Who Should I Start? Darius Cooper or Jalen Royals


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.6 0.0 0.0 0.3 2.7 0.0

Darius Cooper News

Darius Cooper Draws Hefty Target Share in Eagles' Passing Attack

Sunday, August 16, 8:49 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper, who was singled out by quarterback Jalen Hurts earlier in training camp as an emerging player, was busy in the team's preseason opener on Saturday in the 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, hauling in two of his team-high five targets for 21 yards. The 24-year-old went undrafted last year out of Tarleton State before latching on with the Eagles and catching nine of 11 targets for 92 yards and zero touchdowns in 13 games played (zero starts). Cooper has had more of an opportunity in camp of late with both DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and first-round rookie Makai Lemon (hamstring) missing over a week of practice. The Eagles are also without A.J. Brown now, so there is more opportunity for Cooper to make some noise in Philly's WR room as he competes for a role behind Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. If Lemon gets off to a slow start in his rookie campaign after missing valuable time in camp, Cooper could be the primary beneficiary. He's also competing for offensive snaps with veteran Hollywood Brown.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.6 0.1 0.0 1.0 11.7 0.1

Jalen Royals News

Jalen Royals Continues to Draw Targets in Training Camp

Monday, August 10, 3:08 PM

Kansas City Chiefs second-year wide receiver Jalen Royals continues to draw targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in training camp this summer, and he hauled in a touchdown pass deep down the field in practice on Monday, according to Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. Royals made a minimal impact last year as a rookie after he was selected in the fourth round out of Utah State, catching just two of three targets for four yards in seven games played for the Chiefs. However, the 23-year-old has made some noise in camp this summer with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and rookie Cyrus Allen recently missing practice time due to injuries. It's something to watch as the summer progresses, but as long as all of the Chiefs' pass-catchers are ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, Royals will be in a depth role without enough playing time to matter in most fantasy football leagues. With Allen also impressing in camp, Royals could be the WR5 heading into Week 1 behind Rice, Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Allen. At best, Royals is a stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his long-term upside and athleticism at the WR position.


Darius Cooper vs. Jalen Royals

Still trying to decide between Cooper and Royals? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Darius Cooper is projected to score 0.6 points this week while Jalen Royals is projected to score 2.6 points.