James Cook vs Kyle Monangai: 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 Kyle Monangai (Chicago Bears, 8.1 PPG) by 8.7 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
The per-game difference of 8.7 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. James Cook ran for 1621 yards and 12 touchdowns; Kyle Monangai posted 783 and 5. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: James Cook is off Week 12 and Kyle Monangai Week 7. 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.
