Ashton Jeanty vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
Ashton Jeanty and James Cook are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Ashton Jeanty averaged 12.8 PPG across 17 games with the Las Vegas Raiders, while James Cook posted 16.8 PPG in 17 appearances for the Buffalo Bills.
A 4.0-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.
Ashton Jeanty is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 55 targets into 346 yards, while James Cook profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Ashton Jeanty carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Ashton Jeanty is off Week 10 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.
