Texans' Will Anderson Strongly Praises Bills' James Cook Ahead of Week 1 Battle

The Buffalo Bills face the Houston Texans to begin the Joe Brady era.

It will not be an easy game for Buffalo since Houston has arguably the best defense in the NFL. 

The Texans' defense is led by superstar Will Anderson, who told reporters he has a lot of respect for the Bills. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate also called Buffalo star James Cook the best RB in the league. 

“This is an AFC Championship matchup,” Anderson said in a Wednesday press conference. “Two really good teams. We have a ton of respect for them. Josh Allen leading the way, really great offensive line. James Cook, best running back in the league. . . . The type of atmosphere that I’m feeling like it’s gonna be on Sunday is gonna be that AFC Championship-type feel.”  

Cook played in all 17 regular-season games for the Bills in 2025. He put up 1,621 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 291 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing yards per game.

In two games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos in the 2025 playoffs, Cook racked up 163 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards. The Bills beat the Jaguars but lost to the Broncos. 

Cook enters the 2026 season with 4,259 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns, 1,174 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. He's one of the best dual-threat weapons in the NFL and the Bills are fortunate to have him. 

Buffalo went 12-5 last season. Sean McDermott was fired as head coach and Brady was promoted to head coach. 

The Bills had a great offseason. The front office acquired D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears and signed Bradley Chubb and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

With Cook, Moore and Allen leading the way, it's time for the Bills to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl. 

It will be fascinating to see if Allen and the Bills can reach the promised land this season. Time is running out on Allen to win a championship.

After all, he's not getting any younger.

In Year 1 of the Brady era, the Bills face the Texans, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Bears and Broncos.