Devin Singletary
The roles of the Buffalo Bills running back have some uncertainty entering their Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. That uncertainty combined with the fact that the Rams were one of the toughest defenses against the run doesn’t make this really a great matchup for any of the running backs.
Devin Singletary probably has the least amount of questions and should get a majority of the carries for the Buffalo Bills. However, it remains to be seen how committed to the run offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will be and whether Singletary will get the double-digit carries like he did at the end of last season.
Unfortunately, with players like James Cook and Zack Moss also expected to contribute to this offense Singletary’s work may be almost exclusively running the ball. His receiving work likely goes to James Cook and Zack Moss could be a player that vulture touchdowns from Singletary.
While the volume might be there in terms of carries, those added points for receptions and touchdowns likely won’t be. This is probably a week to bench Devin Singletary until this backfield is sorted out and the matchup is a little more favorable.
Projected Week 1 Finish: Low-end RB2
James Cook
If there is a running back to start this week on the Buffalo Bills, it probably is rookie James Cook. The reason is that he has the highest upside and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him finish the game with four or five receptions and potentially break off a big play with those targets.
However, Cook is the definition of boom-or-bust this week because the coaching staff could limit his work and ease him into the offense. The potential is there for a big game but with it being a Thursday night game, it might make more sense to look at other options later in the week.
Projected Week 1 Finish: RB3/Flex
Zack Moss
The Buffalo Bills have typically not had three running backs active on game day and fortunately, we will know before the Bills take the field if Zack Moss will be active for this game. However, if he is active he will likely be only a touchdown-dependent running back as he should be the primary goal-line and short-yardage back for the Bills.
Projected Week 1 Finish: Touchdown Dependent RB3