Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook: Buffalo Bills running back James Cook

The Buffalo Bills drafted the former University of Georgia running back James Cook in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The run game has been a bit of a struggle at times over the past few years but the question now, particularly as it pertains to fantasy football, is where does Cook factor into this offense?

Let’s take a look at James Cook, what his role might be in this offense and what it means for people drafting in dynasty football leagues.

How James Cook fits in the Buffalo Bills offense as a rookie

This upcoming season, James Cook is likely going to be a sub back and Brandon Beane did a good job after the selection detailing how he fits within this offense.

In the video clip, Beane mentions J.D. McKissic, a player the Buffalo Bills tried to sign in free agency, when describing Cook. He mentions his ability as a receiver but also the feel in terms of running routes “like a slot receiver.”

The Buffalo Bills have one of the best passing offenses in the league due in large part to players like Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Dawson Knox. However, the running backs have been involved in the passing game and Devin Singletary has had 100 targets over the past two seasons.

These are targets that should go to James Cook and there is no reason that Cook shouldn’t do more with them as he is a better receiver than Singletary. Last year, Singletary ranked second to last in the league among running backs with 40 or more receptions in yards per reception at only 5.7 yards per reception.

What is James Cook’s role past the 2022 season with the Buffalo Bills?

In dynasty fantasy football, this is the bigger question that needs to be answered and after Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker, the former Georgia Bulldog running back has a good chance at being the third best running back in this draft class.

After this season, Devin Singletary and Duke Johnson Jr. are set to be free agents and this would leave only Zack Moss on the roster at the position. This could mean an expanded role in this offense and there may be an opportunity for him to expand the workload as a runner.

If this does happen, James Cook has a chance to be a low-end RB1 considering the offense and his ability as a receiver.

However, even if Cook remains in his role as just a pass catcher, he certainly could be a factor in fantasy football. Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and drafting a rookie in an offense with him under center gives him a great chance of being productive.