James Cook vs Jaylen Warren: Who Should You Start?
James Cook and Jaylen Warren are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. James Cook averaged 16.8 PPG across 17 games with the Buffalo Bills, while Jaylen Warren posted 12.3 PPG in 16 appearances for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A 4.5-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.
Jaylen Warren is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 40 targets into 333 yards, while James Cook profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jaylen Warren carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: James Cook is off Week 12 and Jaylen Warren Week 9. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
