Bills RB James Cook Disrespected in Latest National Rankings

Despite historic 2025 season, Cook ranked 77th on PFF's Top 101 players list

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:33pm

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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had a standout 2025 season, leading the NFL in rushing yards. However, he was ranked just 77th on Pro Football Focus' Top 101 players list, causing outrage among Bills fans who believe Cook was disrespected despite his impressive stats and impact on the team's offense.

Why it matters

Cook's ranking feels disrespectful given his dominance as the league's leading rusher in 2025. The Bills' offense was fueled by Cook's production, and he proved himself as one of the top running backs in the NFL. His low ranking compared to other backs like Kenneth Walker III and Christian McCaffrey raises questions about the criteria used in the rankings.

The details

Cook racked up 1,621 rushing yards in the regular season, leading the league, along with 12 touchdowns. He also had 33 receptions for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite these impressive stats and his role in Buffalo's top-ranked rushing attack, Cook was ranked just 77th on PFF's Top 101 list, one spot lower than the previous year. This has angered Bills fans who believe Cook deserved a much higher ranking after his historic season.

  • Cook had a career-high 1,784 rushing yards in the 2025 regular season and playoffs.
  • Cook led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,621 during the 2025 regular season.

The players

James Cook

The star running back for the Buffalo Bills who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2025.

Kenneth Walker III

A running back for the Seattle Seahawks who was ranked 33rd on PFF's Top 101 list.

De'Von Achane

A running back for the Miami Dolphins who was ranked 30th on PFF's Top 101 list.

Christian McCaffrey

A running back for the San Francisco 49ers who was ranked 54th on PFF's Top 101 list.

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What’s next

The Bills' new coaching staff, led by head coach Joe Brady and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr., will look to get Cook more involved in the passing game next season to potentially boost his national recognition.

The takeaway

Despite his historic 2025 season and leading the league in rushing, James Cook's disrespectfully low ranking on PFF's Top 101 list highlights the subjective nature of these types of rankings and the need for more objective evaluation of player performance, especially for elite running backs like Cook who are the driving force behind their team's offensive success.