Aaron Jones vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. James Cook (Buffalo Bills) averaged 16.8 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings, 8.7 PPG) by 8.1 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 8.1-PPG gap gives James Cook the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Aaron Jones ran for 548 yards and 2 touchdowns; James Cook posted 1621 and 12. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Aaron Jones is off Week 6 and James Cook Week 12. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
