Who Should I Start? Kenneth Walker III or James Cook

Monday, January 8, 4:43 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III took 17 carries for 78 yards in Week 18. He also caught his only target for three yards in the win over the Arizona Cardinals. Ten of Walker's attempts were for three yards or less but his stat line was bailed out with four rushes that resulted in gains of at least 11 yards. Coming into the season his status as the starter was threatened after the Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 draft. Injuries aside, Walker held onto his role all year but Charbonnet's efficiency makes depth chart projections murky for 2024. Playing in 15 games in 2023, Walker had 219 carries for 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 29 catches for 259 yards and one receiving touchdown.

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.