Best James Cook Prop Bet for Lions vs. Bills on Thursday 9/17/26

The Bills (1-0) will open up brand new Highmark Stadium with a bang on Thursday night. Buffalo, eyeing a deep postseason run, will host an NFC contender tonight in the Lions (1-0). With two high-powered offenses taking the field, ample scoring opportunities could be in store for both teams. Buffalo will be looking to dominate time of possession, which could mean extra work for James Cook. What should fans and bettors alike expect from the running back during this primetime showdown?

The Bills enter Thursday’s contest as 5.5-point favorites over the Lions. Let’s break down the best James Cook prop bet available tonight on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Best James Cook Prop Bet on DraftKings Sportsbook

Josh Allen is the face of the franchise in Buffalo, and for good reason. However, every Batman needs his Robin. That’s a role Cook has excelled in over the past few years. Last season, the running back gained 1,621 rushing yards, 291 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over 17 games. That kind of all-around production has vaulted the Georgia alum into elite company. Even when the Bills struggle to get it going through the air, Cook is talented enough to keep the chains moving on the ground.

That didn’t come to fruition in Week 1. Although Allen managed to have his way with the Texans, Although Allen managed to have his way with the Texans, Cook managed only 57 rushing yards on 13 carries. Still, it’s not exactly a stinging indictment that the halfback didn’t dominate one of football’s premier defenses. The Lions aren’t terrible on that side of the ball, but it’s a clear step down in competition compared to Houston. That’s especially true up front; Detroit surrendered 4.4 yards per rush attempt last season. That was only good enough for 19th-best in the NFL.

It’s also important to note when this game is taking place: Thursday. As we’ve seen time and time again, three days of rest tends to produce some ugly football. Not to mention, both of these teams are well aware of the offensive firepower each side boasts. In an effort to control time of possession, each side may opt to utilize a run-heavy approach, at least during the first half. Cook played in two different Thursday Night Football matchups last season. He churned out 108 and 116 rushing yards during those two contests, respectively. Sean McDermott is no longer Buffalo’s head coach, but it was former offensive coordinator Joe Brady that was calling the plays during those games. Another physical, smash-mouth affair tonight should lend itself to increased usage for Cook.

Best Bet: James Cook 80+ rushing yards (-109)