Buffalo Bills extended James Cook through 2025 after his second straight Pro Bowl season, keeping him as a top fantasy RB. Still, his 16 rushing TDs in 2024 suggest regression is likely, and Cook’s August downtime and limited practice could raise injury risk early. Ray Davis emerges as a must-own Bills handcuff, with a clear path to volume if Cook misses time.

Davis flashed prior to this season with 97 yards on 20 carries and 55 receiving yards in the Meadowlands, backing up the notion that a Cook absence would shift the offense into a run-heavy mode. Davis’s 130 touches last year versus Ty Johnson’s 59 highlight the coaching trust easier to exploit if Cook misses multiple games. Week 1 could be Davis’s breakout chance if Cook isn’t at full speed.

James Cook signed a four-year, $48 million extension with $30 million guaranteed, locking him in as the Bills’ RB1 through 2028 and ending a hold-in that followed the 2024 postseason. The emotional signing underscored Buffalo’s commitment to a new, youthful core the front office is building around Cook.

Cook has cleared 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing TDs last year, posting 18 total TDs and earning his second straight Pro Bowl. The deal pairs him with Josh Allen in a high-powered, balanced offense, and Beane emphasized that Cook’s role will grow while staying complementary to the attack’s other weapons in Joe Brady’s system.

Buffalo’s plan centers on drafting, developing, and re-signing, and the extension signals a continued commitment to a diversified, weapon-rich offense. Cook played about half the snaps last season, and the team expects a workload increase without sacrificing efficiency or keeping him fresh for late-season windows as Buffalo aims to sustain an elite pace.

For fantasy players, the extension provides a clearer floor for Cook’s touches and an upside trajectory as the backfield inches toward more opportunities. The Bills’ commitment to their passing game and blocking should keep Cook productive, while the team’s depth behind him could create occasional committee dynamics depending on game flow and health.

James Cook suited up for Buffalo’s preseason opener and warmed with the first team, a subtle signal that health and readiness may outweigh the ongoing extension talks. Cook led the NFL in rushing TDs in 2024 and remains the focal point of Buffalo’s backfield, even as a hold-in unfolds. Ray Davis backed him in the Giants game, even serving as an emergency kicker, underscoring the Bills’ depth behind Cook. Cook’s agent has publicly stated Cook wants to stay in Buffalo and pursue a fair, top-of-market deal, a development that could shape workload early in 2025.

From a fantasy lens, Cook’s status is a two-edged sword: a clean resolution would keep his ceiling sky-high, while a drawn-out negotiation could shift reps toward Davis and other backs at times. Allen’s warmups and participation keep the offense humming, and Buffalo’s trajectory toward another deep playoff run hinges on a healthy, productive backfield capable of absorbing workload if/when the deal lands.

The Cincinnati Bengals have selected offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild from Georgia with the No. 81 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, Fairchild reunites with his former teammate Amarius Mims on Cincinnati's offensive line. As a second-team AP All-American, Fairchild is recognized for his exceptional pass-blocking skills, which will be crucial in protecting star quarterback Joe Burrow. Having started 24 games during his last two seasons at Georgia, he brings significant experience to the Bengals, a team looking to bolster its offensive line.

Former Alabama coach Nick Saban praised Fairchild's ability to finish plays but expressed some reservations about his run-blocking skills. Nevertheless, with the NFL's increasing emphasis on passing, Fairchild's ability to protect the quarterback could prove invaluable. Georgia's head coach Kirby Smart celebrated Fairchild's success, stating, "The Bengals got a great one" as a testament to Fairchild's hard work and dedication.

The New York Giants made headlines during the NFL Draft by selecting Abdul Carter, a standout from Penn State, with the third overall pick, signaling a strong commitment to fortifying their defense. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to Jaxson Dart, a quarterback from Ole Miss, whom the Giants traded up to acquire with the 25th pick. Dart's potential as a future franchise leader excited the Giants' management, particularly given the team's need for stability at the quarterback position following Daniel Jones' struggles and subsequent departure.

General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized that Dart was the player they had circled during their extensive pre-draft evaluations. Coach Brian Daboll's experience in developing quarterbacks, evidenced by his work with Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, plays a crucial role in Dart's anticipated development. The Giants view Dart as a foundational piece for the team's future, particularly as they look to improve from last season's disappointing performance. While Russell Wilson is expected to start, Dart's inclusion fuels hope for a revitalized quarterback room.