James Cook III Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 9 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 27
- Height / weight
- 5'11", 190 lb
- Experience
- 5th season
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 18.8
- Pos rank
- RB6
- Rostered
- 99%
Week 9 at Vikings, Mon Nov 9, 8:15 PM ET 29th vs. RBs, tough
James Cook III Fantasy Football
RB, Buffalo Bills
James Cook III's 2026 Season, Week by Week
7 games played: three top-5 weeks and four mid-range starts. The next four matchups include one of the league's softest run defenses.
- Week 6, at LV,24.3, RB4,Win
- Week 7,Bye,No game
- Week 8, vs BAL,18.1, RB12,Win
- Up next. Week 9, at MIN,29th vs RB,Tough
- Week 10, at NYJ,13th vs RB,Neutral
- Week 11, vs MIA,8th vs RB,Favorable
- Week 12, vs KC,26th vs RB,Tough
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to RBs through Week 8. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster James Cook III?
Cook III is a weekly RB1. He is RB6 at 18.8 PPR PPG, supported by 88th-percentile yards per carry. His best upcoming spot is the Dolphins in Week 11, while the Vikings in Week 9 is a tougher matchup.
Yards per carry
5.488th percentile, above average
Yards per touch
5.688th percentile, above average
Target share
8.8%54th percentile, about average
Fantasy points per opportunity
0.8769th percentile, about average
James Cook III 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @ Texans | W 36–31 | 9.9 | RB27 |
| 2 | vs Lions | W 41–31 | 20.9 | RB5 |
| 3 | vs Chargers | W 24–16 | 19.4 | RB9 |
| 4 | vs Patriots | L 26–29 | 16.3 | RB19 |
| 5 | @ Rams | W 37–34 | 22.8 | RB4 |
| 6 | @ Raiders | W 33–30 | 24.3 | RB4 |
| 8 | vs Ravens | W 36–10 | 18.1 | RB12 |
| Total | 6–1 | 131.7 | RB6 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Rush yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | BUF | 7 | 707 | 7 | 12 | 110 | 0 | 131.7 | 18.8 | - |
| 2025 | BUF | 17 | 1,621 | 12 | 33 | 291 | 2 | 302.2 | 17.8 | RB6 |
| 2024 | BUF | 16 | 1,009 | 16 | 32 | 258 | 2 | 266.7 | 16.7 | RB8 |
| 2023 | BUF | 17 | 1,122 | 2 | 44 | 445 | 4 | 232.7 | 13.7 | RB12 |
| 2022 | BUF | 17 | 525 | 2 | 21 | 180 | 1 | 106.5 | 6.3 | RB44 |
| Career | 74 | 4,984 | 39 | 142 | 1,284 | 9 | 1039.8 | 14.1 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Cook III is listed questionable.
Outlook
The lone soft spot is the passing game. A 1.17 YPRR, 8. Behind him on the depth chart: Ty Johnson. Full outlook
Injury status
Questionable
He has missed 1 game this season. Career games missed to injury: 1. Injury history
- 2025anklePlayed through
- 2025hamstringPlayed through
- 2024toe1 game
More on James Cook Iii and the Bills
- Bills depth chartWho starts, who backs up, and who is next man upOpen
- Bills scheduleEvery remaining opponent and the fantasy matchupOpen
- RB rest-of-season rankingsWhere every RB ranks for the rest of 2026Open
- RB strength of scheduleWhich defenses RBs face the rest of the wayOpen
- RB projectionsWeekly and rest-of-season RB projectionsOpen
- Trade value chartWhat every player is worth in a redraft tradeOpen
- Bills usage reportSnap share, targets and touches by playerOpen
- Dynasty RB rankingsLong-term RB values for dynasty leaguesOpen
- Redraft rankings2026 redraft rankings across all positionsOpen
- Dynasty rankingsDynasty Command consensus valuesOpen
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start James Cook III in Week 9?
James Cook III is a weekly starter in 12-team leagues for Week 9 at the Vikings, as the RB6 in PPR points per game this season (18.8 a game). The Vikings rank 29th in PPR points allowed to RBs, a tough matchup. Get the start/sit call for Cook III.
How many fantasy points is James Cook III averaging in 2026?
