Head to Head

Updated May 14, 2026 from live stats

Audric Estimé vs James Cook

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

The Bottom Line

James Cook is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. James Cook outscored Audric Estimé by 8.4 PPG in 2025 with 14 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, James Cook is the clear pick. Audric Estimé profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBNew Orleans Saints#35

Audric Estimé

PPG

8.4

Games

Rush Yds

198

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

103

Bye

Week 11

RBBuffalo Bills#6PPG LEADER

James Cook

PPG

16.8

Games

Rush Yds

1,621

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

291

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Audric Estimé

James Cook

Head to Head

8.4 PPG16.8 PPG

5 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Audric Estimé: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) RB (ranked #35 at the position). James Cook: Tier 2 (Strong Starter) RB (ranked #6 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Audric Estimé is producing at 38% of elite pace and James Cook at 76%. That ranking gap means James Cook carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Audric Estimé vs James Cook: Who Should You Start?

There is a real production gap between these two running backs. James Cook (Buffalo Bills) averaged 16.8 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Audric Estimé (New Orleans Saints, 8.4 PPG) by 8.4 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.

The per-game difference of 8.4 points favors James Cook, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Audric Estimé ran for 198 yards and 1 touchdowns; James Cook posted 1621 and 12. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

One scheduling note: Audric Estimé is off Week 11 and James Cook Week 7. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

James Cook is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Audric Estimé is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Audric Estimé (age 22) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds. James Cook (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•James Cook outscored Audric Estimé by a projected 143 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•James Cook played 17 games in 2025 compared to Audric Estimé's 5. That durability gap means James Cook contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•James Cook scored 14 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.8 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•James Cook caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.
•Audric Estimé is 4 years younger than James Cook (22 vs 26), which significantly impacts dynasty league trade value.

Detailed Stat Breakdown▾

StatEstiméCook

PPG (Half-PPR)8.416.8

Games Played517

Total Fantasy Pts (est.)42286

Rushing Yards1981,621

Rush Yds/Game39.695.4

Rushing TDs112

Receptions1233

Receiving Yards103291

Targets1340

Total TDs114

Age2226

Experience1 yrs3 yrs

Bye WeekWeek 11Week 7

Summary

16.8 PPG for James Cook versus 8.4 for Audric Estimé in 2025. The baseline favors James Cook, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Audric Estimé or James Cook in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, James Cook has the edge at 16.8 PPG compared to Audric Estimé's 8.4 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Audric Estimé and James Cook average in 2025?▾

Audric Estimé averaged 8.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 5 games in 2025. James Cook averaged 16.8 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 8.4 points per game.

When are Audric Estimé and James Cook's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Audric Estimé (NO) has a bye in Week 11, and James Cook (BUF) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Audric Estimé or James Cook a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

James Cook outscored Audric Estimé by 8.4 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.