RB # 13 – James Cook BUF

James Cook is expected to take a a dip in points, after a stellar 2024. Cook lead the league in rushing touchdowns last season, with 16. There is a natural expectation for a dip in touchdowns, but Cook is the Buffalo Bills guy. They paid him $48 million over four years, and he is the lead back for the foreseeable future. His 16 touchdowns weren’t his only accolade, he improved his yards per rush to 4.9 last season and gave up only one fumble. He finished with 1,267 scrimmage yards, 32 receptions, and 258 receiving yards.

Although a touchdown regression is a realistic outcome, it’s also realistic that his passing numbers go up as well. After all he has proven it already in 2023 with 44 receptions, 445 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns. It was the same quarterback and similar offense that produced those numbers too. An increase in his receiving production, paired with his steady ground production will equal another stellar season. His touchdowns could remain the same, due to the focal point that the reigning NFL MVP is. With all eyes on Allen, Cook can scamper for 18 or more touchdowns again.

Cook’s ADP is RB #13 and this is a rare moment the ADP and my rankings are equal. Draft Cook and have an excellent RB 1 for almost all fantasy football platforms.

LB # 13 Foyesade Oloukun JAX

Oh how the mighty have fallen. It was incredibly difficult to put the best linebacker of this decade behind the top ten, but Devin Lloyd at #39 will take stats away from Foyesade Oloukun. Even now, writing about him being outside the LB 1 seems like a typo. But his production took a hit due to injury, and where he was being lined up.

Oloukun played 194 snaps outside of the box. 104 as slot corner, and 90 on the defensive line. Those also contributed to lower tackles numbers in addition to four missed games. Despite missing four games and playing 194 snaps out of the box, he recorded 108 combined tackles, 7 passes defended, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 1 sack. He is an athletic linebacker with a knack for getting to the ball carrier.

His ADP remains high on reputation, but drafting Oloukun is not a bad idea. He has been the league leader in combined tackles and solo tackles… twice. A three year span of being THE BEST, and he could do it again. Foyesade is still a plug and play linebacker with high upside. He is a perfect IDP for those that like to go heavy on offensive players to begin a draft.

Come back tomorrow as we break down RB and LB #12. Subscribe to The Sports Affiliation for this and other articles sent directly to your email.

– Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy