Bijan Robinson vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
Bijan Robinson and James Cook are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Bijan Robinson averaged 19.5 PPG across 17 games with the Atlanta Falcons, while James Cook posted 16.8 PPG in 17 appearances for the Buffalo Bills.
A 2.7-PPG gap gives Bijan Robinson 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.
Bijan Robinson is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 79 targets into 820 yards, while James Cook profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Bijan Robinson carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
