James Cook
vs Ashton Jeanty

“While the outcome was mild against a Houston defense we still buy as one of the best defensive fronts, Cook got the usage we wanted to see. He played 69.2% of the snaps (RB11) and saw 88.9% of the backfield touches (RB4). The one element that left more to be desired was the passing-game usage that was talked up this preseason.”

“James Cook (RB – BUF) In 2024, James Cook dominated, scoring 16 touchdowns and rushing for 1,009 yards. That production seemed unsustainable. In 2025, he recorded 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and gave us even more reason to be confident.”

“While Cook does not have the pass-catching profile that usually benefits from a full PPR format, he has been one of the absolute best assets to have on a fantasy roster over the past few seasons, finishing as a top-12 RB each of the last three years. There is hope that Cook may become more involved in the passing game for the Bills, which would only give his fantasy ceiling a boost.”

“James Cook (RB – BUF) has already shown flashes of every skill needed to be the overall RB1: a big receiving season, an 18-touchdown season, and a 1,600-yard rushing season, just never all in the same year.”

“James Cook was picked as the best value on the board at 11th overall, priced almost entirely off last year’s production rather than his upside. The case for a top-three running back season rests on four pillars, and Cook checks every one.”

“James Cook was a no-brainer pick, and it came down to Derrick Henry and Ashton Jeanty for the RB2 slot.”

“The Bills put their money where their mouth is by giving James Cook a ton of money, then followed that up with a bunch of touches (349, to be exact), and brought the rushing title back to Buffalo. James Cook led the NFL in 2025 with 11 games of 80+ rushing yards.”

“James Cook is expected to be more involved in the passing game under new offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, whose running backs have been heavily involved in the passing attack throughout his coaching history. Cook had a career-high 309 rush attempts in the regular season en route to the NFL rushing title last season, and shifting some of his carries into targets could be a wise move given his excellent receiving skills demonstrated at the NFL level.”

“Unlike Saquon Barkley, who also plays with a quarterback used heavily near the end zone, the Bills do mix in Cook near the end zone, instead of strictly relying on Josh Allen moving the pile. Cook had 14 rushing attempts inside the 5-yard line in 2025 (tied for 8th in the NFL) with 6 touchdowns on those runs.”

““ Ashton Jeanty is an exciting youngster with a bright future ahead of him, but week four seems ominous. Even though the Raiders play at home, there are easier things in life than running against the Chiefs’ swarming defense, led by standout defensive lineman Chris Jones . Despite their 3-0 record, the Raiders seem more like a paper tiger than a force to be reckoned with come January.”

“The offensive line has been dramatically improved from last year when it impeded basic functionality as an offense, and RB Ashton Jeanty looks like a special back. The Raiders are 2-0 despite not having TE Brock Bowers available, which is amazing considering how thin their skill group is viewed as. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts about how sustainable all of this is.”

“The former No. 6 overall pick, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury in the preseason but didn’t look any worse for wear. Las Vegas got creative in how they deployed him, using him frequently as a receiver out of the backfield, and he responded with a huge game. The Raiders needed Jeanty to show out this season, and he passed the first test.”

“Jeanty ran confidently and experienced no setbacks, leading the Raiders to a 27-13 victory over Miami’s hapless team. Vast improvements along the offensive line opened up gaping holes for Jeanty – hopefully that trend continues all season. Stud:”

“Ashton Jeanty suffered an injury scare in August, but the powers of the prayer circle worked, as he suffered only a low-ankle sprain and was a full practice participant on Wednesday's initial injury report. Mike Washington Jr. also shined in the preseason.”

“Bottom line- this doesn’t seem like a good matchup for the Buccaneers or Irving.” – Mark Ringo ( Sleepers and Busts ) Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) “ Ashton Jeanty has a juicy matchup on paper at home against the Dolphins, but the bigger issue for Jeanty owners is that Mike Washington Jr. looks more explosive than the former 1st-round pick.”

“As a rookie, Jeanty was thrust into an abominable offense in Las Vegas and put up respectable numbers even though most of his carries looked like fight scenes from a Bruce Lee movie, with wave after wave of attackers coming at our hero. Jeanty ran for 975 yards and five touchdowns, and he caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns.”

“Ashton Jeanty was my preferred pick here, but with his preseason injury, I’m looking elsewhere.”

“Ashton Jeanty went down with an ankle injury in Sunday’s practice, the rookie Washington stepped into the first-team reps, and he has earned the market’s attention with his preseason work: Six carries for 63 yards including a 53-yard burst against Arizona, then 56 more yards against Houston, while flashing ability in pass protection and as a receiver. Even with Jeanty expected back, Washington has vaulted up boards as the clear next man up in a Raiders backfield that suddenly looks thin behind the star. Deebo Samuel Sr.”