James Cook III is averaging 18.8 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 131.7 points across 7 games. His last game produced 18.1 points.
Where does James Cook III rank in fantasy football in 2026?
James Cook III ranks RB6 in PPR points per game in 2026 and RB12 in total points, through 7 games. That makes him a weekly starter in 12-team leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is James Cook III worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: James Cook III is a weekly starter in 12-team PPR, 10-team PPR and half-PPR leagues. He is rostered in 99% of leagues.
What is James Cook III's fantasy football role?
James Cook III is the Bills' starting RB, with Ty Johnson behind him. He is averaging 19.7 carries and 2.4 targets a game, on 67% of the offensive snaps in 2026.
What are James Cook III's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
James Cook III's next three games are Week 9 at the Vikings (29th in PPR points allowed to RBs, tough), Week 10 at the Jets (13th in PPR points allowed to RBs, neutral) and Week 11 vs. the Dolphins (8th in PPR points allowed to RBs, favorable). One of them is favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has James Cook III been in fantasy football this season?
James Cook III has finished as a top-12 RB in 5 of his 7 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 4.8 points around his 18.8-point average.
What is James Cook III's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season James Cook III's floor has been 9.9 PPR points (Week 1, RB27) and his ceiling 24.3 (Week 6, RB4). His median week has been 19.4 points. See Cook III's full game log.
James Cook III 2026 Stats
Touchdowns account for 32% of his fantasy production, so his weekly output leans on volume more than scoring.
- Rush yards
- 707
- 138 Carries
- Yds / carry
- 5.1
- Rush TD
- 7
- Receiving
- 12 rec · 110 yds
- 17 Targets · 0 TD
James Cook III Rushing Stats
Lead back · High volume · Above-average efficiency
Efficiency
- Yards after contact per carry - 35th of 77 RBs1.7635th of 77
- Explosive run rate - 3rd of 77 RBs18.8%3rd of 77
- Fantasy points per opportunity - 13th of 77 RBs0.7913th of 77
- Yards before contact per carry - 1st of 77 RBs3.601st of 77
- Broken tackles - 8th of 77 RBs88th of 77
Usage
- Snap share - 14th of 77 RBs66.7%14th of 77
- Target share - 18th of 77 RBs8.8%18th of 77
- Red-zone opportunities - 13th of 77 RBs2413th of 77
- Targets per game - 35th of 77 RBs2.335th of 77
Ranks: 2026 through Week 7 among 77 qualified RBs.
Rushing profile
Cook III breaks explosive runs and gets red-zone work.
Fantasy impact
His floor is his volume: 19.7 carries and 2.4 targets a game this season. Efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
James Cook III Career Stats by Season
| Season | GP | Car | Rush yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 7 | 138 | 707 | 7 | 12 | 110 | 0 | 131.7 | 18.8 | RB6 |
| 2025 | 17 | 309 | 1,621 | 12 | 33 | 291 | 2 | 302.2 | 17.8 | RB6 |
| 2024 | 16 | 207 | 1,009 | 16 | 32 | 258 | 2 | 266.7 | 16.7 | RB8 |
| 2023 | 17 | 237 | 1,122 | 2 | 44 | 445 | 4 | 232.7 | 13.7 | RB12 |
| 2022 | 17 | 91 | 525 | 2 | 21 | 180 | 1 | 106.5 | 6.3 | RB44 |
| Career | 74 | 982 | 4,984 | 39 | 142 | 1,284 | 9 | 1039.8 | 14.1 | - |
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
14.1
Career PPG
74 games, 5 seasons
99%
Availability
Share of team games played
54%
Top-24 weeks
Top-24 RB finishes
8.7
Weekly swing
Moderate week-to-week
What His Career Numbers Say
Cook III has averaged 14.1 fantasy points per game over 74 games and 5 seasons, with three top-12 finishes (2023, 2024, 2025). The average hides two careers: 16.4 a game in his four seasons with a starter's volume, 6.3 in the one without it.
So far in 2026 he is at 18.8 per game, up 1.0 from 2025. Volume is the driver: 22.1 carries plus targets a game against 20.5. His quarterback this season has been Josh Allen.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Cook III's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 1,621Rush yards2025
- 18Total TD2024
- 302.2Fantasy pts2025 · RB6
- 6,268Career scrimmage yds2022–2026
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does James Cook III have in 2026?
