Buffalo’s James Cook is poised to shine in Week 14. While the spotlight often shines on Josh Allen and his MVP aspirations, Cook is quietly carving out his own legacy. He has scored a touchdown in all but three games this season and has impressively never fumbled the ball. According to Next Gen Stats, he is only the second player in Bills franchise history to rush for more than 10 touchdowns in his first 11 games of a season. That’s a remarkable feat!
Cook’s Supportive Offensive Line
The success of any running back often hinges on the performance of the offensive line, and Cook is no exception. The Bills’ offensive line has been a powerhouse this season, playing together on a league-leading 82.1% of snaps. They’ve utilized jumbo personnel (6 or more offensive linemen) on an impressive 15.0% of their plays, creating ample space for Cook to maneuver.
What’s more, the Bills’ offensive line averages 6.83 yards of width, ranking second in the NFL. This has allowed Cook to rush between the tackles on a career-high 56.3% of his carries. The results speak for themselves: Buffalo’s running backs have faced contact behind the line of scrimmage on just 28.0% of their runs between the tackles, the second-lowest mark in the league. With the Rams holding the second-lowest run stuff rate at 8.3%, Cook is set up for success.
Rams’ Struggles Against the Run
Now, let’s take a closer look at the matchup. The Los Angeles Rams are struggling defensively, ranking 28th against the run and allowing an average of 144.2 rushing yards per game. But it doesn’t stop there. Over the past two weeks, they have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. This trend is alarming for Rams fans but presents a golden opportunity for Cook.
In that same two-week span, running backs have accumulated seven red zone touches against the Rams. This statistic bodes well for Cook, as it increases his chances of adding to his impressive touchdown total. With the Rams’ defense faltering, Cook could very well find himself in prime scoring position throughout the game.
Fantasy Outlook for Week 14
So, what can fantasy managers expect from Cook this week? Well, let’s break it down. Cook has finished outside the top 30 fantasy running backs just once this entire season. That’s right—only once! He has consistently been a top performer, landing inside the top 12 a whopping seven times. With 12 touchdowns under his belt already, he’s proven to be a touchdown machine.
On average, Cook is racking up 81.6 scrimmage yards per game. This Sunday, he faces a Rams defense that has struggled to contain the run all season long. In fact, only the Panthers and Colts have seen more rush attempts per game against them. Just a few weeks ago, the Rams allowed 302 scrimmage yards and 46.2 fantasy points to Saquon Barkley. If that’s not a sign of what’s to come, I don’t know what is!
Why You Should Start Cook
The stars are aligning for Cook this week. With a favorable matchup against a struggling Rams defense, combined with the support of a strong offensive line, he’s primed for another stellar performance. Are you ready to take advantage of this opportunity?
If you’re looking for a running back who can deliver RB1 numbers, look no further than James Cook. He has the skill set, the opportunity, and the momentum to make a significant impact in Week 14. Whether you’re in a tight fantasy matchup or looking to solidify your playoff position, Cook is a player you want in your lineup.
In summary, Cook’s blend of talent, opportunity, and favorable matchups makes him a must-start this week. As the Bills gear up to face the Rams, keep an eye on Cook. He’s not just a supporting player in Buffalo’s offense; he’s a key piece that could lead your fantasy team to victory. Get ready for an exciting game, and let’s see if Cook can continue to cook up some magic on the field!
