Puca and Cooper Kupp....what to do? (1 Viewer)

[da_budman]

As far back as I can remember I dont think I have ever seen a highly ranked player get injured and his backup absolutely light the world on fire like Puca has. I KINOW its the first time I have been in this situation owning both. It made me wonder what is the best way to take advantage of the situation. Do you try and trade both? Do you keep Puca and try to trade Kupp? Do you keep Kupp and try to trade Puca? Or do you just keep them both and just let it play out. Seems to me its a matter of risk/ reward. The options are endless.

Just keep both and play it safe. Could workout where both are valuable but eat into each others production. Puca could stay a stat and Kupp never comes back. Kupp comes back and Puca ends up much less valuable.

Keep Puca and trade Kupp....... seems like the risk/reward option of the bunch. Trade Kupp and if he doesnt come back you have 2 valuable pieces. BUT trade Kupp he comes back and Puca severely declines then you have zero valuable pieces.

Keep Kupp and trade Puca....seems like you guarantee yourself decent value for Puca BUT not the value of a Kupp. eliminate the potential maximum upside buty also eliminates the extreme downside too.


Seems like to me this week may be the best week to make that decision since Pucas stand alone value may never be higher and any news on Kupp severely changes the current equation. Im sure Im not the only one driving themselves nutso over this highly unique situation. What say ye in this same situation?

 

[Banger]

Interesting query Mary….I’d say it depends on your roster and your record. To me, you win with studs and I keep Kupp and deal Puka but with Kupps injury you don’t want to make a deal until you know Kupp is good to go. Good problem to have but if you can afford it, I’d wait until there’s some certainty in the picture with Kupp.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Generally speaking, I’d keep both. My roster options would dictate who I start if both are available.

 

[Ardbeg4ever]

Unless someone is going to give me high end WR2 value for Puka, I'm riding him. No confidence that CK will return to former glory.

 

[The Future Champs]

I never cash out on an upswing, when the player in question is young. OTOH, I'll cash out on an older player who's on a roll without hesitation.

 

[LawFitz]

To me, you win with studs and I keep Kupp and deal Puka but with Kupps injury you don’t want to make a deal until you know Kupp is good to go.

Agree on the win with studs part. Two games and all that, but so far Puka has been a total stud in Kupp's stead (yay puns). No way I trade Puka right now, and especially if he is my handcuff to owning Kupp. Having both is like owning Boardwalk and Park Place if your ultimate goal is to have the Stafford hotels come fantasy playoffs.

 

[da_budman]

Unless someone is going to give me high end WR2 value for Puka, I'm riding him. No confidence that CK will return to former glory.

See that is kinda where I am at. The fact that the guy had to go out of town over a hamstring makes no sense. Add in they were speculating never and there is a considerable chance he either doesnt come back or he isnt CK when he does. Right now I have dangled him as a trade candidate BEFORE we hear any more news. Seems like with Puka absolutely knocking it out of the park this week and no real news on Kupp this is the week to make a move if you decide too. Just standing pat isnt a bad option but its the booring stance to take.

 

[da_budman]

To me, you win with studs and I keep Kupp and deal Puka but with Kupps injury you don’t want to make a deal until you know Kupp is good to go.

Agree on the win with studs part. Two games and all that, but so far Puka has been a total stud in Kupp's stead (yay puns). No way I trade Puka right now, and especially if he is my handcuff to owning Kupp. Having both is like owning Boardwalk and Park Place if your ultimate goal is to have the Stafford hotels come fantasy playoffs.

I get that BUT doesnt having both limits your liability but doesnt it also limit your upside? I dont consider it like boardwalk and park place because having both of them doesnt give you the ability to build hotels..... its like having a handcuff....with serious upside.

 

[Largent]

if you're week at RB or want a QB upgrade, start looking at the teams that would move say a Nico Collins+ RB2 type for Puca.....if you dangle it out there before this weekend, and are getting push back....wait and if Puca goes off again, say the price went up and ask for something more....always like to screen shot the declines for later on. It's the FOMO effect.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Build your team. Construct your roster.

Decide if you need Kupp + Nacua

Decide if you want to wait until you have word on Kupp’s return. I would think we’d get an update around week 4.

If you find you’re thin at a given position & have an abundance of riches at receiver, you should definitely deal from your strength.

That they’re on the same team shouldn’t really matter.

The challenge with this particular situation is that selling Kupp would likely be selling low if he makes a comeback - certainly possible.

Dealing Nacua could be selling high, but if Kupp doesn’t make a comeback, you’re gonna probably need him more than what you’re being offered.

It’s a little tricky. Personally I’d wait to see how Kupp is trending. If Kupp comes back, I think Puca retains quite a bit of his current value, but a potential trade partner might not believe.

