Who Should I Start? Josh Jacobs or James Cook

Tuesday, March 26, 2:04 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur implied that we'll see more of new running back Josh Jacobs in the passing game than the 40 catches per year he averaged in five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. "Just studying him, I think there's more out there for him in regards to the passing game, using him out of the backfield. He's put some really good choice routes on tape. That's something we always try to get to," LaFleur said. Despite Jacobs ranking second in carries since entering the NFL behind only Derrick Henry, don't expect that to change how the Packers split carries in their backfield with AJ Dillon re-signing. However, there's a possibility Dillon doesn't make the team, so Jacobs' spot as the feature back is about the only sure think in Green Bay's backfield. Even if Jacobs losing carries to Dillon or another back in Green Bay, his increase in receptions should keep him afloat as an RB1 in fantasy in his new home.

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.