James Cook III has 131.7 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 8, 18.8 per game across 7 games. That total ranks RB12 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many rushing yards does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 707 rushing yards in 2026 through Week 8, 101 a game at 5.1 yards per carry. His high was 154 yards, in Week 3 against the Chargers.
How many touchdowns does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 7 touchdowns in 2026 through Week 8: 7 rushing and 0 receiving.
How many rushing touchdowns does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 7 rushing touchdowns in 2026 through Week 8, on 138 carries.
How many carries does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 138 carries in 2026 through Week 8, 19.7 a game, for 707 yards. His high was 25 carries, in Week 5 at the Rams.
How many receptions does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 12 receptions for 110 yards in 2026 through Week 8, on 17 targets. His high was 3 catches, in Week 1 at the Texans.
How many receiving yards does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has 110 receiving yards in 2026 through Week 8, 15.7 a game on 12 catches. His high was 58 yards, in Week 6 at the Raiders.
How many targets does James Cook III have this season?
James Cook III has drawn 17 targets in 2026 through Week 8, 2.4 a game, and caught 12 of them. His high was 4 targets, in Week 1 at the Texans.
How many games has James Cook III played in 2026?
James Cook III has played 7 games in the 2026 season through Week 8, after missing 1 game to injury.
What were James Cook III's stats last season?
In 2025, James Cook III ran for 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 291 yards in 17 games. That was 302.2 PPR points (17.8 per game), an RB6 finish.
What are James Cook III's career NFL stats?
Across 5 seasons and 74 games, James Cook III has 4,984 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns, plus 142 catches for 1,284 yards, for 1039.8 PPR fantasy points (14.1 per game).
How many touchdowns does James Cook III have in his career?
James Cook III has 48 touchdowns in his NFL career: 39 rushing and 9 receiving, over 74 games.
James Cook III Game Log 2026
| Wk | Opp | Result | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOU17th | W 36-31 | 13 | 57 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 9.9 | RB27 |
Week 1 · HOU · W 36-31 · 9.9 pts
How the 9.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | DET27th | W 41-31 | 21 | 135 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 20.9 | RB5 |
Week 2 · DET · W 41-31 · 20.9 pts
How the 20.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 3 | LAC12th | W 24-16 | 24 | 154 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19.4 | RB9 |
Week 3 · LAC · W 24-16 · 19.4 pts
How the 19.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 4 | NE31st | L 26-29 | 12 | 75 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 16.3 | RB19 |
Week 4 · NE · L 26-29 · 16.3 pts
How the 16.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 5 | LAR29th | W 37-34 | 25 | 111 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 22.8 | RB4 |
Week 5 · LAR · W 37-34 · 22.8 pts
How the 22.8 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 6 | LV14th | W 33-30 | 22 | 95 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 58 | 0 | 24.3 | RB4 |
Week 6 · LV · W 33-30 · 24.3 pts
How the 24.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 7 | Did not play (inactive) | ||||||||||
| 8 | BAL20th | W 36-10 | 21 | 80 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 18.1 | RB12 |
Week 8 · BAL · W 36-10 · 18.1 pts
How the 18.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| Avg | 7 games | 6-1 | 19.7 | 101.0 | 1.0 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 15.7 | 0.0 | 18.8 | RB11 |
HOU
DET
LAC
NE
LV
BALOpponent rank is fantasy points allowed to RBs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
6 RB1 · 1 RB2 · Avg RB11
Also: Wk 3 (RB9)
Game-by-Game Breakdown
RB1 week vs. Baltimore
21 carries, 80 yds, 1 TD. 2/3 receiving, 21 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his current season average.
Season high in a shootout
22 carries, 95 yds, 1 TD. 3/3 receiving, 58 yds.
He played 66% of the snaps and handled 22 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week at the Rams
25 carries, 111 yds, 2 TD. 1/1 receiving, 7 yds. 1 fumble lost.
He played 63% of the snaps and handled 25 carries. One lost fumble in a game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week vs. New England
12 carries, 75 yds, 1 TD. 2/2 receiving, 8 yds.
