Derrick Henry vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Derrick Henry and James Cook is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.8 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Derrick Henry averaged 16.0 PPG with the Baltimore Ravens across 17 games, and James Cook posted 16.8 with the Buffalo Bills in 17.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Derrick Henry ran for 1595 yards and 16 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.
Derrick Henry has his bye in Week 14, and James Cook rests in Week 12. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
