James Cook Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 4 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 27
- Height / weight
- 5'11", 190 lb
- Experience
- 5th season
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 16.7
- Pos rank
- RB13
- Rostered
- 99%
Week 4 vs. Patriots, Sun Oct 4, 1:00 PM ET 16th vs. RBs, neutral
James Cook Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Scoring rate
16.7 PPG
Played
3 games
Role
Starter
Trend
Stable
James Cook's 2026 Season, Week by Week
3 games played: one top-5 week and two mid-range starts. The next four matchups are a tough stretch ahead.
- Week 1, Win,at HOU,9.9,RB27
- Week 2, Win,vs DET,20.9,RB5
- Week 3, Win,vs LAC,19.4,RB9
- Up next. Week 4, Oct 4,vs NE,NeutralPatriots vs. RBs
- Week 5, Oct 12,at LAR,ToughRams vs. RBs
- Week 6, Oct 18,at LV,ToughRaiders vs. RBs
- Week 7,Bye,No game
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to RBs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster James Cook?
Cook is averaging 16.7 PPR points per game through 3 games, with 346 rushing yards and 2 TD on 58 carries, plus 4 catches for 16 yards. That ranks RB13, which makes him a weekly starter in 12-team leagues.
His yards per carry (6.0) is in the 98th percentile among RBs, the best of his efficiency marks; his target share (9.9%) is the weakest, in the 53rd. His quarterback has been Josh Allen.
His best week was RB5 in Week 2 against the Lions (20.9 points); his worst, RB27 in Week 1 at the Texans (9.9). Two favorable matchups are coming: the Jets (9th vs. RBs) in Week 10 and the Dolphins (3rd vs. RBs) in Week 11.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where Cook ranks among all RBs in Redraft Command.
What's Driving His Production
Percentile vs. every RB with at least 24 carries and targets in 2026. The line marks the league median.
Yards per carry
6.098th percentile, above average
Yards per touch
5.888th percentile, above average
Target share
9.9%53rd percentile, about average
Fantasy points per opportunity
0.7660th percentile, about average
James Cook 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 |
| Total | 3–0 | 50.2 | RB13 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Rush yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | BUF | 3 | 346 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 0 | 50.2 | 16.7 | — |
| 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 | 70 | 4,623 | 34 | 134 | 1,190 | 9 | 958.3 | 13.7 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
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
Active, no designation
He has not missed a game this season. Career games missed to injury: 0. Injury history
- 2025anklePlayed through
RBs like James Cook
James Cook Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start James Cook in Week 4?
James Cook is a weekly starter in 12-team leagues for Week 4 against the Patriots, as the RB13 in PPR total points this season (16.7 a game). The Patriots rank 16th in PPR points allowed to RBs, a neutral matchup. Get the start/sit call for Cook.
How many fantasy points is James Cook averaging in 2026?
James Cook is averaging 16.7 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 50.2 points across 3 games. His last game produced 19.4 points.
Where does James Cook rank in fantasy football in 2026?
James Cook ranks RB13 in PPR total points in 2026, through 3 games. That makes him a weekly starter in 12-team leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is James Cook worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: James Cook is a weekly starter in 12-team PPR, 10-team PPR and half-PPR leagues. He is rostered in 100% of Sleeper leagues.
What is James Cook's fantasy football role?
James Cook is the Bills' starting RB, with Ty Johnson behind him. He is averaging 19.3 carries and 2.7 targets a game, on 71% of the offensive snaps in 2026.
What are James Cook's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
James Cook's next three games are Week 4 vs. the Patriots (16th in PPR points allowed to RBs, neutral), Week 5 at the Rams (25th in PPR points allowed to RBs, tough) and Week 6 at the Raiders (23rd in PPR points allowed to RBs, tough). Zero of them are favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has James Cook been in fantasy football this season?
James Cook has finished as a top-12 RB in 2 of his 3 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 6.0 points around his 16.7-point average.
What is James Cook's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season James Cook's floor has been 9.9 PPR points (Week 1, RB27) and his ceiling 20.9 (Week 2, RB5). His median week has been 19.4 points. See Cook's full game log.
