Category: Quick hits

  • 2025 Fantasy Outlook: Bills’ Running Back Rankings

    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

    PlayerRoleFantasy Tier & Strategy
    James CookRB1, workhorseMid-round pick; RB2/flex with upside
    Ray DavisBackup, secondary toolTop handcuff; boom if he sees volume
    Ty JohnsonThird-down/back-upPPR-friendly asset; speculative flex depth
    Frank Gore Jr.Practice-squad depthNegligible 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!

  • Giants RB Strategy: Key Insights for Fantasy Football 2025

    Giants RB Room: Fantasy Football Deep Dive (2025)

    1. Tyrone Tracy Jr. – The Rising Star

    Tyrone Tracy Jr. burst onto the scene as the Giants’ lead back—and he made it stick. Drafted in the 5th round in 2024, he took over duties by Week 5 after Devin Singletary’s injury, and by Week 7 he had cemented himself as the workhorse in the Giants backfield Wikipedia.

    Across that season, Tracy finished with:

    • 839 rushing yards
    • 5 rushing touchdowns
    • 38 receptions for 284 receiving yards
    • 1 receiving touchdown
      His tremendous rookie campaign earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and he, along with Malik Nabers, became just the third rookie duo in NFL history to each exceed 1,000 yards from scrimmage WikipediaNew York Post.

    Fantasy Outlook (2025)
    Tracy ended 2024 as the RB22 in fantasy points per game from Week 5 onward, underscoring his consistency when given the opportunity PFSNNew York Post. Heading into 2025, he is firmly the Giants’ RB1, with many analysts labeling him a mid-round value pick Big Blue ViewNew York Post.

    2. Cam Skattebo – The Rookie Hopeful

    New Giants rookie Cam Skattebo enters the scene with notable college production—and this has translated into sleeper buzz in fantasy circles.

    Who’s Skattebo?
    Skattebo, taken in the 2025 Draft (Round 3, pick ~105), joins a Giants backfield after an explosive Arizona State career: he rushed for 1,711 yards in 2024 and posted a memorable playoff performance where he also threw a passing touchdown PrizePicks.

    Fantasy Buzz
    Despite offseason hamstring issues and being listed as RB3, his upside still intrigues fantasy managers. Skattebo is currently being drafted around RB32 by ADP—meaning there’s perceived value if he earns a role down the road PrizePicks.

    Outlook
    For now, Skattebo is a speculative stash—a late-round dart or waiver-wire grab. His fantasy stock hinges on whether he can crack the two-man rotation. Keep tabs early in the season.

    3. Devin Singletary & Depth Options – Supportive Roles

    Devin Singletary, once a contender for lead back, slipped down the depth chart as Tracy emerged. In 2024, he retained some passing-down work but otherwise had limited impact WikipediaBig Blue View.

    Other players like Eric Gray and Dante Miller round out the depth chart, but neither is expected to play a meaningful fantasy role unless injuries strike FantasyProsWikipedia.

    4. Layering It Together: Fantasy Strategy

    PlayerRoleFantasy Impact
    Tyrone Tracy Jr.Lead Back / WorkhorseReliable RB2 / high-upside RB3
    Cam SkatteboRookie Sitting BehindSleeper stash with upside if rotated in
    Devin SingletaryBackup SpecialistShort-term plug; low long-term value
    Eric Gray / Dante MillerDepthLikely irrelevant barring mishaps

    Draft Strategy

    • Primary Target: Tyrone Tracy Jr. is your must-draft. His proven performance and clear role make him a stable mid-round asset.
    • High-Upside Add: Cam Skattebo is worth a late-round pick or early waiver claim if he garners training camp buzz.
    • Avoid Early Picks: Skip Singletary and other depth options unless injuries affect the top two. Your focus should be on upside and reliable volume.

    Why This Giants Backfield Matters

    The 2025 Giants offense comes with tempered expectations—ranked near the bottom in offensive outputs in recent years Big Blue View. Yet Tracy’s emergence and Skattebo’s potential provide just enough intrigue to make RB a position of interest in Giants-themed fantasy drafts.

    If the offense improves incrementally or Tracy remains efficient in both rushing and passing downs, he could finish as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. Skattebo, meanwhile, remains one of those high-risk, high-reward assets that fantasy managers should monitor closely.


