Ray Davis DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This was surprising as the Kentucky product did not face any limitations during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should clarify his status heading into the weekend. Last week, with James Cook (toe) sitting out, Davis took the lead role in the backfield and performed very well, totaling 97 yards on the ground with an additional 55 through the air. If Davis remains sidelined, Cook should be expected to play the top role. If Davis can suit up, both may limit each other's opportunities.

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis racked up 97 rushing and 55 receiving yards in the team's 23-20 win over the New York Jets. The rookie didn't get the start in place of the injured James Cook (toe). Veteran Ty Johnson registered Buffalo's first carry, but then it was all Davis. The fourth-round pick churned out chunk play after chunk play, totaling over 100 yards before halftime. The highlight play was when Davis came down with a contested catch on a 42-yard throw from Josh Allen. Davis finished with 20 carries and three receptions. While Davis filled in admirably for Cook, the starter should take command of the backfield when he's healthy. That could come on Sunday when the Bills host the Tennessee Titans. If not, Davis will be in the RB2 range.

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis has emerged as a potential fantasy football option for Week 6 in the event that teammate James Cook (toe) isn't able to play on Monday night against the New York Jets. Cook missed practice on Thursday and Friday, returned in a limited capacity on Saturday, and is officially listed as questionable to play in the upcoming divisional game on national television. While recent reports suggest that Cook is expected to play on Monday, this remains a situation worth monitoring given that he missed two practices and was still limited in the third. In the event that Cook can't play, we'd see a much larger workload for rookie Ray Davis, who has been off to a relatively quiet start this season. In that scenario, Davis would rank as a high-end fantasy RB3 against a Jets defense that has played solid against running backs this year.

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis could see increased usage on Monday evening. No.1 running back James Cook (toe) did not practice on Thursday and Friday and could be in danger of missing Monday's game depending on his practice status on Saturday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report as it could provide clarity on Cook's injury designation. From Weeks 2 through 4, the rookie saw at least seven carries in each game. However, last weekend, Davis did not see an attempt but did catch his lone target. If Cook is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Davis and Ty Johnson to split backfield duties with Johnson likely seeing more pass-catching work and Davis seeing the short-yardage opportunities.

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis remains one of the best running back bench stashes across the league as the NFL enters Week 5. Under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the Bills lean on James Cook and the running game. The rookie has been called upon to spell Cook on early downs. Veteran Ty Johnson would command the passing downs work if Cook suffered an injury. Blowouts have given Davis several opportunities, averaging over eight carries per game over the last three contests. In a closer game, his touches are likely cut in half. Keep Davis on fantasy football benches against Houston.