Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Calvin Ridley

Thursday, September 4, 2:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has informed the team that he intends to retire ahead of Week 1, citing a lack of desire to continue playing. Cooper, who joined the Raiders this offseason in hopes of competing for a starting role, was listed behind rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. on the initial depth chart. The five-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Browns and Bills, starting 10 of 14 games while recording 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper leaves the NFL after a decorated career, finishing with over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns across stops with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His departure opens additional opportunities for Thornton and fellow rookie Jack Bech to carve out meaningful roles in the Raiders' passing game this season.

Friday, September 12, 10:39 AM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley underwhelmed in Week 1 against cornerback Patrick Surtain II and the Denver Broncos defense, recording just four catches for 27 yards. On a positive note, Ridley led the Titans in targets (eight) and looks like the clear number one option in the passing game for Tennessee rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. Still, it could be a struggle again for Ridley in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams' defense dominated the Houston Texans' passing game in Week 1, holding Houston to 188 yards passing and shutting down star Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (three catches for 25 yards). Ridley should still see a heavy volume of targets on Sunday, but efficiency and end zone opportunities may be hard to come by. He profiles as a low-end fantasy WR3 in Week 2.