Who Should I Start? Patrick Mahomes or James Cook

Sunday, September 14, 9:42 PM

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled to move the ball through the air in his team's 20-17 Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, completing 16 of 29 pass attempts for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Still, Mahomes managed to save his fantasy stat line by rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown on seven attempts. The Chiefs will have easier matchups than the Eagles' defense going forward, but it may be difficult for Mahomes as a passer while top receivers Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) remain sidelined. Mahomes has been highly effective as a rusher so far this season, recording 123 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts. However, Kansas City likely won't want to risk his health by asking him to do too much with his legs. Mahomes remains a mid-to-low-end fantasy QB1 going forward.

Wednesday, September 17, 1:33 PM

After a stellar performance in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will take on one of the NFL's lowest-ranked run defenses on Thursday. Cook will match up against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered the eighth-most rushing yards per game (139.0) and the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks. New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had his way with the Dolphins last Sunday, as he piled up 142 total yards (54 rushing, 88 receiving) on 16 touches. Cook ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (176) and has already found the end zone three times on the ground through two games. While Cook may have trouble matching last week's production (21 carries, 132 yards, two TDs), especially if he gets a lighter workload on a short week, he profiles as an RB1 going into Thursday.