Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or James Cook

Tuesday, February 10, 9:56 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has finished as an RB1 in each of the past three seasons, often overcoming lower efficiency outings with sheer volume and touchdowns. In 2025, he saw his per-game touches dip to a three-year low, as second-year back Blake Corum handled a career high 145 carries, forming a true backfield committee down the stretch of the regular season and in two out of three playoff games. Both players looked to have fresh legs on a run that went as deep as the NFC championship game, and it would come as no surprise to see carries divvied up similarly in 2026. With Los Angeles' top-ranked offense expected to return the bulk of its starters, Williams will still be viewed as an RB1 in 2026 redraft leagues and likely just outside of that in dynasty startups, making the 25-year-old a potential early-season sell candidate.

Friday, February 13, 7:31 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III solidified himself as one of the NFL's best running backs in 2025, racking up 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 309 carries across 17 games. The 26-year-old also impacted the game as a receiver, hauling in 33 receptions for 291 yards and two scores. Cook III has always been an efficient player, but he was able to reach new production heights in 2025 thanks to an increase in workload. After logging 239 touches across 16 games played in 2024, Cook III recorded 342 touches in 2025 and still averaged a highly efficient 5.6 yards per touch. Cook III signed a four-year extension with Buffalo before the start of the 2025 season, so he's locked in as the team's lead rusher for the foreseeable future. The Bills also promoted former offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, so it seems unlikely that the team would radically shift its offensive approach going forward. Now that he's proven he can handle a significant workload, Cook III profiles as a high-end running back option for fantasy managers in dynasty formats.