James Cook has become the epitome of a workhorse back in the modern NFL, shouldering a relentless volume of carries that few of his peers can match. Over the past two seasons he has logged more than 280 total touches, a milestone that underscores the Buffalo Bills’ reliance on his ground game.
What sets Cook apart is not just the sheer number of snaps but the quality of his production. In 2023 he posted a rushing yards‑over‑expected per carry of +0.45, climbing to +0.82 in 2024 and reaching +1.17 in 2025, placing him among the elite when adjusted for expected performance.
The Receiving Gap
While his rushing output has been prolific, Cook’s involvement in the passing attack remains modest. The Bills have leaned on Josh Allen for short‑yardage and goal‑line situations, which has kept Cook’s touchdown totals from inflating at the same pace as his yardage.
Fantasy analysts have responded by positioning Cook as the consensus RB4 heading into the 2025 season, trailing only Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey in most draft boards. His durability is also notable; he has missed only a single game in the last two years, making him a reliable weekly starter.
For those seeking a late‑round insurance policy, Ray Davis emerges as the preferred handcuff, offering a complementary skill set should Cook’s workload ever be reduced.