He played 59% of the snaps and handled 12 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
RB1 week vs. the Chargers
24 carries, 154 yds, 1 TD. 0/1 receiving, 0 yds. 1 fumble lost.
He played 67% of the snaps and handled 24 carries. One lost fumble in a game that landed right at his current season average.
RB1 week vs. Detroit
21 carries, 135 yds, 1 TD. 1/3 receiving, 4 yds.
He played 74% of the snaps and handled 21 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win at Houston
13 carries, 57 yds. 3/4 receiving, 12 yds.
He played 72% of the snaps and handled 13 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup - Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings
View matchup - Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets
View matchup - Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins
View matchup - Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs
James Cook III Game Log 2023
| Wk | Opp | Result | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NYJ8th | L 16-22 | 12 | 46 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 0 | 10.3 | RB28 |
Week 1 · NYJ · L 16-22 · 10.3 pts
How the 10.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | LV15th | W 38-10 | 17 | 123 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 0 | 19.9 | RB12 |
Week 2 · LV · W 38-10 · 19.9 pts
How the 19.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 3 | WAS2nd | W 37-3 | 15 | 98 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 13.2 | RB18 |
Week 3 · WAS · W 37-3 · 13.2 pts
How the 13.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 4 | MIA25th | W 48-20 | 12 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 48 | 0 | 14.7 | RB13 |
Week 4 · MIA · W 48-20 · 14.7 pts
How the 14.7 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 5 | JAX17th | L 20-25 | 5 | -4 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 25 | 0 | 5.1 | RB36 |
Week 5 · JAX · L 20-25 · 5.1 pts
How the 5.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 6 | NYG13th | W 14-9 | 14 | 71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.1 | RB33 |
Week 6 · NYG · W 14-9 · 7.1 pts
How the 7.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 7 | NE22nd | L 25-29 | 13 | 56 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 46 | 1 | 19.2 | RB8 |
Week 7 · NE · L 25-29 · 19.2 pts
How the 19.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 8 | TB29th | W 24-18 | 14 | 67 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 8.3 | RB33 |
Week 8 · TB · W 24-18 · 8.3 pts
How the 8.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 9 | CIN7th | L 18-24 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 0 | 7.9 | RB31 |
Week 9 · CIN · L 18-24 · 7.9 pts
How the 7.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 10 | DEN4th | L 22-24 | 12 | 109 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 12.0 | RB23 |
Week 10 · DEN · L 22-24 · 12.0 pts
How the 12.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 11 | NYJ8th | W 32-6 | 17 | 73 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 29 | 1 | 19.2 | RB10 |
Week 11 · NYJ · W 32-6 · 19.2 pts
How the 19.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 12 | PHI19th | L 34-37 | 16 | 43 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 57 | 0 | 16.0 | RB12 |
Week 12 · PHI · L 34-37 · 16.0 pts
How the 16.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 13 | Bye week | ||||||||||
| 14 | KC27th | W 20-17 | 10 | 58 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 83 | 1 | 25.1 | RB3 |
Week 14 · KC · W 20-17 · 25.1 pts
How the 25.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 15 | DAL32nd | W 31-10 | 25 | 179 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 42 | 1 | 36.1 | RB2 |
Week 15 · DAL · W 31-10 · 36.1 pts
How the 36.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 16 | LAC14th | W 24-22 | 20 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.0 | RB49 |
Week 16 · LAC · W 24-22 · 5.0 pts
How the 5.0 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 17 | NE22nd | W 27-21 | 16 | 48 | 0 | 3 | 1 | -4 | 0 | 5.4 | RB48 |
Week 17 · NE · W 27-21 · 5.4 pts
How the 5.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 18 | MIA25th | W 21-14 | 13 | 36 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 16 | 0 | 8.2 | RB32 |
Week 18 · MIA · W 21-14 · 8.2 pts
How the 8.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| Avg | 17 games | 11-6 | 13.9 | 66.0 | 0.1 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 26.2 | 0.2 | 13.7 | RB23 |
WAS
JAX
NYG
TB
CIN
DEN
PHI
DALOpponent rank is fantasy points allowed to RBs across 2023: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
9 RB1 · 6 RB2 · 2 busts · Avg RB23
Wk 1 RB28 · Wk 2 RB12 · Wk 3 RB18 · Wk 4 RB13 · Wk 5 RB36 · Wk 6 RB33 · Wk 7 RB8 · Wk 8 RB33 · Wk 9 RB31 · Wk 10 RB23 · Wk 11 RB10 · Wk 12 RB12 · Wk 14 RB3 · Wk 15 RB2 · Wk 16 RB49 · Wk 17 RB48 · Wk 18 RB32
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Steady in a win at Miami
13 carries, 36 yds. 3/4 receiving, 16 yds.
