Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Quentin Johnston

Saturday, November 8, 10:23 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks will take on an increased workload after Rashid Shaheed was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. Cooks is expected to operate as the Saints' No. 2 receiver behind Chris Olave for the rest of the season, starting with Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran is likely second or third in the pecking order for targets, working behind Olave and perhaps tight end Juwan Johnson, too. While New Orleans' offense has struggled this season, they've also been playing from behind in most of their games, creating additional volume for the passing game, led by Tyler Shough. An uptick in targets could be enough to generate low-end WR3/flex appeal for Cooks in deeper leagues. He's a solid speculative stash in deep formats, while managers in leagues with 12 or fewer teams can keep an eye on him.

Friday, November 7, 6:18 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston bounced back from a zero-target performance by catching four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. This week, he faces a vulnerable Pittsburgh Steelers defense that ranks 27th in allowing deep passes (20+ yards), which fits Johnston's downfield role. However, he is likely to have a tough matchup against Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is giving up one of the fewest fantasy points per route run in the league (0.15). Johnston's role in the offense remains unpredictable due to the rotating group of pass-catchers, including emerging rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden. His value heavily depends on game script, since it relies on the offense creating opportunities down the field or near the goal line. Johnston should be considered a boom/bust FLEX option, projected as WR26 this week.