Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

James Cook vs Khalil HerbertWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

James Cook is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 16.8 PPG to Khalil Herbert's 5.8 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

James Cook is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. James Cook outscored Khalil Herbert by 11.0 PPG in 2025 with 14 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, James Cook is the clear pick. Khalil Herbert profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBBuffalo Bills#6PPG LEADER

James Cook

PPG

16.8

Games

Rush Yds

1,621

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

291

Bye

Week 7

RBCincinnati Bengals#99

Khalil Herbert

PPG

5.8

Games

Rush Yds

248

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

James Cook

Khalil Herbert

Head to Head

16.8 PPG5.8 PPG

17 GP12 GP

Bye: Week 7Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

James Cook: Tier 2 (Strong Starter) RB (ranked #6 at the position). Khalil Herbert: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, James Cook is producing at 76% of elite pace and Khalil Herbert at 26%. That ranking gap means James Cook carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

James Cook vs Khalil Herbert: The Full Breakdown

The numbers tell a clear story here. James Cook put up 16.8 fantasy points per game for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, while Khalil Herbert managed 5.8 across 12 games with the Cincinnati Bengals. A 11.0-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.

That 11.0-point weekly advantage for James Cook is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. James Cook ran for 1621 yards and 12 touchdowns; Khalil Herbert posted 248 and 2. 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: James Cook sits Week 7 while Khalil Herbert 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.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Cook is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Khalil Herbert is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: James Cook (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Khalil Herbert (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•James Cook outscored Khalil Herbert by a projected 187 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•James Cook played 17 games in 2025 compared to Khalil Herbert's 12. That durability gap means James Cook contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•James Cook scored 14 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.8 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•James Cook caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

James Cook vs Khalil Herbert: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	James Cook	Khalil Herbert
PPG (Half-PPR)	16.8	5.8
Games Played	17	12
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	286	70
Rushing Yards	1,621	248
Rush Yds/Game	95.4	20.7
Rushing TDs	12	2
Receptions	33	12
Receiving Yards	291	85
Targets	40	0
Total TDs	14	2
Age	26	-
Experience	3 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 7	Week 12

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor James Cook at 16.8 PPG, 11.0 points per game above Khalil Herbert's 5.8. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start James Cook or Khalil Herbert in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Cook has the edge at 16.8 PPG compared to Khalil Herbert's 5.8 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did James Cook and Khalil Herbert average in 2025?▾

James Cook averaged 16.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Khalil Herbert averaged 5.8 PPG over 12 games. That is a difference of 11.0 points per game.

When are James Cook and Khalil Herbert's bye weeks in 2026?▾

James Cook (BUF) has a bye in Week 7, and Khalil Herbert (CIN) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is James Cook or Khalil Herbert a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Cook outscored Khalil Herbert by 11.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.