James Cook 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Buffalo BillsTouchdowns account for 24% of his fantasy production, so his weekly output leans on volume more than scoring.
Rushing
- Yards
- 346
- TD
- 2
- Carries
- 58
6.0 Y/C
Receiving
- Rec
- 4
- Yards
- 16
- TD
- 0
8 Targets
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 50.2
- Pos rank
- RB13
20.9 Best Week 2 vs DET9.9 Worst Week 1 @ HOU
Advanced Rushing Stats
Cook is on the field for 71.0% of snaps and draws 9.8% of his team's targets.
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | 2025 16 games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||||
| Yards after contact per carry | 1.66 | 43rd | 2.21 | 74th |
| Explosive run rate | 20.7% | 100th | 12.4% | 82nd |
| Fantasy points per opportunity | 0.70 | 76th | 0.77 | 85th |
| Yards before contact per carry | 4.31 | 100th | 3.02 | 89th |
| Broken tackles | 5 | 91st | 21 | 90th |
| Usage | ||||
| Snap share | 71.0% | 90th | 60.6% | 79th |
| Target share | 9.8% | 69th | 8.9% | 77th |
| Red-zone opportunities | 11 | 84th | 59 | 92nd |
| Targets per game | 2.7 | 60th | 2.5 | 55th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 71 qualified RBs · 2025 (16 games, weeks 1–17) among 74.
Profile: Cook breaks explosive runs and plays most snaps.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 19.3 carries and 2.7 targets a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
16.7
Fantasy PPG
115
Rush yds/g
1.3
Rec/g
James Cook career stats by season
| Season | GP | Car | Rush yds | Rush TD | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 3 | 58 | 346 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 0 | 50.2 | 16.7 | — |
| 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 | 70 | 902 | 4,623 | 34 | 134 | 1,190 | 9 | 958.3 | 13.7 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
13.7
Career PPG
70 games over 5 seasons
99%
Availability
Share of team games he played
51%
Top-24 weeks
Share of his games as a top-24 RB
8.8
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, moderate
Cook has averaged 13.7 fantasy points per game over 70 games and 5 seasons, with three top-12 finishes (2023, 2024, 2025). The average hides two careers: 16.1 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 16.7 per game, down 1.0 from 2025. That is despite more volume (22.0 carries plus targets a game against 20.5), so efficiency and scoring are doing it. His quarterback this season has been Josh Allen.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Cook's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 1,621Rush yards2025
- 18Total TD2024
- 302.2Fantasy pts2025 · RB6
- 5,813Career scrimmage yds2022–2026
RBs like James Cook
James Cook Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does James Cook have in 2026?
James Cook has 50.2 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 16.7 per game across 3 games. That total ranks RB13 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many rushing yards does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 346 rushing yards in 2026 through Week 4, 115 a game at 6.0 yards per carry. His high was 154 yards, in Week 3 against the Chargers.
How many touchdowns does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 2 touchdowns in 2026 through Week 4: 2 rushing and 0 receiving.
How many rushing touchdowns does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 2 rushing touchdowns in 2026 through Week 4, on 58 carries.
How many carries does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 58 carries in 2026 through Week 4, 19.3 a game, for 346 yards. His high was 24 carries, in Week 3 against the Chargers.
How many receptions does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 4 receptions for 16 yards in 2026 through Week 4, on 8 targets. His high was 3 catches, in Week 1 at the Texans.
How many receiving yards does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has 16 receiving yards in 2026 through Week 4, 5.3 a game on 4 catches. His high was 12 yards, in Week 1 at the Texans.
How many targets does James Cook have this season?
James Cook has drawn 8 targets in 2026 through Week 4, 2.7 a game, and caught 4 of them. His high was 4 targets, in Week 1 at the Texans.
How many games has James Cook played in 2026?
James Cook has played 3 games in the 2026 season through Week 4.
What were James Cook's stats last season?
In 2025, James Cook 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's career NFL stats?
Across 5 seasons and 70 games, James Cook has 4,623 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, plus 134 catches for 1,190 yards, for 958.3 PPR fantasy points (13.7 per game).
How many touchdowns does James Cook have in his career?