He played 62% of the snaps and handled 13 carries. Just 2.8 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Held in check by New England
16 carries, 48 yds. 1/3 receiving, -4 yds.
He played 55% of the snaps and handled 16 carries. Just 3.0 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Held in check by the Chargers
20 carries, 70 yds. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds. 1 fumble lost.
He played 75% of the snaps and handled 20 carries. One lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
Season high in a win
25 carries, 179 yds, 1 TD. 2/3 receiving, 42 yds, 1 TD.
He played 56% of the snaps and handled 25 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week at Kansas City
10 carries, 58 yds. 5/5 receiving, 83 yds, 1 TD.
He played 44% of the snaps and handled 10 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week at Philadelphia
16 carries, 43 yds. 6/7 receiving, 57 yds.
He played 43% of the snaps and handled 16 carries. Just 2.7 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week vs. the Jets
17 carries, 73 yds. 3/4 receiving, 29 yds, 1 TD.
He played 46% of the snaps and handled 17 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
RB1 week vs. Denver
12 carries, 109 yds. 2/2 receiving, 11 yds. 1 fumble lost.
He played 46% of the snaps and handled 12 carries. One lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a loss at Cincinnati
6 carries, 20 yds. 4/4 receiving, 19 yds.
He played 55% of the snaps and handled 6 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Tampa Bay
14 carries, 67 yds. 1/1 receiving, 6 yds.
He played 67% of the snaps and handled 14 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
RB1 week at New England
13 carries, 56 yds. 3/3 receiving, 46 yds, 1 TD.
He played 52% of the snaps and handled 13 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win vs. the Giants
14 carries, 71 yds. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 49% of the snaps and handled 14 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a loss vs. Jacksonville
5 carries, -4 yds. 3/4 receiving, 25 yds.
He played 62% of the snaps and handled 5 carries. Just -0.8 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
RB1 week vs. Miami
12 carries, 29 yds, 1 TD. 1/1 receiving, 48 yds.
He played 40% of the snaps and handled 12 carries. Just 2.4 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
RB1 week at Washington
15 carries, 98 yds. 2/3 receiving, 14 yds.
He played 62% of the snaps and handled 15 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
RB1 week vs. Las Vegas
17 carries, 123 yds. 4/4 receiving, 36 yds.
He played 59% of the snaps and handled 17 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss at the Jets
12 carries, 46 yds. 4/6 receiving, 17 yds.
He played 59% of the snaps and handled 12 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III Game Log FAQ
How did James Cook III do in his last game?
James Cook III scored 18.1 PPR points in Week 8 against the Ravens, a 36–10 win, an RB12 finish. He ran 21 times for 80 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 2 of 3 targets for 21 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did James Cook III score in his last game?
James Cook III scored 18.1 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 8 against the Ravens, an RB12 finish for the week. That was 0.7 below his season average of 18.8.
How many rushing yards did James Cook III have in his last game?
James Cook III ran for 80 yards on 21 carries in Week 8 against the Ravens, and added 21 receiving yards.
How many touchdowns did James Cook III score in his last game?
James Cook III scored 1 touchdown in Week 8 against the Ravens: 1 rushing and 0 receiving.
How many carries did James Cook III have in his last game?
James Cook III had 21 carries for 80 yards in Week 8 against the Ravens.
How many receptions did James Cook III have in his last game?
James Cook III caught 2 of 3 targets for 21 yards in Week 8 against the Ravens.
What were James Cook III's stats in Week 6?
In Week 6 at the Raiders, a 33–30 win, James Cook III ran 22 times for 95 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 3 of 3 targets for 58 yards. That was 24.3 PPR points, an RB4 finish.
What was James Cook III's best game this season?