Interesting scenario.

 

[da_budman]

Build your team. Construct your roster.

Decide if you need Kupp + Nacua

Decide if you want to wait until you have word on Kupp’s return. I would think we’d get an update around week 4.

If you find you’re thin at a given position & have an abundance of riches at receiver, you should definitely deal from your strength.

That they’re on the same team shouldn’t really matter.

The challenge with this particular situation is that selling Kupp would likely be selling low if he makes a comeback - certainly possible.

Dealing Nacua could be selling high, but if Kupp doesn’t make a comeback, you’re gonna probably need him more than what you’re being offered.

It’s a little tricky. Personally I’d wait to see how Kupp is trending. If Kupp comes back, I think Puca retains quite a bit of his current value, but a potential trade partner might not believe.

Interesting scenario.

I think its ALOT tricky lol..... The problem with waiting for news is if its bad news then Kupp is worth even less....and potentially worthless. The whole thing is a gamble but its an exciting gamble lol.... I think the trick to this is throw it all out there and see what deals you can put together (and others do) at that point you can decide what you want to do.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Build your team. Construct your roster.

Decide if you need Kupp + Nacua

Decide if you want to wait until you have word on Kupp’s return. I would think we’d get an update around week 4.

If you find you’re thin at a given position & have an abundance of riches at receiver, you should definitely deal from your strength.

That they’re on the same team shouldn’t really matter.

The challenge with this particular situation is that selling Kupp would likely be selling low if he makes a comeback - certainly possible.

Dealing Nacua could be selling high, but if Kupp doesn’t make a comeback, you’re gonna probably need him more than what you’re being offered.

It’s a little tricky. Personally I’d wait to see how Kupp is trending. If Kupp comes back, I think Puca retains quite a bit of his current value, but a potential trade partner might not believe.

Interesting scenario.

I think its ALOT tricky lol..... The problem with waiting for news is if its bad news then Kupp is worth even less....and potentially worthless. The whole thing is a gamble but its an exciting gamble lol.... I think the trick to this is throw it all out there and see what deals you can put together (and others do) at that point you can decide what you want to do.

Sure, but also have to keep your build/roster composition in mind.

Doesn’t matter what deals you can pull off if you’re worse off afterwards.

if we’re going to just look at deal prospects, Selling Puca high & holding Kupp is likely the best plan. Kupp is already a sell-low, and the gamble there is that his value could go lower.

Puca is the better sell candidate but that could leave one high & dry if one sells Puca & Kupp doesn’t return to form.

 

[pinkstapler]

Posted elsewhere, but will throw it here as a data point. Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

 

[Mitchie]

I would keep both, you're almost guaranteed at least one stud rest of way. I'm of the belief that Kupp will be back soon, is it because he's on my team? of course it is! but kidding aside hamstring injuries while they can recur are not usually season ending, think they put him on IR to be cautious. When Kupp is back it's not like Puka will be a bench guy, he'll still be a good starting player. unless you get some too good to be true offer would keep both.

 

[da_budman]

I would keep both, you're almost guaranteed at least one stud rest of way. I'm of the belief that Kupp will be back soon, is it because he's on my team? of course it is! but kidding aside hamstring injuries while they can recur are not usually season ending, think they put him on IR to be cautious. When Kupp is back it's not like Puka will be a bench guy, he'll still be a good starting player. unless you get some too good to be true offer would keep both.

Keeping both doesnt seem like a league winner though. Assume Kupp comes back and isnt himself. Puca still plays but is limited by Kupps presence. To me that is worst case scenario (even above Kupp not coming back)

 

[Tonycarpenter]

Neither player is one to bet against. you can feed both. Kupp is 29 or 30. Kupp is fantastic but you do not have a potential 10yr player window with him. Selling him while there's meat on the bones is good. If you think some of PUKA success is situational. others might as well...sell PUKA if you don't want both...after he has a bigger game with Kupp on the field.

 

[TakiToki]

You can't trade a guy that has 40 catches and 500 yards in his first 4 NFL games without getting a massive haul in return.

You're also going to feel like a moron if you trade Kupp and he just slides back into being Cooper Kupp in this offense.

Certainly everything is negotiable and if someone wants to blow your doors off, you have to let them. But I think in most configurations, if you have both of them, the best option is most likely to hold and see how things go.

 

[Gatorman]

You can't trade a guy that has 40 catches and 500 yards in his first 4 NFL games without getting a massive haul in return.

You're also going to feel like a moron if you trade Kupp and he just slides back into being Cooper Kupp in this offense.

