 12:17 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason lacks standalone fantasy value heading into Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Mason had been able to co-exist alongside Aaron Jones earlier in the year, and he was a must-start when Jones missed time due to injury. However, now that Jones is healthy again, the veteran has taken over the backfield, leaving Mason in an unsteady role. Just last week, the 26-year-old only played one-quarter of the offensive snaps, rushing four times and catching one pass. He was efficient with his opportunities, but it was still impossible for him to carve out fantasy value given his small workload. As long as Jones is healthy, Mason must be viewed as a mere handcuff and shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups this week.

Sunday, November 16, 10:34 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook wasn't very efficient on the ground in Sunday's 44-32 win over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, but he still managed to go over 100 scrimmage yards while securing his first receiving touchdown of the year. Cook had 16 rushing attempts for 48 yards on the ground (3.0 yards per carry) while adding three catches on three targets for a season-high 66 yards through the air and his first receiving TD (eighth total in 2025). The 26-year-old had a tough time finding space to run on Sunday against a stout Buccaneers defensive front, but he salvaged his day for fantasy managers by contributing as a pass-catcher, finishing as Buffalo's second leading receiver. Cook's TD came on a 25-yard reception. He's a must-start in all fantasy formats, but Cook might need more contributions as a pass-catcher again in Week 12 in a tough matchup on the ground against the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football.