James Cook
BUF vs. LACFloor8.2
Median15.6
Ceiling20.3
Recent PPG: 14.4
Recent volume: 20.5
Snap share: 73%
Availability: No current-week designation
Week 3 lineup decision · updated Sep 22, 2026, 8:07 PM EDT
James Cook or Ashton Jeanty: who should I start?
James Cook has the narrow Week 3 lean over Ashton Jeanty. The Half PPR projection is 15.6 to 14.8.
The lean blends recorded scoring, recent workload, opponent positional defense and only same-week listed availability. Recheck the official inactive list before kickoff.
BUF vs. LACOpen player file →
Ashton Jeanty
LV vs. NOFloor7.9
Median14.8
Ceiling18.5
Recent PPG: 19.0
Recent volume: 28.5
Snap share: 78%
Availability: No current-week designation
Scoring changes the call
4 points per passing TDWeek 3 projection by format.
Standard
Start James Cook
1.7-point gapHigh confidence
Recommended start
James Cook
BUF vs. LAC- Floor
- 7.4
- Projection
- 14.7
- Ceiling
- 19.4
Other option
Ashton Jeanty
LV vs. NO- Floor
- 5.7
- Projection
- 13.0
- Ceiling
- 15.6
Half PPR
Start James Cook — close call
0.8-point gapHigh confidence
Recommended start
James Cook
BUF vs. LAC- Floor
- 8.2
- Projection
- 15.6
- Ceiling
- 20.3
Other option
Ashton Jeanty
LV vs. NO- Floor
- 7.9
- Projection
- 14.8
- Ceiling
- 18.5
PPR
Start Ashton Jeanty — close call
0.2-point gapHigh confidence
Other option
James Cook
BUF vs. LAC- Floor
- 9.5
- Projection
- 16.5
- Ceiling
- 21.8
Recommended start
Ashton Jeanty
LV vs. NO- Floor
- 9.5
- Projection
- 16.7
- Ceiling
- 21.3
Floor and ceiling show the lower and upper ends of the player's recent scoring range. The projection is the middle estimate after current role, matchup, and same-week availability are applied.
Why the model leans this way
Role first. Matchup second. Availability always visible.
Two top redraft backs with different receiving roles and opponent environments entering the active week.
James Cook: recent role is near baseline, and the matchup is tougher. Ashton Jeanty: recent role is near baseline, and the matchup is neutral.
Availability adjustments apply only when the source contains a Week 3 report. Older designations remain visible in the injury archive but do not reduce this projection.