Who Should I Start? Justice Hill or James Cook

Saturday, January 20, 8:35 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill emerged as the leader in the Baltimore backfield during the Divisional Round, rushing 13 times for 66 yards and making two catches for 11 yards in the team's commanding 34-10 victory over the Texans. His 13 carries matched a season-high, and his 66 rushing yards marked his highest in a game all season, surpassing his previous best of 48 yards. Dealing with injuries to running backs J.K. Dobbins and later Keaton Mitchell throughout the season, Hill seized the opportunity that came his way. Baltimore is set to host the AFC title game next week against either the Chiefs or Bills, both of whom rank below average in DVOA against the run. They are both in the bottom half in points allowed to running backs this year, and the Ravens are likely to continue relying on whoever the hot hand is in their backfield.

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.