The Buffalo Bills’ backfield just got a big shout-out from CBS Sports, with their running back duo of James Cook and Ray Davis landing at No. 9 overall in the NFL. This isn’t some casual take, either; CBS Sports straight-up named them among the top-10 running back pairings heading into the 2026 season. It’s a statement about their potential, but honestly, you gotta wonder if it’s high enough after what Cook pulled off.
Cook’s Monster Season and Why It Matters
Let’s be real, James Cook absolutely exploded last season. We’re talking a career-best season, by a long shot! He pounded out a league-leading 1,621 yards on 309 carries, finding the endzone a whopping 12 times. Those are serious numbers. And it wasn’t just on the ground either; Cook snagged 33 receptions for 291 yards and two more touchdowns, showing he’s a true dual-threat back. He even clocked a career-high 56% snap rate, proving he was the workhorse out there, even with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson rotating in. Those stats scream “elite,” which makes that No. 9 ranking feel a little… well, light.
Davis’s Rising Role Under a New Coach
While Cook was dominating, Ray Davis was also making moves. Even though Ty Johnson got more snaps last year, Davis’s underlying metrics saw some real improvement. His success rate got better, and so did his yards both before and after contact. CBS Sports is betting big on Davis, predicting a much larger role for him this year under a new head coach. Last year, Joe Brady was the offensive coordinator, but with a new top boss, things can shift big time. If Davis truly steps up and complements Cook’s insane production, that No. 9 spot might just be the floor for this duo.
So, where do the Bills stack up against the best? Leading the CBS Sports list are Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. from the Atlanta Falcons, followed by Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco for the Detroit Lions. Derrick Henry and Justice Hill of the Baltimore Ravens grabbed the third spot, and the only AFC East team ahead of the Bills is the New England Patriots with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson at No. 4. It’s a tough crowd, but if Cook keeps playing like that and Davis breaks out, you gotta think this Bills duo is going to turn heads all season long.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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