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Bills' 'Magical' James Cook Gets Brutal Prediction from Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 9:49 PM ET

Last season, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had quite the 2024 season as the offense's bellcow back.

He rushed for 16 touchdowns, tying the franchise record, while again rushing for over 1,000 yards. Plus, James rushed for another three scores in the playoffs to go with 272 yards in three games.

It was also Cook's second consecutive season of 1,000+ rushing yards and a Pro Bowl nod, and now he is looking to get a new contract this offseason.

But with Buffalo's finances, that will be tough, so James might have to play on the last year of his rookie deal, and if he does, he needs to play well.

But Sports Illustrated's Michael Fabiano thinks Cook is set for a regression.

"Cook is coming off a magical season in terms of end zone visits, scoring 18 times," Fabiano writes. "He scored just nine combined touchdowns in his first two seasons, so this was a major uptick … and it’s likely to come with some regression in 2025. Cook is also looking at a potential holdout over a contract dispute, which has not been a good situation for many players in the past. Keep tabs on Cook’s status."

Cook's "regression" might not be down to form at all.

Backing up a 16-touchdown season is a tall order, and there aren't many backs in football who could do that. James' down season might still see him post 12 rushing touchdowns, which would still signify a good year, but a "regression" from 2024.

With Cook and his contract saga showing no signs of being finalized, training camp looms as a big watch, as the running back has said he will be there, but it is unknown if he will participate without a deal.

And for James to fight this "regression" talk, having a full preseason will go a long way in keeping those doubters at bay...for now.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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