Certainly everything is negotiable and if someone wants to blow your doors off, you have to let them. But I think in most configurations, if you have both of them, the best option is most likely to hold and see how things go.

I agree with this. Unless you are trading Puka to get a better WR or RB, you are gambling. Would you trade him for Olave at this point? DK?

I think anyone better than Devonte Smith is a solid get for Puka, and anyone below Deebo, Lockett, Maybe Nico? and you are not getting enough for him.

Kupp will have more trade value and maybe gets you into the Davante Adams tier but a lot of people will be turned off bc of the injury.

It's a similar discussion to Johnathan Taylor / Zack Moss. If Taylor becomes the focus of the indy attack then Moss is worthless. If taylor is traded then both still have optimum value.
If Kupp comes back to the top of the heap and Puka becomes Tutu and Tutu becomes Van then its like moss in Indy. If the two create a "new normal" with Stafford and Higbee or tutu suffer to make Puka and Kupp the main guys then everyone wins.

 

[Stat Correction]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

 

[FFWhiskey]

The x factor here is that Stafford and Kupp are best friends. Stafford isn't going to make his best friend play second fiddle to the wonder rookie.

Stafford and his best friend won a Super Bowl. Blood brothers.

 

[pinkstapler]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

Looking like a big brain move at this point huh? Haha. Ironically they both had their worst games of the season that week 3 when he initially got them.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

 

[renesauz]

in dynasty no way I'm selling Puka right now. In redraft? Might be a different story, especially if I need help elsewhere. I'd expect Puka's production to tail off some with Kupp back on the field, but likely still a startable (WR2/3) asset. He;s still a rookie after all

 

[Bad_Mo2]

The way Nacua has burst onto the scene, winning the game last week in OT and getting a game ball...no way in hell McVay or Stafford relegate him to a secondary option. I don't trust that Kupp's hammy is right or will be right all year. Seeing a nerve specialist for a hammy issue is telling to me. I'd give up Kupp before Nacua this year in re-draft leagues.

 

[dschuler]

Have Puka and Kupp together in one redraft league and another guy had AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. Told him I would trade either Ram WR for either Eagle WR. Ended up trading Puka for Smith

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

I'd expect Puka's production to tail off some with Kupp back on the field, but likely still a startable (WR2/3) asset. He;s still a rookie after all

I can’t imagine Nacua’s production not tailing off no matter what the reason. It’s hard to imagine him maintaining his current pace. That just doesn’t seem realistic.

 

[Timmay]

The lore of Puka Nacua will continue to grow no matter if Kupp or God himself joins the Rams WR room. As long as Stafford is healthy, the Puka train rides on!

 

[The General]

I have both in redraft and am starting both. Will figure it out after a couple games.

 

[Junior McSpiffy]

Watched a video last night that explained that while Kupp and Nacua are similar athletes (speed, frame, etc) their usage is vastly different. So when Kupp comes back, I think the question is less about Kupp or Nacua but about Stafford. If you think Stafford is married to his career path of locking onto one receiver and force-feeding them the ball, then you figure which one would be his preferred target and ship the other. But if you think Stafford only did that because he has never had a really good WR2 and think he can get them both the ball, hang on to them both. The opportunities seem to be there for them from what I've seen since their usage may not have as much overlap as we've been led to believe.

 

[Junior McSpiffy]

Watched a video last night that explained that while Kupp and Nacua are similar athletes (speed, frame, etc) their usage is vastly different. So when Kupp comes back, I think the question is less about Kupp or Nacua but about Stafford. If you think Stafford is married to his career path of locking onto one receiver and force-feeding them the ball, then you figure which one would be his preferred target and ship the other. But if you think Stafford only did that because he has never had a really good WR2 and think he can get them both the ball, hang on to them both. The opportunities seem to be there for them from what I've seen since their usage may not have as much overlap as we've been led to believe.

I'm going to add an addendum to this: How much faith do you have in the health of the Rams O-line? The Rams seem like their offensive production is disproportionately tied to offensive line play than other teams. McBae can do more with good protection than other coaches, but he also does less with bad protection. If you see Noteboom as the harbinger of deeper and ongoing O-line woes, shed both receivers.

 

[Bad_Mo2]

Could be a 2007 Chad Johnson/TJ Houshmandzadeh combo but...even better.

 

[steelcityman]

Sit and wait at least a week to see, the targets Nacua gets with Kupp back, and to see if Kupp can play a full game.

 

[Wrigley]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

Seems like a bad trade.

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

I'm in a similar situation:

Drafted Kupp, picked up Kyren Williams and Puka after week 1. Nobody will take Puka off my hands. I have tried to sell him for less than I think he is worth. I've paired him in deals where I am getting 70% of the points I am giving up in a hope that Cooper Kupp comes back and is the bonified stud. At some point, the discount I am giving has to stop and I'll just roster them both. I think that is where I am at right now. I am 2-2 right now and hopefully have Kupp and Taylor coming back.

