Is Damien Harris or James Cook the Bills RB1 In 2023? Fantasy Football Outlook

March 28, 2023

Is Damien Harris or James Cook the Bills RB1 In 2023? Read the outlook here.

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris is joining the Buffalo Bills' offense in 2023, so he'll compete with 2022 second-round pick James Cook for touches in the backfield.

Devin Singletary is headed to Houston and Nyheim Hines doesn't seem to be a real threat for major touches, so Harris and Cook are expected to be the top RBs.

How did Damien Harris and James Cook play in 2022 and who will be the Bills' starting running back in 2023? Let's dive in

Damien Harris 2022 Season Review

In 11 games with New England, Harris rushed 106 times for 462 yards (4.4 YPC) and three rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Harris secured 17 of his 23 targets for 97 yards. The New England offense as a whole took a step back from 2021, so Harris' 15 rushing touchdowns from that season mightily regressed.

Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson took full advantage of his opportunity to be the Patriots' workhorse running back when Harris missed time. Stevenson totaled 1,461 yards and six touchdowns. The writing was on the wall for Harris after Stevenson's breakout year, but he found a new home with an AFC East rival.

James Cook 2022 Season Review

Cook lost a fumble on his first career carry in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams and had a limited workload early in the year. However, he earned more touches as the season moved along and was an efficient runner and adequate pass-catcher.

Overall, Cook rushed 89 times for 507 yards (5.7 YPC) and two rushing touchdowns -- adding 21 receptions on 32 targets for 180 yards and a receiving touchdown. It wasn't a spectacular rookie season, but he showed upside and explosiveness. Since he was a second-round pick, Buffalo should be committed to getting him more involved in 2023.

Is Damien Harris or James Cook the Bills RB1 In 2023?

While fantasy football enthusiasts love three-down, workhorse running back, they are a dying breed in today's NFL. In all likelihood, Harris and Cook will have a decently even split, with Harris handing a ton of early down, short-yardage, and red zone work. Cook should be utilized as the clear-cut satellite back on a great offense, which is a valuable role in PPR fantasy football formats.

Both will be worth rostering, as Harris could have a year like he did in 2021. While the Bills' offense marches up and down the field, Harris will benefit from easy goal line touches, similar to Jamaal Williams' 2022 campaign with Detroit. The good news is Harris isn't known for his pass-catching acumen -- meaning he won't take away from what Cook does best.

In early Best Ball draft ADP via 4for4.com, Cook is being taken as the RB28, while Harris goes later at the RB40 spot. Both could pay off nicely at their price tags, but it's hard to see a path toward workhorse usage and high-end RB1 outcomes for either player.

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