James Cook III's best 2026 game was Week 6 at the Raiders: 24.3 PPR points, an RB4 finish. He ran 22 times for 95 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 3 of 3 targets for 58 yards.
What was James Cook III's worst game this season?
James Cook III's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 1 at the Texans: 9.9 PPR points, an RB27 finish. He ran 13 times for 57 yards, and caught 3 of 4 targets for 12 yards.
How many games has James Cook III scored a touchdown in this season?
James Cook III has scored a touchdown in 6 of his 7 games this season, most recently in Week 8.
Can I see James Cook III's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Cook III's weekly results from any season from 2022 through 2025.
James Cook III Rest-of-Season Outlook
Through 7 games he's RB6 at 18.8 PPR points per game, against 17.8 over 17 games last season (RB6). He's running ahead of last season's pace.
Through Week 7 he ranks 5th of 57 in rushing volume (19.5 carries per game), 26th of 57 in receiving role (2.3 targets per game) and 25th of 56 in efficiency (1.76 yards after contact per carry). His points come from his rushing volume. Receiving role is the soft spot. Josh Allen is his quarterback.
The job is secure: he's the listed starter and one of the best at his position. The main risk is health, and Ty Johnson is next on the depth chart if he misses time.
The next favorable matchup is the Dolphins in Week 11 (8th against RBs).
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 16, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
Cook took a leap in 2025, finishing as our RB4 on 269.2 fantasy points while leading the league with 1,621 rushing yards on 309 carries at a punishing 5.25 per tote. His efficiency held under that heavy workload: a 12.62% explosive-run rate, nine carries of 20-plus yards, 21 broken tackles and 2.22 yards after contact per attempt. He also tucked away 12 rushing scores plus 16 goal-line carries, so the touchdown equity is real even if 2024's gaudy 16 TDs was always going to settle down.
The lone soft spot is the passing game. A 1.17 YPRR, 8.4% target share and just 33 catches leave value on the table for a back this dynamic in space. If Buffalo finally leans into him on third downs, his ceiling climbs. With no new competition in the backfield and elite rushing volume guaranteed, Cook is a safe early-round anchor.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2026 rank through Week 7 among the 57 running backs who have played at least six games. Each bar is one running back, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Rushing volume
Receiving role
Efficiency
- Yards after contact per carry
- 1.76
- Broken tackles
- 8
- Explosive-run rate
- 18.8%
- Red-zone opportunities
- 24
- Snap share
- 66.7%
- Targets
- 14
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- A soft spotThe Dolphins in Week 11 is a top-10 matchup for RBs.Wk 9 MIN, 29thWk 10 NYJ, 13thWk 11 MIA, 8thWk 12 KC, 26th
- Heavy rushing volume19.5 carries per game, 5th of 57 RBs in 2026.
Risk
- HealthHis role is secure; if he misses time, Ty Johnson is next on the depth chart.
- Tough matchupsThe Vikings in Week 9 (29th) and the Chiefs in Week 12 (26th) are among the stingiest defenses against RBs.
- Ball security4 fumbles in 2026.
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is James Cook III's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
James Cook III projects as a workhorse RB1 every week for the rest of the 2026 season: a weekly starter in 12-team PPR, 10-team PPR and half-PPR leagues. His rushing volume (19.5 carries per game, 5th of 57 RBs in 2026) supports that. His receiving role (2.3 targets per game, 26th of 57 RBs in 2026) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is James Cook III's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
James Cook III is the RB6 in PPR points per game through Week 8. That puts him in RB1 territory, a weekly starter in 10-team PPR leagues.
What is James Cook III's projected role going forward?
James Cook III is the listed starting RB, with Ty Johnson next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will James Cook III get more touches?
James Cook III's touches are trending up: 24.5 a game over his last two games against 22.1 for the season. His share of the offense is what his fantasy value rides on.
What is James Cook III's fantasy football upside?
James Cook III's upside: his ceiling this season is 24.3 PPR points (Week 6, RB4), his rushing volume (19.5 carries per game, 5th of 57 RBs in 2026) gives him a weekly floor to build on and the Dolphins in Week 11 is a top-10 matchup for RBs.
What could hurt James Cook III's fantasy value?