James Cook has 43 touchdowns in his NFL career: 34 rushing and 9 receiving, over 70 games.
James Cook Game Log 2026
Games played
3
FPTS/G (PPR)
16.7
Carries/g
19.3
Rush yds/g
115.3
Rec/g
1.3
Rec yds/g
5.3
Across 3 games in 2026, James Cook has averaged 19.3 carries, 115.3 rushing yards and 16.7 PPR fantasy points per game. James Cook has finished as a top-12 RB in 2 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 2. The best week was Week 2 against DET (20.9 points); the lowest was Week 1 against HOU (9.9).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HOU28th | W 36-31 | 9.9 | 13 | 57 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 0 | RB27 |
Week 1 · HOU · W 36-31 · 9.9 pts
How the 9.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 2 | DET16th | W 41-31 | 20.9 | 21 | 135 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | RB5 |
Week 2 · DET · W 41-31 · 20.9 pts
How the 20.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
| 3 | LAC20th | W 24-16 | 19.4 | 24 | 154 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB9 |
Week 3 · LAC · W 24-16 · 19.4 pts
How the 19.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to RBs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Two RB1 weeks and one RB2 week. For a running back ranked RB13 overall, the spread matters more than the average: you get a top-5 ceiling and a RB2 floor.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
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 well above his season average.
Season high in a shootout
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. Just 4.4 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Fantasy Points By Week
- Weekly points
- Season average (16.7)
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots
View matchup — Buffalo Bills vs Los Angeles Rams
View matchup — Buffalo Bills vs Las Vegas Raiders
View matchup — Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens
James Cook Game Log 2022
Games played
17
FPTS/G (PPR)
6.3
Carries/g
5.4
Rush yds/g
30.9
Rec/g
1.2
Rec yds/g
10.6
Across 17 games in 2022, James Cook has averaged 5.4 carries, 30.9 rushing yards and 6.3 PPR fantasy points per game. James Cook has finished as a top-12 RB in 1 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 2. The best week was Week 16 against CHI (17.8 points); the lowest was Week 1 against LAR (-2.8).
| Wk | Opp | FPTS | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAR22nd | -2.8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB86 |
Week 1 · LAR · -2.8 pts
How the -2.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 2 | TEN27th | 5.3 | 11 | 53 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB45 |
Week 2 · TEN · 5.3 pts
How the 5.3 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 3 | MIA20th | 8.0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 37 | 0 | RB36 |
Week 3 · MIA · 8.0 pts
How the 8.0 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 4 | BAL18th | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB86 |
Week 4 · BAL · 0.0 pts
| ||||||||||
| 5 | PIT19th | 9.1 | 4 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB35 |
Week 5 · PIT · 9.1 pts
How the 9.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 6 | KC14th | 0.8 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB62 |
Week 6 · KC · 0.8 pts
How the 0.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 7 | Did not play | |||||||||
| 8 | GB5th | 8.6 | 5 | 35 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 41 | 0 | RB34 |
Week 8 · GB · 8.6 pts
How the 8.6 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 9 | NYJ23rd | 5.3 | 4 | 15 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 0 | RB38 |
Week 9 · NYJ · 5.3 pts
How the 5.3 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 10 | MIN10th | 2.2 | 5 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB55 |
Week 10 · MIN · 2.2 pts
How the 2.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 11 | CLE9th | 8.6 | 11 | 86 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB29 |
Week 11 · CLE · 8.6 pts
How the 8.6 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 12 | DET21st | 3.8 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 0 | RB55 |
Week 12 · DET · 3.8 pts
How the 3.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 13 | NE29th | 16.5 | 14 | 64 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 41 | 0 | RB13 |
Week 13 · NE · 16.5 pts
How the 16.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 14 | NYJ23rd | 2.5 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 0 | RB54 |
Week 14 · NYJ · 2.5 pts
How the 2.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 15 | MIA20th | 11.9 | 5 | 34 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 1 | RB26 |
Week 15 · MIA · 11.9 pts
How the 11.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 16 | CHI3rd | 17.8 | 11 | 99 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 0 | RB11 |
Week 16 · CHI · 17.8 pts
How the 17.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 17 | CIN30th | 1.8 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | RB66 |
Week 17 · CIN · 1.8 pts
How the 1.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
| 18 | NE29th | 7.1 | 9 | 45 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | RB37 |
Week 18 · NE · 7.1 pts
How the 7.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to RBs across 2022: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Two RB1 weeks, five RB2 weeks and nine busts. For a running back who finished RB58 overall, the spread mattered more than the average: you got a top-24 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Wk 1 RB86 · Wk 2 RB45 · Wk 3 RB36 · Wk 4 RB86 · Wk 5 RB35 · Wk 6 RB62 · Wk 8 RB34 · Wk 9 RB38 · Wk 10 RB55 · Wk 11 RB29 · Wk 12 RB55 · Wk 13 RB13 · Wk 14 RB54 · Wk 15 RB26 · Wk 16 RB11 · Wk 18 RB37
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Held in check by New England
9 carries, 45 yds. 2/2 receiving, 6 yds.
