WR Brandin Cooks, Free Agent (2 Viewers)

[SameSongNDance]

Can some one provide a list of all these WRs that are so consistent from week to week?

I looked into this, using fftoday's consistency calculator, before the season. I noticed that Cooks, Tate and Baldwin #### the bed (sub WR3 performance) more than your average top 15ish WR every year. Something like 50-60% of their games were flat out duds. 

 

[Anarchy99]

It isn't just this year, there is data of this back since he was a Saint. Scroll back a few pages there is data that Anarchy posted and I disputed. He had 5 games under 8 or 10 points in ppr and ranked them against other players. He was the pretty much the least consistent despite having the perfect situation.

Yes, Cooks has a bit more variation scoring wise . . . but is there a ton of difference between scoring 5 points or 6 points in a standard scoring league?

Since 2015, here are the % of games for the Top 20 fantasy WRs based on fantasy ppg in 0 PPR leagues (note that they aren't all Top 20 scorers now, but they averaged in the Top per game wise from 2015 through 2017):

Jordy Nelson 15%
Michael Thomas 15.8%
Julian Edelman 16%
Antonio Brown 17.1%
Julio Jones 17.6%
Mike Evans 17.6%
AJ Green 20%
Alshon Jeffery 20%
DeAndre Hopkins 22.2%
Larry Fitzgerald 22.2%
Eric Decker 22.7%
OBJ 23.5%
Allen Robinson 24.2%
Calvin Johnson 25%
Michael Crabtree 28.6%
Brandin Cooks 33.3%
Doug Baldwin 33.3%
Brandon Marshall 34.3%
TY Hilton 36.1%
Sammy Watkins 42.3%

That's only counting games these guys played. IMO, not suiting up hurts fantasy teams as well, but no considerations were made for players that missed games to injury . . . and there are multiple guys on this list that got dinged up.

 

[msudaisy26]

Yes, Cooks has a bit more variation scoring wise . . . but is there a ton of difference between scoring 5 points or 6 points in a standard scoring league?

Since 2015, here are the % of games for the Top 20 fantasy WRs based on fantasy ppg in 0 PPR leagues (note that they aren't all Top 20 scorers now, but they averaged in the Top per game wise from 2015 through 2017):

Jordy Nelson 15%
Michael Thomas 15.8%
Julian Edelman 16%
Antonio Brown 17.1%
Julio Jones 17.6%
Mike Evans 17.6%
AJ Green 20%
Alshon Jeffery 20%
DeAndre Hopkins 22.2%
Larry Fitzgerald 22.2%
Eric Decker 22.7%
OBJ 23.5%
Allen Robinson 24.2%
Calvin Johnson 25%
Michael Crabtree 28.6%
Brandin Cooks 33.3%
Doug Baldwin 33.3%
Brandon Marshall 34.3%
TY Hilton 36.1%
Sammy Watkins 42.3%

That's only counting games these guys played. IMO, not suiting up hurts fantasy teams as well, but no considerations were made for players that missed games to injury . . . and there are multiple guys on this list that got dinged up.

Great list.

I would like to add this, Baldwin didn't breakout until the end of 2015 so not sure if that is included, Marshall is a headcase, Hilton hasn't had Luck for 14 games since 2015, and I wonder how many of those games Watkins left early, and has had sub par qb play.

Cooks, hasn't missed a game since 2015, has had an all time great at qb his entire career, played on teams that very pass heavy, been on teams with horrible defenses, and has had other weapons around him so they couldn't just take him out of the game.

He is by far the most up and down on the list.

 

[conlilnew]

What would you guys take for him right now? 

 

[shadyridr]

What would you guys take for him right now? 

Chris Hogan in a heartbeat

 

[conlilnew]

Chris Hogan in a heartbeat

We know that's not happening. I'd be happy taking Landry for him in a ppr.

 

[jtd13]

Why so much complaining about 4 for 87 in the 3rd? 

 

[shadyridr]

Why so much complaining about 4 for 87 in the 3rd? 

Lack of targets like usual

 

[jtd13]

Lack of targets like usual

Gotcha. 5 targets on 27 attempts from Brady is definitely pretty low with Gronk out. 

