James Cook vs Derrick Henry
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start James Cook this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.9 projected points (17.9 vs 16.0).
James Cook faces LAC, the 3rd-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Derrick Henry faces DAL, the 1st-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes James Cook, and it isn't close: 33.6 points of value over replacement separate them (135.6 vs 102.0).
The draft market agrees: James Cook goes first at ADP 11.5 vs 15.5 for Derrick Henry.
| James CookBUF | Derrick HenryBAL | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | LAC | DAL | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 17.9 | 16.0 | Cook +1.9 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #3 | #1 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 272.2 | 238.6 | Cook +33.6 pts |
| Points per game | 16.0 | 14.0 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 135.6 | 102.0 | Cook +33.6 |
| Overall rank | #6 | #13 | Cook by 7 |
| Position rank | RB5 | RB8 | |
| Market ADP | 11.5 | 15.5 | Henry +4.0 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 7 | 13 |
Should I start James Cook or Derrick Henry in Week 3?
Start James Cook this week: a clear but modest edge of 1.9 projected points (17.9 vs 16.0).
Should I draft James Cook or Derrick Henry in 2026 fantasy football?
James Cook. He projects 272.2 fantasy points with 135.6 value over replacement, vs 238.6 points and 102.0 for Derrick Henry (RB, PPR).