Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Cooper Kupp

Friday, September 12, 5:25 PM

Starting Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen on Sunday would be a bet that he can recapture the magic in his first game back in Minnesota since being reacquired in a trade with Carolina, albeit one that comes with heavy risk. The Minnesota offense was brutal for three quarters in Week 1, though the Vikings did mount a dramatic comeback and go to the veteran for a key two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. However, Thielen played 57% of offensive snaps and drew only one target, which he dropped. Thielen figures to improve on the number of targets in Week 2, especially with Jordan Addison (suspension) still out, but he'll likely be in a secondary role and still attached to a first-time starter at quarterback. He should be saved for deeper formats only.

Friday, September 12, 12:09 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp should be avoided in fantasy lineups in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, Kupp should be avoided until the Seahawks prove that they can make anything happen in the passing game outside of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That day may very well come. Kupp's role in the slot is very valuable in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's offense. However, the Seahawks will need time to implement the new system with all the new pieces fully. Kupp's volume will be one to watch in Week 2. He only received three targets in Week 1 with quarterback Sam Darnold locking in Smith-Njigba. As the offensive chemistry grows, Darnold will begin spreading the ball around more. Once Kupp's targets increase, he should find himself back on the flex radar. However, based on where he was drafted, you likely have plenty of other flex options in the short term.