Who Should I Start? Cooper Kupp or Kaleb Johnson

Sunday, December 28, 9:24 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been underwhelming during his first year with the team, but last week's season-high snap share offers plenty of optimism near the end of the regular season. Kupp played 93% of the snaps in last week's overtime win over his old team, the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the increased involvement, he posted modest volume with four targets, three catches, 39 yards, and a lost fumble. With that being said, managers should feel optimistic that his high snap share could lead to improved volume in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. Kupp, who is the WR33 in half-PPR leagues over the last three weeks, faces a Carolina defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot receivers in 2025. His 284 slot snaps rank 14th-most among wide receivers this year. Kupp enters Week 17 as the WR49 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.

Friday, December 19, 11:21 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson continues to be one of the most disappointing rookies from the 2025 draft class. The 22-year-old Iowa product played a marginal role once again last week, amassing two carries for four rushing yards on a 3% snap share in the Steelers' win over the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. In total this year, he has 28 carries, 69 rushing yards, one catch, and nine receiving yards. He hasn't earned more than six touches in a single game, and he has played more than 12% of the offensive snaps in just two contests. It's not like Johnson has been relegated to special teams, either. He has just 11 special teams snaps this year and hasn't handled a single kick or punt return since a Week 2 blunder in the end zone that directly resulted in an opponent touchdown. Johnson and his fantasy managers are certainly ready to close the book on the 2025 season and turn the page to next year. With Kenneth Gainwell set to hit free agency in March, Johnson could have a chance to carve out a fantasy-relevant role behind Jaylen Warren in 2026.