James Cook vs Jaxon Smith-Njigba

“Running back James Cook won the rushing title with 1,621 yards, but in PFF's view, Torrence didn't help his cause.”

“The Bills featured James Cook as a bell cow, leaving Davis little opportunity to provide fantasy relevance.”

“The counter to this would be that Josh Allen is coming off his lowest passing yardage total since 2019 (3,668), and hasn't thrown for more than 30 touchdowns in the last three seasons. However, the Bills seem positive their offense will take a step forward this year with the addition of DJ Moore under new head coach Joe Brady. That remains to be seen.”

“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.”

“James Cook was faded at ADP 39 with a 20% win rate and 71% top 6% finish, and the verdict was Wrong.”

“In 2024, James Cook dominated, scoring 16 touchdowns and rushing for 1,009 yards, and in 2025 he recorded 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. However, the counter to this consistency would be that Josh Allen is coming off his lowest passing yardage total since 2019 (3,668), and hasn't thrown for more than 30 touchdowns in the last three seasons.”

“Cook profiled as a high-upside pass-catcher out of the backfield when he entered the league in 2022, but that upside never materialized, as he has averaged just 41 targets per season over his first four years.”

“The counter to this would be that Josh Allen is coming off his lowest passing yardage total since 2019 (3,668), and hasn't thrown for more than 30 touchdowns in the last three seasons. However, the Bills seem positive their offense will take a step forward this year with the addition of DJ Moore under new head coach Joe Brady. That remains to be seen. If it does happen, and the team scores more passing touchdowns and moves the ball better, could it come at the expense of Cook's ceiling?”

“If you spent $70 on running back but somehow came away with James Cook and De'Von Achane (which is a bit under our current dollar value calculator), that could be just fine.”

“With Josh Allen still leading one of the NFL's highest-scoring offenses and the offensive line remaining strong, Cook's floor remains extremely high. The hosts also discussed the possibility that Buffalo could finally unlock more of Cook's receiving upside under new leadership, especially given his pass-catching pedigree coming out of Georgia.”

“Despite back-to-back productive seasons, James Cook continues to be viewed skeptically in fantasy circles, but the FantasyPros analysts argued that Cook keeps answering every concern fantasy managers throw at him. After many predicted touchdown regression entering last season, Cook still delivered elite production while expanding his rushing workload.”

“He has improved every season of his career, totaling at least 1,000 rushing yards in three consecutive years, including an NFL and career-high 1,621 in 2025. More importantly, Cook is one of six running backs to average 16 or more PPR fantasy points per game in each of the past two seasons.”

“The only cause for concern is Klint Kubiak leaving to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which could lead to a dip in Sam Darnold's efficiency. The positive side, though, is that the team didn't make any major additions at receiver, aside from bringing back Rashid Shaheed. If Zach Charbonnet isn't back and rookie Jadarian Price can't adapt to the NFL quickly, could we see even more volume from Smith-Njigba?”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leading the league in receiving yards (1,794), catching 119 passes on 163 targets for 10 touchdowns, and helping the Seahawks to a Super Bowl.”

“The only cause for concern is Klint Kubiak leaving to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which could lead to a dip in Sam Darnold's efficiency.”

“It was a truly special year for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, leading the league in receiving yards (1,794), catching 119 passes on 163 targets for 10 touchdowns, and helping the Seahawks to a Super Bowl.”

“Seattle has already finalized a deal with JSN, leaving Witherspoon's second contract as an outstanding item at or near the top of the agenda.”

“The Seahawks have one of the league's best wide receivers in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”

“Seattle's offense now fully revolves around him. His massive target share and every-down role create an incredibly stable fantasy projection.”

“Along with left tackle Charles Cross – who inked a four-year extension of his own in January – he will serve as a foundational presence for years to come.”

“That production resulted in a first-team All-Pro nod along with a Pro Bowl invitation in addition to OPOY honors. Smith-Njigba remained an important contributor on offense through Seattle's playoff run and helped the team win Super Bowl LX.”

“His production saw a notable jump in 2024 (100 receptions, 1,130 yards, six touchdowns) before spiking once more this past season. With the Seahawks having traded away D.K. Metcalf, Smith-Njigba saw his yards per reception figure increase to a career-best 15.1. He also set a new personal mark with 10 touchdowns while leading the NFL in receiving yards.”

“As a rookie, the former first-rounder averaged fewer than 37 receiving yards per game. Over time, though, Seattle's setup at the receiver spot has made Smith-Njigba more of a focal point.”

“This agreement contains record-breaking receiver figures for average annual value ($42.15MM) and guarantees ($120MM).”