Devin Neal 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 Devin Neal (New Orleans Saints, 5.2 PPG) by 11.6 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 11.6-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. Devin Neal ran for 206 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 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.
