James Cook delivered his best fantasy football season yet as the Buffalo Bills’ starting running back, finishing as the overall RB8 and leading the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. Despite these outstanding results, his James Cook 2025 fantasy outlook is clouded by ongoing contract uncertainty, making his draft status more complicated this year.
Cook is entering the final year of his current deal and has been pursuing a long-term extension with the Bills. The franchise’s willingness to meet his contract demands remains unclear, leaving the resolution of this situation uncertain. His presence at the Bills’ training camp suggests he isn’t currently holding out, but that stance could change if no agreement is reached before the 2025 season begins. Potential outcomes include a holdout or a trade to another team.</p>
Impact of Contract Situation on Fantasy Draft Strategy
Although Cook posted RB1-level finishes in each of the past two seasons and has steadily improved his ranking in all three years with Buffalo, his contract drama creates risk for fantasy managers. This situation might cause him to drop slightly in drafts, which can be advantageous for those willing to take a calculated chance. Securing Cook in the third or fourth round offers the possibility of a high-upside RB2 pick, as his ceiling remains among the top options available at his average draft position (ADP).
Backup Options: Ray Davis and Ty Johnson’s Fantasy Roles
If Cook were to miss any significant part of the 2025 season due to contract issues, running back Ray Davis stands to gain the most in fantasy value. Davis showed promise in his rookie year despite limited playing time behind Cook, finishing as the RB38 overall. Should he earn the starting role, Davis could deliver a substantial fantasy boost due to his potential upside.
Meanwhile, Ty Johnson remains a niche player focused primarily on passing situations, and his role is unlikely to expand in Cook’s absence. Therefore, fantasy managers should primarily monitor Davis as the key beneficiary should the Bills’ backfield situation shift.
What This Means for Fantasy Managers in 2025
James Cook’s combination of top-tier rushing production and contract uncertainty makes him a challenging but enticing fantasy target. His situation demands a careful risk-versus-reward evaluation, especially for managers aiming to maximize value at running back. Those willing to draft him amid the unknown could gain a high-ceiling RB2, while monitoring backups like Ray Davis for emerging opportunities.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the resolution of Cook’s contract will greatly influence both his fantasy prospects and the Bills’ rushing attack dynamics. Managers should stay informed on developments to adjust their strategies accordingly and capitalize on the evolving player landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is James Cook religious?
A. James Cook held his Christian beliefs privately. Nevertheless, he did not allow swearing on his ships. He insisted his crew wear clean clothes on Sundays. Sometimes, he also led religious services for them.
Q. Was James Cook religious?
A. Cook was not religious. While learning a trade, he adopted the Quaker beliefs and customs that the Walker family practiced. Spending time with the Walker family and their children, who were around his age, influenced him to develop a character similar to that of Quakers.
Q. What does James Cook suffer from?
A. At the start of 1774, Cook became very sick with stomach problems, suffering from long-lasting pain and constipation. By February, his health had deteriorated so much that he could not leave his bed, worrying the crew a lot.