FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Cooper Kupp Scores In Week 8 Return

By Jared Smola | Updated on Fri, Oct 25 2024 12:32 PM UTC

Rams WR Cooper Kupp was on the receiving end of 1 of QB Matt Stafford's 4 TDs in Thursday night's win over the Vikings. Stafford evaded two pass rushers while Kupp worked himself open in the back of the end zone for the 7-yard score in the second quarter. He also made a clutch 27-yard grab to convert a third-and-9 late in the fourth to essentially seal the win. Kupp finished the game with 5 catches on 8 targets for 51 yards and the score.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Kupp looked healthy in his first game back from his ankle injury, but his playing time was scaled back a bit. He played just 59% of the Rams' offensive snaps and ran a route on 82% of pass plays. He's usually at a 95-100% route rate. Expect him to get back to that level of playing time in Week 9.

There were rumors earlier this week that Kupp was a trade candidate. But the Rams are now 3-4 and back in the mix in the NFC West. "I'm really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us and I expect it to stay that way," HC Sean McVay said after Thursday night's win.

Staying in Los Angeles is the best case for Kupp's fantasy value, considering his long-standing rapport with McVay and Stafford.

WR Puka Nacua out-targeted and out-gained Kupp vs. Minnesota and is the better fantasy bet going forward. But Kupp still looks like at least a higher-end WR2.

He has a fairly neutral schedule the rest of the way, with the only worrisome spot coming in Week 16 against the Jets.

Jared Smola, Lead Analyst

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.