 

[need2know]

One more decent rec and he's over 100 yards

 

[Mister CIA]

We know that's not happening. I'd be happy taking Landry for him in a ppr.

6.64 yards per catch. Dreamy

 

[shadyridr]

I wouldn't take Landry but cooks is like 5th in the pecking order on this team behind gronk,  amendola, Hogan,  and white. 

 

[Biabreakable]

8 targets 5 receptions 85 yards isn't disappointing to me.

Cooks is on pace for 102 targets over 5 games but will likely end up with 120 by the end of the season as expected.

When the defense decides to focus on covering Cooks and covers Hogan and Amendola with LB of course Brady is going to take the best match up.

PPR really distorts peoples view about players in my opinion. Through four weeks Cooks is WR 11 in PPR and his performance in this game was good enough that he will likely be about there after the rest of the games this week are played.

The Bucs were ineffectual on offense besides Martin for most of the game until Winston got some garbage time stats near the end of it. Because of this the Patriots were willing to settle for field goals.

 

[SproutDaddy]

How long before he throws a tantrum?

 

[SameSongNDance]

He is underperforming his ADP but he definitely isn't an outright bust. It could be so much worse, you could've drafted Cooper, 

 

[need2know]

He outscored Evans last night.

He led other pats in yardage despite one really bad drop.

Staying in my lineup

 

[Insein]

Just traded for him. Not a bad night. So close to a huge night. That one drive where he caught the back to back balls for 50 yards looked like they were building towards something. Then they never went back to him again.

 

[DocHolliday]

He outscored Evans last night.

He led other pats in yardage despite one really bad drop.

Staying in my lineup

Evans' stats were very disappointing and concerning.  Cooks had a normal day.  

 

[packersfan]

Cooks hasn't produced to his ADP to this point but he's sooooooooooooooo close to doing it. He's two bad Brady passes away from 4 TDs in 5 games and he was a really bad drop away from a 100-yard game last night. He's had 85 yards or more in three games which is a strong number. He's also seeing a lot of safety help over the top (that happened quite a bit last night) which likely is why Brady keeps peppering Hogan and Amendola with targets. They are both being singled on nearly every snap.

I was listening to Adam Caplan today on Sirius and he was talking about how defenses just refuse to double Hogan and Brady's tearing defenses apart with that approach. So I wonder if Hogan continues to produce if defenses begin to pay more attention to him, thus freeing up Cooks for more one-on-one looks. Right now defenses are focusing more on Cooks to try and prevent the big play. If any of that changes that's when they should begin to happen more frequently.

But despite some frustration he really is achingly close to justifying his second-round ADP. I was hoping for more than 13.5 in PPR last night but if that's the worst spot in my lineup this week I'm gonna be happy guy on Tuesday. 

 

[DocHolliday]

Cooks hasn't produced to his ADP to this point but he's sooooooooooooooo close to doing it. He's two bad Brady passes away from 4 TDs in 5 games and he was a really bad drop away from a 100-yard game last night. He's had 85 yards or more in three games which is a strong number. He's also seeing a lot of safety help over the top (that happened quite a bit last night) which likely is why Brady keeps peppering Hogan and Amendola with targets. They are both being singled on nearly every snap.

I was listening to Adam Caplan today on Sirius and he was talking about how defenses just refuse to double Hogan and Brady's tearing defenses apart with that approach. So I wonder if Hogan continues to produce if defenses begin to pay more attention to him, thus freeing up Cooks for more one-on-one looks. Right now defenses are focusing more on Cooks to try and prevent the big play. If any of that changes that's when they should begin to happen more frequently.

But despite some frustration he really is achingly close to justifying his second-round ADP. I was hoping for more than 13.5 in PPR last night but if that's the worst spot in my lineup this week I'm gonna be happy guy on Tuesday. 

Good thoughts.  After watching the game last night, opposing teams are going to have to start paying more attention to the NE underneath routes.  Hogan and Amendola are wide open a ton which allows NE to move the chains pretty easily most games.   That underneath stuff is NEs bread and butter.   

 

[davearm]

Outside of the Randy Moss years, the underneath stuff has been their bread and butter for over a decade.

There's no reason to think opponents are suddenly going to "start paying more attention" and take that away.