He played 56% of the snaps and handled 9 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
RB1 week at Chicago
11 carries, 99 yds, 1 TD. 1/2 receiving, 9 yds.
He played 41% of the snaps and handled 11 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Miami
5 carries, 34 yds. 2/3 receiving, 5 yds, 1 TD.
He played 36% of the snaps and handled 5 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by the Jets
4 carries, 6 yds. 1/1 receiving, 9 yds.
He played 41% of the snaps and handled 4 carries. Just 1.5 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
RB1 week at New England
14 carries, 64 yds. 6/6 receiving, 41 yds.
He played 43% of the snaps and handled 14 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Detroit
2 carries, 4 yds. 2/5 receiving, 14 yds.
He played 18% of the snaps and handled 2 carries. Just 2.0 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a home win
11 carries, 86 yds. 0/1 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 25% of the snaps and handled 11 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by Minnesota
5 carries, 22 yds. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 17% of the snaps and handled 5 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Shut down by the Jets
4 carries, 15 yds. 2/4 receiving, 18 yds.
He played 23% of the snaps and handled 4 carries. Just 3.8 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Green Bay
5 carries, 35 yds. 1/1 receiving, 41 yds.
He played 25% of the snaps and handled 5 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Kansas City
2 carries, 8 yds. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 14% of the snaps and handled 2 carries. Just 4.0 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a home win
4 carries, 31 yds, 1 TD. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 18% of the snaps and handled 4 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Baltimore
0 carries, 0 yds. 0/1 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 3% of the snaps and handled 0 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Steady in a loss at Miami
1 carries, 3 yds. 4/5 receiving, 37 yds.
He played 12% of the snaps and handled 1 carries. Just 3.0 yards per carry. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Tennessee
11 carries, 53 yds. 0/1 receiving, 0 yds.
He played 26% of the snaps and handled 11 carries. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Held in check by the Rams
1 carries, 2 yds. 0/0 receiving, 0 yds. 1 fumble lost.
He played 5% of the snaps and handled 1 carries. Just 2.0 yards per carry. One lost fumble in a game that landed well below his season average.
RBs like James Cook
James Cook Game Log FAQ
How did James Cook do in his last game?
James Cook scored 19.4 PPR points in Week 3 against the Chargers, a 24–16 win, an RB9 finish. He ran 24 times for 154 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 0 of 1 target for 0 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did James Cook score in his last game?
James Cook scored 19.4 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 3 against the Chargers, an RB9 finish for the week. That was 2.7 above his season average of 16.7.
How many rushing yards did James Cook have in his last game?
James Cook ran for 154 yards on 24 carries in Week 3 against the Chargers.
How many touchdowns did James Cook score in his last game?
James Cook scored 1 touchdown in Week 3 against the Chargers: 1 rushing and 0 receiving.
How many carries did James Cook have in his last game?
James Cook had 24 carries for 154 yards in Week 3 against the Chargers, playing 67% of the offensive snaps.
How many receptions did James Cook have in his last game?
James Cook caught 0 of 1 target for 0 yards in Week 3 against the Chargers.
What were James Cook's stats in Week 2?
