The Bills’ RB Depth Chart: Roles & Ordering
According to ESPN’s official depth chart, the Bills’ running backs align as follows:
- Starter (RB1): James Cook
- Backup (RB2): Ray Davis
- Third down / third option (RB3): Ty Johnson
- FB: Reggie Gilliam
ESPN.com
FantasyPros deepens the context, ranking players by expert consensus:
- James Cook: ECR (Expert Consensus Ranking) 13, RB rank 7, ADP indicates comes off board in early rounds
- Ray Davis: ECR 45, RB rank 37
- Ty Johnson: ECR 80, RB rank 47
- Frank Gore Jr.: Present, but far down the priority list
FantasyPros
Numbers point to a clear pecking order: Cook firmly holds the lead role, Davis is a rising complementary piece, and Johnson is the versatile depth option with rotational upside.
Player Profiles & Fantasy Value
James Cook – The Anchor
A dynamic dual-threat back, Cook surged in 2023 with over 1,600 scrimmage yards and Pro Bowl honors, then secured a four-year, $48M extension in August 2025 WikipediaSIPrizePicks. Despite missing some camp time, analysts expect him to remain the focal point of Buffalo’s ground game—even if projections place him around RB18 for early-season fantasy value SI.
In ESPN’s 2025 RB tiers, Cook nests in Tier 4 (approx Rounds 3–4), slotting around RBs like Chase Brown and Kyren Williams ESPN.com. Though not elite, he still rates as a solid RB2 or flex in deeper formats, with clear upside if goal-line touches favor him.
Ray Davis – The Emerging Weapon
Drafted in 2024 (4th round), Davis brought versatility: in the regular season, he was the team’s third-leading rusher (442 yards) and had six total touchdowns, including three receiving TDs and a 63-yard catch-and-run score Wikipedia. Notably, he even attempted an extra point during preseason in emergency fashion—showcasing versatility and team value Wikipedia.
With Cook occasionally limited by injuries in 2024, Davis flashed as a capable fill-in—like in Week 6 against the Jets, he put up 97 yards Wikipedia. While not yet a fantasy staple, he’s a high-upside handcuff who could emerge as a sleeper if Cook misses time.
Ty Johnson – The Swiss Army Knife
Johnson re-signed with Buffalo on a two-year, $5M deal and carved out a sizable role late in 2024: 213 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards, four total TDs, and an outstanding 8.4 yards per touch Buffalo Rumblings. As of 2025, he’s entrenched as a reliable RB3 with big-play capability, especially valuable in PPR formats or if Crews get dinged or limited Buffalo Rumblings. His pass protection skills and in-pass game usage make him a sneaky, versatile add in deeper leagues.
Frank Gore Jr. & Practice Squad Depth
Frank Gore Jr., son of the legend, remains signed to Buffalo’s practice squad after being released in the preseason cutdown; he signed a reserve/future deal in January 2025 Wikipedia. He’s far from relevant in 2025 fantasy discussions unless injury strike hits deep.
Fantasy Strategy & Outlook
Starter Strategy – James Cook
- Draft smart: Cook is a solid mid-round target (Rounds 3–4) with RB1 upside in Buffalo’s offense.
- Value depends on role sustainment: His new contract and previous production imply confidence from the Bills—they’ll rely on him unless injury intervenes.
Handcuffing with Upside – Ray Davis
- Must-add handcuff: With Davis’ 2024 performance and offensive fit, he’s a top-tier backup fantasy asset should Cook miss time.
- Sleeper potential: If Davis earns early down or goal-line snaps, he can exceed RB3 value in weekly matchups.
Flex Depth – Ty Johnson
- PPR target: His receiving ability makes him cozy in passing downs.
- Big-play threat: His high yards-per-touch could deliver surprise fantasy weeks, especially if the Bills diversify RB usage.
Deep-League Fills – Frank Gore Jr.
- Only stream-worthy if catastrophe at the position: For most formats, no attention needed unless the entire room ravaged by injury.
2025 Week 1 Considerations
- Matchup note: James Cook is pegged as a sit for Week 1 against a stingy Baltimore Ravens run defense, rated first last season www.twsn.net. Cook’s production could be muted early.
- Depth opportunity: Davis or Johnson could be in play as more attractive flex options in neutral or PPR formats if Cook’s projected ceiling is limited Week 1.
Summary Snapshot
| Player | Role | Fantasy Tier & Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| James Cook | RB1, workhorse | Mid-round pick; RB2/flex with upside |
| Ray Davis | Backup, secondary tool | Top handcuff; boom if he sees volume |
| Ty Johnson | Third-down/back-up | PPR-friendly asset; speculative flex depth |
| Frank Gore Jr. | Practice-squad depth | Negligible unless extreme depth needed |
Wrap-Up Thoughts
For 2025 fantasy managers, the Bills’ running back room offers a clear value structure:
- James Cook is the anchor and should be leveraged as such.
- Ray Davis is a handcuff with upside—even a sneaky late-round grab.
- Ty Johnson packs intriguing PPR and high-efficiency potential—perfect for deeper formats.
- Frank Gore Jr. adds depth but little fantasy relevance currently.
By drafting Cook wisely, rounding your bench with Davis and Johnson, and paying attention to matchups and team news, you’ll be well-positioned to ride Buffalo’s ground game all season long.
Happy drafting—and may your RB corps carry you to fantasy glory!
