Who Should I Start? Zack Moss or James Cook

Wednesday, July 30, 10:16 AM

The Cincinnati Bengals have released running back Zack Moss. Moss began his tenure in Cincinnati during the 2024 season. He opened the campaign as the starter but eventually fell to the reserve role in favor of Chase Brown. In addition, Moss would see his season cut short due to a neck injury following Week 8. During the early part of the 2025 offseason, Moss was able to participate in team OTAs but was placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list to open training camp. However, the veteran running back has been unable to progress and will instead look for a new club. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Brown to be deployed as the clear three-down back during the 2025 season. Brown flashed high upside as a pass-catching back in 2025 and will have a path to enjoy an RB1 season with less competition on the depth chart.

Wednesday, July 30, 8:35 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been pushing for a larger role during the first week of training camp. Cook wants to play more on third downs this season after the team mostly turned to Ty Johnson on passing downs in 2024. Thus far in camp, the Bills haven't appeared interested in changing their offense after getting excellent production from their rushing attack last year. Cook will be a free agent after the season, so he likely wants to show that he can be a three-down back as he has an eye on securing a long-term deal for 2026 and beyond. Cook finished as a low-end RB1 in fantasy in 2024, although he benefited from 16 rushing touchdowns. Fantasy managers can continue to draft Cook as a high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts with the possibility for more if the Buffalo coaching staff decides to throw him the ball a bit more frequently.