Week 2 vs. New Orleans Saints
It was great to see Cooper Kupp back in regular-season action in Week 1, though his fantasy output was less than thrilling. His seven receptions saved him from a really poor outing in PPR formats, but the Rams' unexpectedly ineffective passing performance was the real issue.
Kupp ran almost 70% of his routes from the slot in 2018, which equates to primary coverage from the Saints' slot cornerback P.J. Williams in Week 2. Kupp was Los Angeles' most frequently targeted wide receiver in the red zone when active last year, and with a Vegas game projected points total of 54 that's the highest on the slate, there should be plenty of scoring opportunities. Kupp also averaged nine targets per game in 2018, which considerably raises his fantasy floor in PPR formats. Kupp is startable as a high-end WR2 in Week 2.
Week 1 at Carolina Panthers
Cooper Kupp's second season in 2018 was a story of missed opportunity. Injuries cost him eight games, but his value to the Rams was evident in the games he played. Kupp's 3.07 PPR fantasy points per touch were higher than either Cooks (2.70) or Woods (2.53), and he operated primarily as Los Angeles' slot receiver.
Cupp draws the Carolina Panthers defense in Week 1, and should see plenty of coverage from slot cornerback Ross Cockrell. Cockrell's been a solid corner in coverage over the last few years, but he is returning from a horrific leg injury last preseason, and while he is rehabilitated and ready to play, it is his first game back. It may be a small edge for Kupp who is returning from injury himself, but you can start him with confidence as a WR2.
Fantasy Upside
In the games in which Cooper Kupp was active alongside Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks in 2018, his 12.8% target rate was the highest among the three. His 12 red zone targets matched Robert Woods for second-most among Rams wide receivers, despite Kupp having played in only eight games. Kupp's connection with Goff resulted in Kupp scoring 3.07 PPR fantasy points per touch, a number that again led Los Angeles' top receiver trio.
Fantasy Downside
Kupp enters the Rams' training camp just nine months removed from surgery to repair his ACL, which is on the very early end of a normal recovery timeline. Kupp's recent injury history is hard to ignore, as he suffered a concussion and a sprained MCL in 2018 before his ACL injury. With the arrival of Darrell Henderson as a receiving option out of the backfield, the Rams could see a reduction in their use of 11-personnel, which could, in turn, reduce Kupp's target volume.
2019 Bottom Line
Kupp is the WR29 in our rankings, but the WR21 by ADP, with the cost of an early fifth-round pick. He's got a ceiling as a high-end WR2, but presents more of an injury risk than other wide receiver options in his ADP neighborhood like Chris Godwin, Tyler Lockett, and Calvin Ridley. His availability and usage in the preseason is something to keep an eye on, but he's a player that the risk-averse should look to avoid at his current ADP.
Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Cooper Kupp caught five-of-six targets for 89 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ Week 9 loss to the Saints. He started slow, catching one pass in the first half but then caught fire in the final quarter, hauling in three passes, which included a 41-yard touchdown on the game-tying scoring drive. The Rams eventually lost but it was an excellent return for Kupp, who missed a few games due to injury. Ranked as our WR15 for Week 10, view Kupp as a WR2 for Sunday’s matchup between the Rams and Seahawks, who rank as the No. 21 defense against fantasy receivers.
Week 9 at New Orleans Saints
The Rams expect that Cooper Kupp (knee) will return Sunday when they take on the Saints. He missed the past two games with an injury, but he will be a WR2 upon his return. Kupp has an excellent matchup against a New Orleans defense that ranks dead last against fantasy receivers this season. Ranked as our WR19, make sure Kupp is back in your lineup when the Rams and Saints play their expected shootout on Sunday afternoon.
Week 6 at Denver Broncos
Cooper Kupp caught six-of-nine targets for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ Week 5 win over the Seahawks but left the game after halftime due to a concussion. Both he and Brandin Cooks participated in the team’s walkthrough on Wednesday and are expected to suit up versus the Broncos in Denver on Sunday. Without Aqib Talib, the Broncos secondary has struggled this season and even allowed three touchdowns to rookie quarterback Sam Darnold a week ago in East Rutherford. Ranked as our WR15 for Week 6, Kupp is a WR2 assuming he doesn’t suffer a setback.
Week 5 at Seattle Seahawks
Cooper Kupp caught nine passes for a career-high 162 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets in the Rams’ Week 4 victory over the Vikings. Minnesota had no answer for Sean McVay’s offense, as Mike Zimmer’s unit hemorrhaged points and yards all night. Anthony Barr was victimized on several of the Rams’ scores, including a first-half reception from Kupp, who turned a drag into a wheel route and burned the Minnesota linebacker for a 70-yard score. Even with Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods seeing plenty of targets, Kupp’s role remains unchanged in this offense. Ranked as our WR16 for Week 5, feel free to view Kupp as a WR2 for the Rams’ date with the Seahawks on Sunday.
Week 4 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Cooper Kupp caught 4-of-6 targets for 71 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ Week 3 win over the Chargers. Robert Woods paced the Rams with 11 targets while Brandin Cooks saw eight looks of his own, but there were still plenty left over for Kupp, who caught a 53-yard touchdown. While he doesn’t have the greatest weekly ceiling, Kupp’s high floor makes him a weekly WR3. Ranked as our No. 29 WR for Week 4, Kupp is a flex play Thursday night when the Rams host the Vikings.
Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Cooper Kupp caught all six of his targets for 63 yards in the Rams’ Week 2 win over the Cardinals. Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods also made plays in the game but Kupp continues to see consistent targets week in and week out from Jared Goff. Ranked as our No. 23 WR for Week 3, Kupp is a solid WR3 option in PPR formats when the Rams take on the Chargers this Sunday.
Week 2 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Cooper Kupp caught 5-of-9 targets for 52 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ Week 1 win over the Raiders. He added two carries for 16 yards on the ground and tied Robert Woods for a team-high nine targets on the night. Kupp will likely continue to dominate targets and has as high a floor as any receiver on the Rams' roster. Ranked as our No. 37 WR, view Kupp as a FLEX option for the Rams’ Week 2 matchup against the Cardinals.
