Grading Buffalo Bills running back James Cook's 2025 breakout season

In a year when the explosive passing game really wasn't there, the Buffalo Bills relied on toughness and grit in the trenches and made use of their time of possession. The player who made that happen was none other than the 2025 NFL regular-season rushing champion, and superstar running back, James Cook III.

While he tallied 1,621 yards rushing on 309 carries, he also had 12 touchdowns, proving that the "Everybody Eats" motto really works, especially when you let James "Cook". It led to an outstanding breakout year in 2025 for the powerful running back.

Breakout moments that defined James Cook's 2025 Bills season

1. September 14, 2025

Cook's first big game of his rushing title season came in Week 2 against the New York Jets, who were led by first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. The amazing running back gashed the New York defense with 132 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns.

His longest run on the day was for a 44-yard touchdown to put the Bills up 20-0 with 8:50 left in the second quarter. The Bills ended up winning the game 20 -10.

2. September 18, 2025

Cook followed it up on a short week on Thursday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins with 168 yards on 19 carries for one touchdown.

His longest run was for 26 yards. The Bills would go on to squish the fish, 31-21.

3. September 28, 2025

In Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints, Cook put up a heavenly performance, rushing for 144 yards on 32 carries with no touchdowns.

His longest run of this game was for 32 yards. The Bills beat the Saints 31-19.

4. October 26, 2025

This was the game of the year on Cook's 2025 campaign. He rushed for a career-high 216 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers.

His longest run came on a 64-yard touchdown to give the Bills a 12-3 lead with 7:23 left in the second quarter. The Bills crushed the Panthers 40-9.

5. November 30, 2025

The Bills needed a get-right game after losing a heartbreaking 23-19 thriller against the Houston Texans the week before. Cook once again reenergized the team, running for 144 yards on 32 carries, but without a touchdown.

His longest run in this game was for 31 yards. The Bills came out ahead in the end 26-7.

6. December 21, 2025

Cook's last great regular-season game came against the Cleveland Browns, who were starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He rushed for 117 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.

His longest run was for a 44 yard touchdown with 7:47 left in the first to tie the score 7-7. The Bills ended the game with a 23-17 final score.

7. January 17, 2026

Despite the Bills losing this game in a heartbreaking fashion, Cook broke out against the Denver Broncos, rushing for 177 yards on 24 carries with no touchdowns.

His longest postseason run came in this game for 24 yards. The Bills lost in a close match 33-30 in OT.

Despite the lack of addressing the wide receiver position for the 2025 season, the Bills made the right move in the short term and, hopefully, the long term by re-signing Cook in the offseason.

This year, it led to a rushing title and further established him as a premier running back in the NFL. He's a complement to superstar quarterback Josh Allen. My final 2025 season rating gives Cook an A+.