James Cook III's risks: Ty Johnson is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt, his receiving role (2.3 targets per game, 26th of 57 RBs in 2026) limits his scoring and the Vikings in Week 9 and the Chiefs in Week 12 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is James Cook III's remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 2 come against a top-10 matchup for RBs and 4 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
James Cook III Injury Update & History
Is James Cook III injured?
Practice participation
Week 9 report starts Thursday, Nov 5Cook III hasn't appeared on an injury report this season.
Injury History at a Glance
Three logged injuries in five seasons. Most of his lost time came from a toe injury in 2024; nothing else has cost him a game.
Durability
100/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
Toe injury · 2024
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Foot / toe | 1 | 1 |
| Ankle | 1 | 0 |
| Hamstring | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 1 |
Injury risk profile: Moderate
- No body part injured twice
- Ankle in 2025, played through
- 1 game in 5 seasons
- 3 injuries spread across 3 body parts
James Cook III Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2025
Ankle Played through
Listed on the injury report with an ankle injury from Week 10 and played through it without missing time.
- Wk 10 Full · no designation
- 2025
Hamstring Played through
Listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury from Week 2 and played through it without missing time.
- Wk 2 Full · no designation
- 2024
Toe 1 game
Listed on the injury report with a toe injury from Week 6; missed Week 6.
- Wk 6 Limited · Questionable
- Wk 7 Full · no designation
If Cook III Misses Time
Next man up: Ty Johnson
Ty Johnson is next on the Bills depth chart at running back. He's the handcuff: worth a bench spot in deeper leagues and for Cook III managers, since the same backfield work would pass to him.
Who else it affects
His absence would move work to the rest of the offense, and Josh Allen would lose one of his main options.
Durability Profile
Iron tier
Questionable • 98.8% career availability
0
Major Injuries
0
Soft-Tissue Events
1
Games Missed
0.2
Missed / Season
- 2024 · Week 6ToeFirst
Missed 1 game and returned in Week 7. First foot / toe issue on record.
- 2025 · Week 10AnkleFirst
Practiced fully; no games missed. First ankle issue on record.
- 2025 · Week 2HamstringFirst
Practiced fully; no games missed. First thigh issue on record.
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III Injury FAQ
Is James Cook III injured?
Yes. As of November 1, 2026, James Cook III is questionable with an undisclosed injury. He has missed 1 game this season. See how the injury changes his rest-of-season value.
Is James Cook III playing this week?
James Cook III is questionable for Week 9 at the Vikings on Monday, November 9. Treat him as a game-time decision. Should you start him?
What injury does James Cook III have?
James Cook III has an undisclosed injury and is questionable for Week 9. He has missed 1 game this season.
Has James Cook III missed any games this season?
Yes. James Cook III has missed 1 game in 2026 and played in 7.
What is James Cook III's injury history?
James Cook III has 3 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 1 game in all: 1 for a toe injury in 2024. No body part has been injured twice.
What was James Cook III's most recent injury?
James Cook III's most recent logged injury was an ankle injury in Week 10 of 2025. He played through it and missed no regular-season games.
Does James Cook III have any recurring injuries?
No. James Cook III's three logged injuries were to three different body parts, so the record shows no recurring pattern.
What was James Cook III's worst injury?
James Cook III's longest absence came from a toe injury in 2024, which cost him 1 game, all of the games he has missed to injury.
Latest James Cook III News & Updates
Latest update
Cook III delivers RB1 week vs. Baltimore
18.1 FPTS
W 36–10 vs BALFantasy impact: Solid starter result21 CAR · 80 YDS · 1 TD · 2 REC · 21 YDS · 3 TGT
23 touches and a RB12 finish: a usable week.
Season Timeline
Week 6Oct 18W 33–30 @ LV
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook III posts season high in win at Las Vegas
24.3 FPTS · 22 CAR · 95 YDS · 1 TD · 3 REC · 58 YDS · 3 TGT
Volume drove the ceiling: 25 touches produced a RB4 finish.
Finish: RB4CeilingView Game RecapWeek 5Oct 12W 37–34 @ LAR
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook III delivers RB1 week at Los Angeles
22.8 FPTS · 25 CAR · 111 YDS · 2 TD
Volume drove the ceiling: 26 touches produced a RB4 finish.
