Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Darnell Mooney

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.

Friday, September 5, 2:31 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) has been listed as questionable on Friday's injury report and will be a game-time decision, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Mooney missed almost all of training camp after injuring his shoulder making a diving catch during the first practice of the summer. Mooney told reporters on Thursday that he feels good, but a decision on his status won't be made until 90 minutes before kickoff. When healthy, Mooney figures to feature prominently in Zac Robinson's aggressive, downfield passing attack, but even if he does play on Sunday, the expectation should be that he will be on a pitch count of sorts after so much missed time. Fantasy managers should look for better flex options in Week 1 until they've seen a full allotment of snaps from Mooney.