Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or James Cook

Monday, November 17, 12:14 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had nine rushing attempts for 24 yards in the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, adding a season-high seven receptions on eight targets for 81 yards and receiving touchdowns. The 26-year-old played 63% of the offensive snaps, his second-highest mark of the year, but it coincided with lead back Jaylen Warren (ankle) getting injured in the third quarter and never returning. Warren said after Sunday's win that he could have retaken the field, but the decision to sit out the rest of the game "was part of being smart." It looks like Warren has avoided a serious injury, but fantasy managers with Warren rostered or who need RB depth should consider Gainwell a speculative pickup going into Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Gainwell is only rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues.

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.