Should You Start James Cook, Leonard Fournette, or Latavius Murray in Fantasy Football Week 17?

Coming off a so-so performance for the Buffalo Bills in last week’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers, RB James Cook is now joined in a crowded Bills’ backfield by RB Leonard Fournette and RB Latavius Murray, in terms of potential starters for fantasy football managers.

So, who should get the start in lineups this week? We’ll let you know the right choice of the three.

Should You Start James Cook, Leonard Fournette, or Latavius Murray This Week?

In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say Cook is the player to start. His projected 14.9 points include 63 rushing yards and three receptions for 29 receiving yards. That projected stat line easily outperforms Fournette’s 3.2 points and Murray’s 5.3 points.

My ranking for these three Buffalo running backs aligns with the consensus. Cook is the clear choice — even if he is coming off a bit of a down week. Fournette and Murray aren’t on the field enough to make as big of an impact as Cook.

Fantasy Outlook for Cook This Week

Cook, who was spectacular two weeks ago in a win over the Dallas Cowboys with a career-high 179 rushing yards and a touchdown, saw his numbers drop off a bit last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, as he finished with only 70 yards and 3.5 yards per carry.

Still, there are a couple of reasons not to give up on Cook if you’re deciding which Bills’ running back to start. For one, he is still on the field longer than any of the Buffalo running backs. Last week, Cook was on the field for 75% of the Bills’ offensive snaps.

MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor

For another, the Bills host the New England Patriots, and Cook’s numbers have been much better at home than on the road. All three of his 100-yard rushing games this season have been at home, and his 80.9 rush yards per game average is significantly higher than on the road (55.9).

Fantasy Outlook for Fournette This Week

Fournette got his first action of the season last week against the Chargers and was productive in limited time. Although he was only on the field for 10 snaps, Fournette finished with 37 scrimmage yards on six touches.

It’s not outlandish to expect even more from Fournette — either this week or next — as the Bills try to get him ready for a potential playoff berth. Still, I’m not sure if he’s ready to put up the kind of numbers that make him worth starting over Cook.

The PFN Optimizer projects Fournette to finish with eight rushing yards, and one reception for eight receiving yards.

Fantasy Outlook for Murray This Week

Murray had five carries for 11 rushing yards and a touchdown two weeks ago against the Cowboys, but he was limited to just seven offensive snaps last week against the Chargers.

Is Murray going to become the odd man out in the fantasy world — at least when compared to Cook and Fournette? It’s a situation certainly worth monitoring. For now, there’s no way he should be starting over Cook.

The PFN Optimizer projects Murray to finish with 24 rushing yards and one reception for six receiving yards.

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!