    Final Thoughts

    The Giants’ running back room is more compelling than many expected heading into 2025:

    • Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the anchor—including on your fantasy roster.
    • Cam Skattebo offers a compelling upside pick as a late-round flier.
    • Singletary and others are just insurance pieces—not fundamental fantasy assets unless disaster strikes.

    For leagues that prize upside and breakout potential, the Giants’ RB room is a hidden gem. Tracy anchors steady production, while Skattebo could be your league-winning X-factor. Keep your finger on the pulse during the preseason—who emerges as the next Tracy?

  • Dallas Cowboys Running Backs Fantasy Football 2024: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders & Jaydon Blue Outlook

    Dallas Cowboys Running Backs Fantasy Football Outlook 2024: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue

    Of all the fantasy football storylines heading into the 2024 season, none is more fascinating—or more polarizing—than the Dallas Cowboys backfield. Ezekiel Elliott’s workhorse days are gone, and in their place is a cost-effective, high-variance committee. For fantasy managers, this backfield isn’t about safe floors—it’s about risk, upside, and finding league-winning value. Let’s break down the fantasy football outlook for each of the Cowboys’ key running backs:


    Javonte Williams Fantasy Outlook 2024

    When the Cowboys traded for Javonte Williams, they weren’t just filling a roster spot—they were betting on a true bell-cow archetype. Williams’ early years in Denver showcased elite tackle-breaking ability and one of the highest forced missed tackle rates in football. For fantasy, that means goal-line work, short-yardage conversions, and a steady RB2 floor if healthy.

    The upside: Williams could emerge as the true RB1 in Dallas, handling 15–18 touches per game behind a strong offensive line. In standard and half-PPR formats, that volume plus touchdown potential makes him highly attractive.

    The risk: his devastating 2022 knee injury (ACL, LCL, and more) robbed him of burst last season. If he can’t regain his explosiveness, he becomes more of a TD-dependent RB3. Williams is the highest-upside gamble in this backfield—but also the riskiest pick.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Round 6–7 in 12-team leagues (RB3 with RB2 upside).


    Miles Sanders Fantasy Outlook 2024

    Miles Sanders was a fantasy bust in 2023, but the Cowboys are giving him a fresh start. Just a year removed from a Pro Bowl season with 1,200 total yards, Sanders now lands in a far better situation. He should mix in as a change-of-pace back and could handle passing downs. In PPR formats, his receiving ability makes him a sneaky stash.

    The upside: if Sanders regains his 2022 form, he could carve out 8–12 touches weekly and function as a flex option. He’s especially valuable as handcuff insurance for Williams owners.

    The risk: running backs can decline fast, and Sanders looked sluggish and indecisive last year. If those issues carry over, he could quickly become waiver-wire fodder.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Round 13+ (bench stash, best ball flier).


    Jaydon Blue Fantasy Outlook 2024

    Rookie Jaydon Blue is the ultimate fantasy upside play. Drafted in the fifth round out of Texas, Blue has elite athleticism and fresh legs. He’s the Cowboys’ home-run threat and could thrive in outside-zone runs under Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme.

    The upside: if Williams’ health falters or Sanders disappoints, Blue could see a fast-tracked role. He has the traits to be a midseason waiver-wire darling, especially in big-play bonus or best ball leagues.

    The risk: rookies often struggle with pass protection and consistency, so Blue may start buried on the depth chart. He’s more of a late-season stash than an immediate contributor.

    Fantasy Draft Range: Undrafted (priority dynasty stash, late redraft flier).


    Cowboys Running Backs Fantasy Verdict

    For fantasy football, the Cowboys RB room is high-risk, high-reward:

    • Javonte Williams is the RB to draft, with real RB2 upside if his knee holds up.
    • Miles Sanders is a speculative late-round stash who offers handcuff value.
    • Jaydon Blue is a dynasty target and potential waiver-wire breakout.

    This is not a backfield to ignore, but it’s also not one to overpay for. Think of it as a committee with a league-winning ceiling if one player seizes the role. In a contract year for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys offense should score plenty—meaning fantasy points will be there. The key is identifying who steps up first.

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