Bills Run Game Struggles: DFS Fades and Pivots in Week 14 vs. Bengals
By Muhammad Arslan Saleem November 26, 2025 04:22
The Buffalo Bills have struggled to establish a consistent and effective run game this season, making James Cook a risky play in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite Cook's talent and bursts of production, Buffalo’s offensive line and overall ground attack have faced ongoing issues, leading to unpredictable rushing outputs. In the intensity of the playoff push, fading James Cook in daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups is a strategic move. This strategy can be bolstered by referring to trusted sources like RotoGrinders NFL for weekly insights, analysis and other useful tools to stay ahead of shifting trends and performances.
Facing A Tough Bengals Defensive Front in Week 14
Buffalo’s run game woes stem from offensive line troubles and an offense heavily reliant on passing, placing additional pressure on their ground game. Cook's usage has been inconsistent, with some standout games offset by several underwhelming performances. This volatility, compounded by the Bills facing a tough Bengals defensive front in Week 14, creates significant risk in rostering Cook, especially in cash games where reliability and floor are paramount. The Bengals have been disciplined in stopping the run, meaning Buffalo’s ground game may continue to sputter against this stout defense.
DFS Implications
For DFS players looking to pivot away from Cook, Joe Mixon presents an attractive alternative. Mixon is facing a more favorable matchup against a weaker rush defense and often sees lower ownership than Cook, making him a prime candidate for cash games where differentiation matters. Mixon's role as the lead back on his team combined with a better offensive line and more consistent offensive scheme enhances his floor and upside. As the playoffs approach, owning dependable running backs with favorable matchups and stable workloads becomes increasingly crucial.
It’s important for DFS managers to balance their lineups with plays having both upside and safer floors. While fading James Cook in Week 14 aligns with concerns over the Bills’ rushing struggles, toggling focus to players like Joe Mixon who offer lower ownership and superior matchup potential can provide a tactical edge. Staying updated through sites like RotoGrinders NFL ensures DFS players receive timely context and detailed matchup breakdowns to refine these lineup pivots accordingly.
In summary, the Bills’ ground game struggles justify fading James Cook in Week 14 DFS contests versus the Bengals. Instead, pivoting to Joe Mixon, who benefits from better matchups and strategic ownership leverage, is advised as the fantasy playoff push intensifies. Leveraging expert analysis and matchup research will continue to be vital for maximizing DFS success in these critical late-season weeks.

