Should I Start Brandin Cooks?

Saturday, October 24, 11:19 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a speculative addition in 12-team leagues for managers seeking immediate receiver help, but his limited target production makes him a risky Week 7 flex option. He could see his largest workload of the season against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, with Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) ruled out, and the matchup is favorable, as Atlanta has surrendered the most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers this season. Cooks took over Evans' outside receiver role after the veteran exited Monday's win over the Washington Commanders, playing a season-high 32 offensive snaps (52%), but he caught just one of two targets for 13 yards and has only two receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown across three games. Jordan Watkins played 47 snaps against Washington, while Christian Kirk (calf) is questionable after practicing fully throughout the week and could return.