Week 13 at Houston Texans
Amari Cooper was Jacoby Brissett's favorite target during his 11 starts, especially over the last two weeks, with 12 targets against the Bills and Buccaneers. You have to believe Deshaun Watson will continue that stretch for Cooper and build a connection of their own. Cooper has at least 90 yards in three of his last four games, so he's hot and the Browns play the Texans this week, so continue to ride the hot hand of Cooper.
Week 12 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Browns found a lot of success against a Bills defense that was missing Tre'Davious White and Kaiir Elam and Amari Cooper took full advantage with eight catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He built a very nice connection with Jacoby Brissett and they'll have one last dance together this week against the Buccaneers. It's a tough matchup, but regardless, the volume and talent for Cooper make him startable this week.
Week 11 vs. Buffalo Bills in Detroit
Incredibly, Amari Cooper only saw three targets last week against the Dolphins. He did catches all three for 32 yards. His target share should go back up, though he faces a test in Buffalo this week. Yes, Buffalo just got beat up pretty bad through the air last week, but Justin Jefferson is a freak of nature, no disrespect to Cooper. Still, his target share warrants a WR2 look for Cooper in a game where Cleveland will probably be playing catch-up.
Week 10 at Miami Dolphins
Amari Cooper went into the bye on a strong note, going for 131 yards and a touchdown on Halloween night. He has built a strong connection with Jacoby Brissett and actually has a pretty favorable matchup this week. Miami ranks 31st in pass defense DVOA, so there's a good chance Cooper will find the end zone yet again this week, making him a very solid starting option.
Week 8 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Amari Cooper was only targeted four times against the Ravens last week but, thanks to a big play, ended up with 74 yards on four catches. That's four games with at least 70 yards and five with double-digit points in PPR. The Browns will need Cooper in a key battle this week against the Bengals in what's almost a must-win for the Browns, coming in at 2-5. It's a tough matchup, as the Bengals rank 7th against the pass in DVOA, but Jacoby Brissett really doesn't have much else to throw to with David Njoku out. Cooper should get targets again, making him a WR2 this week.
Week 7 at Baltimore Ravens
Amari Cooper saved his fantasy day with a touchdown last week on a day when Cleveland's offense hardly got anything going against the Patriots. He only caught four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown. Still, Cooper was targeted 12 times for the second straight week and now has four games with at least 10 targets. Jacoby Brissett trusts Cooper to make plays and will continue to try feeding him the football. The talent and opportunity combine to make Cooper a solid weekly flex option and a borderline WR2. He gets the Ravens this week, which should be an easier matchup for Cooper and the Browns.
Week 6 vs. New England Patriots
Amari Cooper bounced back nicely last week, catching seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. It's his third game with at least 20 fantasy points. Of course, he also has two games with less than five. He gets an interesting matchup with the Patriots, who found a way to shut out the Lions and their No. 1 scoring offense last week. Cooper can be very hit-or-miss, but he's a worthwhile flex option this week because it's always more likely Jacoby Brissett will feed him targets (three games with at least ten targets).
Week 5 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
We knew the Falcons were pretty good in the secondary and Amari Cooper's matchup may have been a tough one. One catch for nine yards, though? That was definitely surprising. Nowhere to go but up from here, and it's a very interesting matchup for Cooper. The Chargers come in as our fourth-easiest matchup this week against opposing wide receivers. That is, as long as Jacoby Brissett can avoid Khalil Mack.
Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons
Perhaps Week 1 was just revving up the engine for Cooper. He has two straight weeks with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown with 16 total catches over that span. He has fully embraced the top dog role again in Cleveland and that should only continue against the No. 30 pass defense in DVOA in Atlanta. Cooper is getting volume and volume is worth plenty of fantasy value. He's a solid WR2 this week.
Week 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Browns certainly quieted the doubters quickly on Amari Cooper and showed in Week 2 why they traded for him. After a quiet Week 1, Cooper was targeted 10 times against the Jets, catching nine passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He'll continue to get targets from Jacoby Brissett, but a tough matchup against the Steelers awaits on Thursday. Regardless, Cooper gets enough work as the WR1 in Cleveland to warrant flex usage and the Browns don't have to travel on the short week, usually a good advantage.
