NFL Analysis Network

Fantasy Football: Should you draft Dalvin Cook or Aaron Jones first?

Vikings, Dalvin Cook
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If you look at last season, both backs were extremely productive and were both top-six in the fantasy football rankings. In standard leagues, Aaron Jones put up 265.8 points, while Dalvin Cook totaled 239.4 points. As for PPR leagues, Jones finished with 314.8 points, and Cook concluded the year putting up 292.4 points.

Based on those statistics alone, Jones had a better season in terms of affecting a fantasy football team. However, Dalvin Cook played two fewer games. As much as that is an inditement on Cook’s season when he was on the field, he performed at a higher level.

For standard leagues, Cook averaged 17.1 points per game, and Jones averaged 16.6. In PPR leagues, Cook also put up the higher averages, averaging 20.9 points per game, while Jones put up 19.7 points per game.

There should be no question that Cook is the better running back between the two. He ran for more yards and had more receiving yards last season.

Cook’s catch percentage has also finished north of 80% the past two seasons, right around where Michael Thomas has finished. Obviously, Cook does not receive near the same amount of pass attempts which Thomas does, but out of the backfield, Cook is one of the best in terms of catching the ball, in the league.

Minnesota also utilizes Cook a bit more in their run game. In all three seasons, Cook has averaged more rushing attempts per game than Jones.

The one stat where Jones claimed the advantage over Cook last year was the touchdowns. But, even this difference isn’t that big of a discrepancy. Jones finished with three more touchdowns, in two more games.

Obviously looking solely based on stats, and past performance, Cook is the easy answer. However, with neither team possessing an overly strong number two running back, both of these backs play the high majority of snaps, and Cook’s had his fair share of struggles with his body being capable of that.

Cook’s first three season’s have typically been derailed by injuries, while Jones has proven durable, especially last season not missing a single game.

If one thing should keep you hesitant in drafting Cook over Jones, it should be the durability. Last season was Cook’s healthiest of his career. He had no serious injuries, and he only missed two games, including suiting up for both playoff matches.

Ultimately, if both players are available, Dalvin Cook is the smartest decision. He has proven year after year that he is consistent, and a very strong running back.

Even though last season provided excitement for Jones to be the answer, it is only one season. A slight decline could occur now that teams can game plan to his weaknesses a bit better. On top of that, the loss of Bryan Bulaga is a massive one for the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.

The injury history may provide some concern for Dalvin Cook, but he is simply too good to pass up on. I would place him as the RB5 behind Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliot, and Derrick Henry.

Dalvin Cook and Aaron Jones are two of the best running backs in the league, and both should provide great value for your fantasy team, but if you’re left with the decision, the correct one is Cook.

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