Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Caleb Williams

Friday, September 5, 2:13 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is checking in as a flex option in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Kupp is coming off a season with the Rams that began very auspiciously but finished horrendously. Kupp was a clear-cut WR1 over the first half of the season, but he was completely phased out of the offense towards the end. He only earned nine targets over his final three games, and he moved on from the Rams this offseason. Kupp did not show any signs of slowing down when he was given opportunities in 2024. This is certainly not the same player who took the league by storm in 2021, but Kupp should present solid value out of the slot in Seattle. He is going to be where quarterback Sam Darnold needs him to be at all times. San Francisco presents a tough matchup in Week 1, but they will need to focus their energy on stopping wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp's role in the slot is more immune to tough matchups than outside wide receivers, giving him flex value with solid WR2 upside in Week 1.

Tuesday, September 9, 12:47 AM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards with one touchdown in a 27-24 loss against the Vikings. He also rushed for 58 yards on six carries with a touchdown. It was a smooth start for Williams and the new Bears offense under head coach Ben Johnson as they marched down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive. However, their offense scored only three points over their next nine drives. The run game with D'Andre Swift was largely inefficient, and Williams mostly took what the defense gave him. Williams found Rome Odunze for a touchdown right late in the fourth quarter to close the lead to three, but it was not enough. On a positive note, Williams looked very smooth and fast as a runner tonight, which is a key part of his fantasy appeal. It was a decent season debut for Williams as he builds his understanding of Johnson's offense, and he should be viewed as a low-end QB1 for fantasy purposes with his dual-threat ability.