James Cook vs Ty Johnson: 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 Ty Johnson managed 5.2 across 17 games with the Buffalo Bills. A 11.6-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
A 11.6-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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. James Cook ran for 1621 yards and 12 touchdowns; Ty Johnson posted 200 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
