Smash play with expanded workload, RB7 projection, and potential DFS value.

James Cook is a smash play in the Saints–Bills matchup. With the Bills' implied team total at 31.75 points and a lopsided game script, Cook and Josh Allen are the primary scoring weapons in a spread-out passing game where other receivers have limited route participation. Cook's workload has expanded significantly post-contract extension: 18, 22, and 22 touches through the first three games versus only three games clearing 15 touches all of last year; snap share is up 15% year-over-year, with 50%+ drop-back participation in two or three games compared to four times all of last season. From an expected points perspective, Cook projects as RB7 this season versus RB27 last year; the source attributes the ranking jump to both increased touchdown volume and elevated usage rather than regression, and projects he could score two or three touchdowns if this week's usage level (70% snap share, 70% of carries) holds, with potential to crush even in three quarters of play. Cook is likely to be underowned on DFS slates despite high floor and ceiling; while he will draw chalk ownership, competing backs like Christian McCaffrey (higher receiving usage) and D'Andre Swift (priced below Cook) plus late-game punt options like Ashen Ji drawing immense popularity may suppress Cook's ownership relative to his setup, creating value.