Finish: RB4CeilingView Game RecapWeek 4Oct 4L 26–29 vs NE
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook III quiet in loss vs. New England
16.3 FPTS · 12 CAR · 75 YDS · 1 TD
Efficiency carried it: 6.3 yards per carry produced a RB19 finish.
Finish: RB19SolidView Game RecapWeek 3Sep 27W 24–16 vs LAC
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook III delivers RB1 week vs. Los Angeles
19.4 FPTS · 24 CAR · 154 YDS · 1 TD
Efficiency carried it: 6.4 yards per carry produced a RB9 finish.
Finish: RB9CeilingView Game RecapWeek 2Sep 17W 41–31 vs DET
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook III delivers RB1 week vs. Detroit
20.9 FPTS · 21 CAR · 135 YDS · 1 TD
Efficiency carried it: 6.4 yards per carry produced a RB5 finish.
Finish: RB5CeilingView Game RecapWeek 1Sep 13W 36–31 @ HOU
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Cook III quiet in win at Houston
9.9 FPTS · 13 CAR · 57 YDS
16 touches, but 9.9 points left him under his average.
Finish: RB27NeutralView Game Recap
No updates of this type yet this season.
Around the Bills
Bills Teammates News
Updates on Cook III's backfield partners and quarterback.
- Josh Allen: Solid numbers in high-scoring win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Late-game heroics in OT win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Knee not viewed as concern (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Another elite performance in win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Two passing TDs, two rushing scores in win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Will sit Thursday night (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 205 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
RBs like James Cook III
James Cook III News FAQ
What is the latest news on James Cook III?
The latest Cook III update, from November 1: Cook III delivers RB1 week vs. Baltimore. Cook III ran 21 times for 80 yards and one touchdown, with 2 catches for 21 yards in the 36–10 win vs. Baltimore.
How does the latest James Cook III news affect his fantasy value?
Positively: he scored 18.1 fantasy points, a RB12 finish, 0.7 below his 18.8 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
James Cook III Bio
James Cook III is a running back for the Buffalo Bills, where he wears No. 4. Born September 25, 1999, in Miami, FL, he attended Miami Central and played college football at Georgia.
The Buffalo Bills selected Cook in round 2, pick 63, of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Buffalo Bills on April 30, 2022.
In 74 regular-season games since 2022, he has run for 4,984 yards and 39 touchdowns and caught 142 passes.
Career Timeline
What happened at each stop
Buffalo Bills Current team2022–present
Selected in round 2, pick 63, of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a starter, playing at least half the offensive snaps in 40 of 72 games.
College: Georgia
Trades and Team Changes
- TradedTraded by the Cincinnati Bengals to the Buffalo Bills for CB Cam Taylor-Britt.
- DraftedSelected by the Buffalo Bills in round 2, pick 63.
RBs like James Cook III
About James Cook III: Bio FAQ
How old is James Cook III?
James Cook III is 27 years old. He was born on September 25, 1999. 2026 is his 5th NFL season.
How tall is James Cook III?
James Cook III is 5 feet 11 inches tall (5'11"), listed at 190 pounds, and plays running back for the Buffalo Bills.
How much does James Cook III weigh?
James Cook III weighs 190 pounds, his listed weight on the Buffalo Bills roster. He is listed at 5'11".
What number does James Cook III wear?
James Cook III wears number 4 for the Buffalo Bills. He plays running back.
What position does James Cook III play?
James Cook III plays running back for the Buffalo Bills, wearing number 4. 2026 is his 5th season in the NFL.
What team does James Cook III play for?
James Cook III plays for the Buffalo Bills as a running back. He has been with the Bills since 2022.
Where did James Cook III go to college?
James Cook III played college football at Georgia, after attending Miami Central (FL).
Where is James Cook III from?
James Cook III went to high school in Florida, at Miami Central, before playing college football at Georgia.
When is James Cook III's birthday?
James Cook III's birthday is September 25. He was born on September 25, 1999 and is 27 years old.
How long has James Cook III been in the NFL?
2026 is James Cook III's 5th NFL season; he entered the league in 2022. View his career statistics.
What teams has James Cook III played for?
James Cook III has played for the Buffalo Bills. View his career statistics.
What year did James Cook III enter the NFL?
James Cook III entered the NFL in 2022. 2026 is his 5th season.