In Week 2 against the Lions, a 41–31 win, James Cook ran 21 times for 135 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 1 of 3 targets for 4 yards. That was 20.9 PPR points, an RB5 finish.
What was James Cook's best game this season?
James Cook's best 2026 game was Week 2 against the Lions: 20.9 PPR points, an RB5 finish. He ran 21 times for 135 yards and 1 touchdown, and caught 1 of 3 targets for 4 yards.
What was James Cook's worst game this season?
James Cook'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 scored a touchdown in this season?
James Cook has scored a touchdown in 2 of his 3 games this season, most recently in Week 3.
Can I see James Cook's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Cook's weekly results from any season from 2022 through 2025.
James Cook Rest-of-Season Outlook
Workhorse RB2 every week
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished RB6 last season at 17.8 points per game.
Our Take After Week 4
Through 3 games he's RB13 at 16.7 PPR points per game, against 17.8 over 17 games last season (RB6). He's running behind last season's pace.
Last season he ranked 3rd of 95 in rushing volume (18.2 carries per game), 35th of 95 in receiving role (2.4 targets per game) and 27th of 95 in efficiency (2.22 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.
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 2025 rank among the 95 running backs who 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
- 2.22
- Broken tackles
- 21
- Explosive-run rate
- 12.6%
- Red-zone opportunities
- 59
- Snap share
- 57.2%
- Targets
- 40
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- The scheduleNone of his next four opponents is a top-10 matchup for RBs.Wk 4 NE, 16thWk 5 LAR, 25thWk 6 LV, 23rdWk 8 BAL, 15th
- Heavy rushing volume18.2 carries per game, 3rd of 95 RBs in 2025.
- Strong efficiency2.22 yards after contact per carry, 27th of 95 RBs in 2025.
Risk
- HealthHis role is secure; if he misses time, Ty Johnson is next on the depth chart.
- Tough matchupsThe Rams in Week 5 (25th) and the Raiders in Week 6 (23rd) are among the stingiest defenses against RBs.
- Ball security6 fumbles in 2025.
RBs like James Cook
James Cook Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is James Cook's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
James Cook projects as a workhorse RB2 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 (18.2 carries per game, 3rd of 95 RBs in 2025) supports that. His receiving role (2.4 targets per game, 35th of 95 RBs in 2025) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is James Cook's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
James Cook is the RB13 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in RB2 territory, a weekly starter in 10-team PPR leagues.
What is James Cook's projected role going forward?
James Cook 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 get more touches?
James Cook's touches are trending up: 24.5 a game over his last two games against 22.0 for the season. His share of the offense is what his fantasy value rides on.
What is James Cook's fantasy football upside?
James Cook's upside: his ceiling this season is 20.9 PPR points (Week 2, RB5) and his rushing volume (18.2 carries per game, 3rd of 95 RBs in 2025) gives him a weekly floor to build on.
What could hurt James Cook's fantasy value?
James Cook's risks: Ty Johnson is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt, his receiving role (2.4 targets per game, 35th of 95 RBs in 2025) limits his scoring and the Rams in Week 5 and the Raiders in Week 6 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is James Cook's remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 2 come against a top-10 matchup for RBs and 3 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
James Cook Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Week 4 reports: Wed, Thu, FriCook hasn't appeared on an injury report this season.
Injury History at a Glance
One logged injury in five seasons. None of them has cost him a regular-season game.
Durability
100/100
Games missed
Injury
Longest absence
No games missed to injury
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 |
Injury risk profile: Moderate
- No body part injured twice
- Ankle in 2025, played through
- 0 games in 5 seasons
- 1 injury spread across 1 body part
James Cook Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Healthy 0 games missed
No injury has cost Cook a game this season.
- 2025
Ankle Played through
Sustained an ankle injury in Week 9 against the Chiefs, had it taped on the sideline, and returned to the game.
If Cook 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 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.
RBs like James Cook
James Cook Injury FAQ
Is James Cook injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, James Cook is active with no injury designation. He has played every game in 2026.
Is James Cook playing this week?
James Cook has no injury designation for Week 4 against the Patriots on Sunday, October 4, so he is on track to play. Should you start him?
Has James Cook missed any games this season?
