Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or James Cook

Sunday, September 24, 8:44 PM

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine's fantasy value has taken a nosedive in the last two weeks. The Broncos running game never really had a chance in the 70-20 shellacking at the hands of the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Week 3, but Perine was out-carried by rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin saw five carries for 15 yards, while Perine ran the ball only three times for nine yards. Perine also caught two of his three targets for an additional 15 yards. The 28-year-old looked pretty explosive in the season opener, but he's now had just four carries in the last two weeks. The Broncos backfield just hasn't been able to get going so far this year, and Javonte Williams should continue to be the clear lead back as the season progresses. A Week 4 meeting with the Chicago Bears is intriguing, but both Perine and McLaughlin cannot be counted on in starting fantasy lineups.

Monday, September 25, 12:47 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook took 15 carries for 98 yards with two catches (three targets) for an additional 14 yards in Week 3's easy 37-3 win over the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old was quiet early on, registering only 28 yards on eight first-half touches, but positive game script may have aided his path following the first half. Cook produced a few 10-yard gains thereafter, spearheading an effective day with a 34-yarder to get inside Washington's five-yard line before veteran power back Latavius Murray eventually reaped the benefits on a touchdown plunge. Though, Cook was given a chance to cash it in himself on the preceding play, and the 2022 second-rounder saw a bit more work in the red zone on Sunday than he had up until this point. Perhaps finally earning some more high-value touches, Cook will be an RB2 with plenty of upside in Buffalo's Week 4 home battle with fellow AFC heavyweight Miami Dolphins.