Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Bryce Young

Monday, January 20, 8:08 PM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp said on Monday that there is "no doubt" that he wants to continue playing in 2025. Kupp also said he "would love to be in L.A.," but acknowledged that he has no control over that. He has two years left on a contract extension that he signed in 2022 and will make $5 million guaranteed in 2025. Kupp was involved in trade rumors at the deadline in 2024. If the Rams were to cut him, they'd save $15 million in cash and $7.52 million against the salary cap. If they release him with a post-June 1 designation, they'll absorb $22.2 million in dead money. The 31-year-old veteran had the receiving Triple Crown in 2021 and was also named the Super Bowl MVP, but he had only 67 catches for 710 yards and six TDs in 12 regular-season games in 2024 -- he missed four games with an ankle injury. If he stays in LA, the presence of Puka Nacua will continue to limit his fantasy appeal, while he'll remain an injury risk.

Wednesday, January 15, 12:53 PM

After a disastrous rookie season in 2023, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young got off to a terrible start in 2024 and was benched after just two games in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that the second-year signal-caller made arguably the most important 180-degree turnaround in franchise history. Young was among Pro Football Focus' highest-graded QBs in the final 11 weeks of the season, and his turnaround was sparked by improved body language and fire and much better footwork. Young's footwork ended the year "light years ahead" of where it was at in 2023 and to begin this season, according to a team source. The former No. 1 overall pick had a 61.8 completion percentage, 2,104 yards, 15 TDs and six interceptions in his last 10 starts. He won't be a QB1 in fantasy in 2025, but his turnaround gives fantasy managers hope he could eventually get there.