Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Jalen Coker

Saturday, September 6, 11:01 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks returns to the Big Easy after previously playing with the team from 2014-2016. Last year in Dallas, he caught 26 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. Cooks was named one of eight team captains ahead of Week 1 against the Cardinals and is listed as a starter. However, he'll have to compete with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and star running back Alvin Kamara for targets while second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is under center. For fantasy purposes, Cooks should be off radars, with only slight appeal if any of the primary pass-catchers miss time.

Monday, October 6, 3:09 PM

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is slated to have his practice window opened prior to Wednesday's practice. This is an excellent sign for the second-year wideout, as he has been on the injured reserve since the beginning of the season. While he was unable to return in Week 5, it appears Coker will be in the mix to make his season debut this weekend when the Panthers face the Dallas Cowboys. As a rookie, Coker showed flashes of potential at times, catching 32 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns. This season, the Panthers have not had a reliable No. 2 option, opposite of star rookie Tetairoa McMillan, which could open up a large target share for Coker. When healthy, managers should expect Coker to be the primary slot option and carry FLEX value in PPR formats.