Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Cooper Kupp

Monday, September 8, 9:47 AM

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro running back Derrick Henry was absolutely dominant on Sunday in the Ravens' 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. Henry rushed for 169 yards on 18 carries and added one reception for 13 yards. His two touchdown scores were from 30 yards out in the second quarter and 46 yards out in the fourth quarter. Henry also suffered the lowlight of Sunday's contest when he coughed up a fumble on Baltimore's second-to-last drive, allowing the Bills to score a touchdown with just under two minutes remaining to close the gap to 40-38. Most importantly for fantasy managers, the 31-year-old showed zero signs of slowing down or falling off because of his age, and he conceded three total carries to fellow running backs Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali. Wide receiver Zay Flowers had a few end-arounds, and Lamar Jackson attempted six rushes, but nothing threatening towards Henry's workload is a positive sign for fantasy managers. Up next is a date with the Cleveland Browns, who looked good defensively in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Henry will remain an RB1 heading into Week 2.

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.