De'Von Achane vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
De'Von Achane (18.1 PPG) and James Cook (16.8 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two running backs are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. De'Von Achane played 16 games for the Miami Dolphins; James Cook suited up 17 times for the Buffalo Bills.
A 1.3-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.
De'Von Achane is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 67 targets into 488 yards, while James Cook profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats De'Von Achane carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: De'Von Achane sits Week 6 while James Cook is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