Best case senario - Kupp returns and Puka continues to receive targets and they both produce a sum of 50 points per week. You have to find out what you are willing to get in return for Puka because the Kupp injury is discounting both players. Nobody wants Kupp because he's hurt and don't know if he will return. Nobody wants Puka because they think Kupp will return and Puka is irrelevant. I'm not discounting both players just to get out of the situation, as Puka has done what I needed. He has supplemented Kupp's production and I am no worse off just holding both.

 

[pinkstapler]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

Seems like a bad trade.

After another two weeks yeah. But such is the way fantasy works. After week 2 half the league said it was a bad trade going the other way. Top 10 ADP RB and a 7th round WR for two guys who were barely drafted.

 

[Wrigley]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

Seems like a bad trade.

After another two weeks yeah. But such is the way fantasy works. After week 2 half the league said it was a bad trade going the other way. Top 10 ADP RB and a 7th round WR for two guys who were barely drafted.

lol

Draft position doesn't matter anymore.

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

Seems like a bad trade.

After another two weeks yeah. But such is the way fantasy works. After week 2 half the league said it was a bad trade going the other way. Top 10 ADP RB and a 7th round WR for two guys who were barely drafted.

Meanwhile, I have guys offering me Gus Edwards for Puka in a keeper league. I would say Fantasy Football is the most frustrating hobby I have but I play golf too.

 

[taylormeetstheismann]

Puka just got traded in one of my leagues. The owner traded Nico and Puka for Rhamondre and Elijah Moore. He was in pretty dire need of a RB.

AND Nico?

Ouch

Seems like a bad trade.

After another two weeks yeah. But such is the way fantasy works. After week 2 half the league said it was a bad trade going the other way. Top 10 ADP RB and a 7th round WR for two guys who were barely drafted.

Meanwhile, I have guys offering me Gus Edwards for Puka in a keeper league. I would say Fantasy Football is the most frustrating hobby I have but I play golf too.

It’s hard to find good trading partners in FF. My reply to most offers is…help me understand how this makes my team better?

The only kind of trade that I’ve found works (redraft) is that I’m trading a bench player for another bench player but now both teams can use them as starters as they have improved a position where each team is weak.

 

[Bad_Mo2]

I'm in a similar situation:

Drafted Kupp, picked up Kyren Williams and Puka after week 1. Nobody will take Puka off my hands. I have tried to sell him for less than I think he is worth. I've paired him in deals where I am getting 70% of the points I am giving up in a hope that Cooper Kupp comes back and is the bonified stud. At some point, the discount I am giving has to stop and I'll just roster them both. I think that is where I am at right now. I am 2-2 right now and hopefully have Kupp and Taylor coming back.

Best case senario - Kupp returns and Puka continues to receive targets and they both produce a sum of 50 points per week. You have to find out what you are willing to get in return for Puka because the Kupp injury is discounting both players. Nobody wants Kupp because he's hurt and don't know if he will return. Nobody wants Puka because they think Kupp will return and Puka is irrelevant. I'm not discounting both players just to get out of the situation, as Puka has done what I needed. He has supplemented Kupp's production and I am no worse off just holding both.

Anyone thinking Puka will be irrelevant is certifiable. Seriously.

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

I'm in a similar situation:

Drafted Kupp, picked up Kyren Williams and Puka after week 1. Nobody will take Puka off my hands. I have tried to sell him for less than I think he is worth. I've paired him in deals where I am getting 70% of the points I am giving up in a hope that Cooper Kupp comes back and is the bonified stud. At some point, the discount I am giving has to stop and I'll just roster them both. I think that is where I am at right now. I am 2-2 right now and hopefully have Kupp and Taylor coming back.

Best case senario - Kupp returns and Puka continues to receive targets and they both produce a sum of 50 points per week. You have to find out what you are willing to get in return for Puka because the Kupp injury is discounting both players. Nobody wants Kupp because he's hurt and don't know if he will return. Nobody wants Puka because they think Kupp will return and Puka is irrelevant. I'm not discounting both players just to get out of the situation, as Puka has done what I needed. He has supplemented Kupp's production and I am no worse off just holding both.

Anyone thinking Puka will be irrelevant is certifiable. Seriously.

I'm not disagreeing. That is why I have decided I will just hold both of them.

 

[Hoh]

Starting both of them and leaving Christian Kirk on the bench. I don’t think they’ll both outscore Kirk, but one of them will. And I’d pick the wrong one. So…