Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Christian Kirk

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.

Thursday, September 4, 4:31 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is dealing with a strained hamstring that is expected to keep him out of the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and possibly longer, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. One source is estimating it could be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be "cautious" with him." It's a bad start for the 28-year-old, who played in only eight games in 2024 in his last year with the Jaguars after breaking his collarbone. With Kirk likely out this weekend, Nico Collins should see even more targets, although rookie Jaylin Noel could be the biggest beneficiary as a natural slot receiver with great hands. Fellow rookie Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson will also have bigger roles, but Noel could be the best sneaky DFS play against the Rams. Noel is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues currently.