No. James Cook has played in every Bills game in 2026, 3 games so far.
What is James Cook's injury history?
James Cook has 1 logged NFL injury, which did not cost him a regular-season game.
What was James Cook's most recent injury?
James Cook's most recent logged injury was an ankle injury in Week 9 of 2025. He played through it and missed no regular-season games.
Does James Cook have any recurring injuries?
No. James Cook's one logged injury was, so the record shows no recurring pattern.
Latest James Cook News & Updates
Cook delivers RB1 week vs. Los Angeles
24 CAR, 154 YDS, 1 TD
0 REC, 0 YDS (1 TGT)
19.4 fantasy points · RB9
Cook ran 24 times for 154 yards and one touchdown in the 24–16 win vs. Los Angeles. He played 67% of the offensive snaps.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 2Sep 17W 41–31 vs DET
Fantasy impact: Positive. Cook posts season high in win vs. Detroit
20.9 fantasy points · RB5 · 4.2 above his 16.7 average
Cook ran 21 times for 135 yards and one touchdown, with 1 catches for 4 yards in the 41–31 win vs. Detroit. He played 74% of the offensive snaps.
Game logFantasy impact: Neutral. Shreds Lions defense in win (opens in new tab)
Dominated the Lions defense in a win, delivering a standout fantasy performance.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 2: 20.9 PPR points, an RB5 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 1Sep 13W 36–31 @ HOU
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Cook quiet in win at Houston
9.9 fantasy points · RB27 · 6.8 below his 16.7 average
Cook ran 13 times for 57 yards, with 3 catches for 12 yards in the 36–31 win at Houston. He played 72% of the offensive snaps.
Game log
No updates of this type yet this season.
Bills Teammates News
Updates on Cook's backfield partners and quarterback.
- Josh Allen: Knee not viewed as concern (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 86 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Another elite performance in win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 86 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Two passing TDs, two rushing scores in win (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 86 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Will sit Thursday night (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 86 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Josh Allen: Will sit Saturday (opens in new tab)Josh Allen, QB. 86 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Bills
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James Cook News FAQ
What is the latest news on James Cook?
The latest Cook update, from September 27: Cook delivers RB1 week vs. Los Angeles. Cook ran 24 times for 154 yards and one touchdown in the 24–16 win vs. Los Angeles. He played 67% of the offensive snaps.
How does the latest James Cook news affect his fantasy value?
Positively: he scored 19.4 fantasy points, a RB9 finish, 2.7 above his 16.7 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
James Cook Bio
James Cook 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 70 regular-season games since 2022, he has run for 4,623 yards and 34 touchdowns and caught 134 passes.
Career Timeline
1 stop with 1 team in 5 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
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 37 of 69 games.
College: Georgia
Transactions
- ContractSigned a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.
- SignedSigned a four-year rookie contract with the Buffalo Bills.
- 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
About James Cook: Bio FAQ
How old is James Cook?
James Cook is 27 years old. He was born on September 25, 1999. 2026 is his 5th NFL season.
How tall is James Cook?
James Cook 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 weigh?
James Cook weighs 190 pounds, his listed weight on the Buffalo Bills roster. He is listed at 5'11".
What number does James Cook wear?
James Cook wears number 4 for the Buffalo Bills. He plays running back.
What position does James Cook play?
James Cook plays running back for the Buffalo Bills, wearing number 4. 2026 is his 5th season in the NFL.
What team does James Cook play for?
James Cook plays for the Buffalo Bills as a running back. He has been with the Bills since 2022.
Where did James Cook go to college?
James Cook played college football at Georgia, after attending Miami Central (FL).
Where is James Cook from?
James Cook went to high school in Florida, at Miami Central, before playing college football at Georgia.
When is James Cook's birthday?
James Cook's birthday is September 25. He was born on September 25, 1999 and is 27 years old.
How long has James Cook been in the NFL?
2026 is James Cook's 5th NFL season; he entered the league in 2022. View his career statistics.
What teams has James Cook played for?
James Cook has played for the Buffalo Bills. View his career statistics.
What year did James Cook enter the NFL?
James Cook entered the NFL in 2022. 2026 is his 5th season.