Dylan Sampson vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. James Cook put up 16.8 fantasy points per game for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, while Dylan Sampson managed 4.7 across 15 games with the Cleveland Browns. A 12.1-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
The per-game difference of 12.1 points favors James Cook, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Dylan Sampson ran for 175 yards and undefined 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.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Dylan Sampson sits Week 10 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.
