James Cook stats today: Bills RB's rushing yards, touchdowns and more in Week 15 vs. Lions

Buffalo Bills came into this game with all eyes on Josh Allen with James Cook slipping under the radar. The quarterback has been phenomenal this season and is rightfully the favorite for the MVP. However, one of the reasons opposing defenses have struggled to pick up his runs is because of how the running back has kept them honest.

The Bills came into Week 15 knowing the Chiefs had won earlier on the day and progressed to a 13-1 record. With Buffalo sitting at 10-3, they knew a loss here would mean the AFC top seed slipping out of their grasp. They had to win away to Detroit Lions, who also had lost only once in 2024, and were leading the NFC with a 12-1 record.

With this being the subplot under which this game was being played, the Bills needed all their players to contribute. Their running back would be a crucial cog in this matchup. This is how James Cook fared today.

James Cook's stats tonight vs Lions

A summary of James Cook's stats for the Bills against the Lions in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season is given below.

• Carries: 14
• Rushing Yards: 105
• Rushing Average: 7.5
• Rushing TD: 2
• Rushing Long: 41

The running back is really enjoying his time playing with an elite dual-threat quarterback like Josh Allen. The quarterback laid down the marker for the Bills at the Lions' home after scoring the first two touchdowns by rushing into the endzone. However, Detroit was not taking anything lying down and Jared Goff was balling too. With the score 14-7, the Buffalo fans needed another one of their players to help their star quarterback.

James Cook answered those prayers as he rushed in for a touchdown to extend the visitors' lead to 21-7. It came on a first-and-goal early in the second quarter. Since the Lions would go on to score again before the break, it was his score that ensured that the Bills were ahead at halftime.

Detroit knew that they needed to stop Buffalo's offense at the beginning of the first half. With the Bills receiving the second-half kickoff, any score for them would have put them two scores ahead. However, the best-laid plans are contingent on the players executing on the field.

A stop proved difficult for the Lions' defense with James Cook on the other side. Josh Allen led them on a drive and it looked like he could get his team into the red zone again. But it became a moot point as the running back took off on a 41-yard run on a 2nd-and-4. He was nearly pulled back by his hair but he literally shrugged it off and made the score 28-14.

James Cook has had some great games this year. Against the 49ers, he had 107 yards in 14 carries at 7.6 yards per attempt and a rushing touchdown. It was his best performance so far in 2024 but critics were out after just 20 yards last week against the Rams in six carries. He answered them by getting 103 yards by the time the fourth quarter rolled around on 12 attempts. His 8.6 yards per carry was the best of the season.

He had a couple more attempts but picked up just two yards more as the visiting team wanted to keep the clock running while ahead instead of worrying about how many yards they were picking up. James Cook still finished with 7.5 yards per carry making it his second-best outing of the year. He also had one reception for 28 yards, ensuring that he contributed to the offense in whatever capacity he was required in.