Running back James Cook is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He’s seeking $15 million annually in an extension. The Buffalo Bills aren’t going to come anywhere close to that number, which is why Ray Davis’ dynasty outlook carries ample fantasy upside ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Davis’ fantasy football managers are aware of the situation, so his trade value is already elevated. Yet, his long-term potential could still make the 2024 fourth-round pick a worthwhile target, even if a Cook trade or holdout doesn’t materialize this summer.
Ray Davis Dynasty Outlook (2025 Fantasy Football)
Bills Star’s Current Production
Davis enjoyed a solid rookie season working as Cook’s early-down backup. The University of Kentucky product posted 442 rushing yards on 113 carries (3.9 YPC) with three touchdowns. He added 17 catches for 189 yards and three scores as a receiver out of the backfield.
Perhaps most important from a fantasy perspective were his numbers in a Week 6 win over the New York Jets. Cook missed that contest due to injury. Davis finished with 23 touches for 152 total yards. Those numbers—both the high usage and the production—were promising signs should be take over as a starter this year.
Here is every play of Ray Davis versus the Jets on MNF last season
Can he be the Bills rb1 if Cook leaves? #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/IyJoF9bKzS
— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) May 20, 2025
Davis was also a high-impact player dating back to his college years. His 2023 season with the Wildcats featured 1,452 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns in 13 appearances.
Ray Davis Dynasty Price
Davis currently rates as the No. 188 overall player and the No. 52 running back on the dynasty ranking website KeepTradeCut. His placement rose throughout his rookie campaign and remained steady into the offseason. It’s begun to fade since late April, however, as the Bills brass expressed confidence Cook will return before the start of the regular season.
Ray Davis Dynasty Outlook Amid James Cook Uncertainty
Davis’ short-term value is obviously tied to Cook’s availability. The Bills re-signed Ty Johnson as their third-down back. So, the second-year rusher will either be a two-down workhorse or a little-used reserve. That’s where the trepidation comes from in terms of his dynasty ranking.
There are a lot of things working in his favor from a big-picture perspective, though.
First, it’s still possible Cook is traded or decides to hold out. A more definitive view on the situation will come once training camp gets underway. Of course, fantasy managers can’t wait that long because Davis’ value will instantly skyrocket if a trade or holdout is confirmed.
Second, Davis has the inside track to take over as the Bills’ starter in 2026, regardless of what happens this year. The Bills aren’t going to meet Cook’s asking price and it’s unlikely they’d use the franchise tag on him, which is projected at $14.1 million, per OverTheCap.
still a Ray Davis believer
compact, decisive, strong, balance
was a nightmare for many fill players and CBs. Broke plenty of arm tackles at the first and second levels pic.twitter.com/h2KaFI84jM
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) May 27, 2025
Although Buffalo will surely use a draft pick on a running back if Cook leaves, the use of rookies has been modest at best during the era of head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane. Even Cook, a second-round selection, only received 89 carries in his debut year.
Add in the fact Johnson is nothing more than a third-down specialist and the lack of other depth on the roster, and the outlook is highly favorable for Davis. It’s fair to estimate there’s better than a 50 percent chance he’s the team’s starter to open the 2026 campaign.
It’d be a steal to get a player with that much upside for a value barely inside the Top 200.
What To Do With Bills Running Back in Dynasty Leagues
Davis is certainly an intriguing trade target across the fantasy spectrum. Each fantasy manager’s experience trying to get him is going to vary significantly, though. Some people are going to ask for the moon because of the uncertainty. Others may be willing to deal him now thinking his value will plummet if Cook remains in Buffalo.
Here’s the bottom line: Davis is a 25-year-old back who didn’t get overworked in college (840 touches across five years) or as a rookie in the NFL. He’s trending toward a significant role in one of the league’s best offenses either this year or next. He’s shown the ability to play high-volume, three-down role.
That’s enough to warrant strong trade consideration. You’re talking about a player who could finish inside the top 15 at a prime fantasy position if the dominoes fall in his favor.
Ray Davis pic.twitter.com/IfIsiVu7sC
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) April 28, 2025
Yes, there are some reasons for caution. He was the RB35 in standard leagues last season. He could remain in that general area this year if Cook plays. It’s also no guarantee he’ll start for the Bills in 2026. Maybe Cook’s astronomical asking price declines and the sides come to terms.
Dynasty leagues are all about betting on massive jumps in value, though. It’ll be too late for that if a manager waits until a Cook resolution is determined. Now is the time to act.
Davis is a player who could be a league-winner in the coming years. Getting that type of boom potential for something in the neighborhood of RB50 value must be considered. And, if things don’t work out in his favor, a manager wouldn’t have moved any their core players for him.
If nothing else, a Davis trade is an avenue to at least explore before camps open in late July.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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