 

[packersfan]

Outside of the Randy Moss years, the underneath stuff has been their bread and butter for over a decade.

There's no reason to think opponents are suddenly going to "start paying more attention" and take that away.

Then they might as well just plan on losing most weeks because that's how Brady's killing teams. In Week 3 Cooks did major damage but the bulk of it is being done with the underneath routes. I can appreciate the desire to keep Cooks from going off downfield but if you don't start adjusting to what Brady is beating you with then you might as well not even bother showing up.

 

[davearm]

Then they might as well just plan on losing most weeks because that's how Brady's killing teams. In Week 3 Cooks did major damage but the bulk of it is being done with the underneath routes. I can appreciate the desire to keep Cooks from going off downfield but if you don't start adjusting to what Brady is beating you with then you might as well not even bother showing up.

My point is, if it was that easy, it would have happened 10 years ago

 

[SameSongNDance]

On pace to see 102 targets and a 58/1213/3 stat line. The closest comp I can find is 2014 DJax (95 targets 56/1169/6 in 15 games, WR21 in PPR, WR16 in standard).

 

[OU#1]

How concerned are owners this week against a Denver D which seems to have fallen off some but is still pretty stout?

Worried this could be a Gronkowski game and with Hogan looking out, Cooks will get extra attention.

 

[Dez]

 Charchian came out on his show and said Cooks was going to be matched with a backup corner. (I have not verified this though)

 Everyone on his show is high on him, and all the guys I know and fully respect their opinions, they pretty much all rate him higher than where he has been so far this season.

It doesn't really matter, I am one of those, and I am rolling him out as my WR2 in a start 3WR league. I am pretty high on him, as I said above thread.

We are going to see in less than 24 hours.

I get the feeling the supreme blow up is coming, but I just don't know if its this week. (something along the lines of a 2-TD 140 yard game)

I think if its not this week, then it may well be week 6 @ the NY Jets.

For that matter, I am betting on a big night from him (if healthy) @ home vs ATL  in the Sunday night prime time game in week 7.

 TZM

Other notable Charch calls this year include drop R-Wilson after like 2 or 3, drop all Giants including Engram and Shepard after week 5. 

I should hold my own show.

 

[Milkman]

Cooks has been so close on several TD. Some long ones where Brady missed him or where the defender just grabbed him instead of giving up the big play. Fell on the 1 yard line once because of a poorly thrown ball. With Hogan out his floor has been a lot higher. Targets are up.......some big games are coming and id bet he ends up a WR1 by the end of the year. 

 

[TartanLion]

Banking on him to put up bigger numbers down the stretch. Schedule is tasty as well

 

[WheelsUp]

I expected the Patriots to be a little more creative with him.

 

[BigTex]

It looks like McDonald will be covering him when he lines up on the left side, it’s Amendola who’ll have a good game as he’ll be facing Carrie in the Slot. Smith is going to blanket Dorrest on that right side so he’s in trouble.

Out of the three, I’d bet on Amendola.

Tex

 

[Biabreakable]

Other notable Charch calls this year include drop R-Wilson after like 2 or 3, drop all Giants including Engram and Shepard after week 5. 

I should hold my own show.

I don't listen to the guy at all. I am from Minnesota and there are so many better informed people to listen to for local news. When I have listened to him in regards to fantasy advice I tend to feel a bit dumber after doing so. 

That said I like Brandin Cooks, just don't think Charch's opinion carrys much water.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Finally connects on the long one. 133 yard and a TD through a half.

 

[need2know]

The longer Hogan stays away the better for cooks

 

[dipandglide]

When he goes off, he goes off. He's got a juicy ROS schedule, hopefully he keeps this up.

 

[Workhorse]

YTD, Cooks is top 5 in ypg among WRs. He's having a hell of year.

 

[packersfan]

YTD, Cooks is top 5 in ypg among WRs. He's having a hell of year.

The only thing that hasn't been there are the touchdowns. Only 3 before yesterday, now 4 after 10 games. Many were expecting 8-10 at least this season. He's had 8 and 9 TDs in his two full seasons. It's not unrealistic to believe he could get that number again this year. If so that means there are a lot of TDs coming in the final weeks. 

 

[SameSongNDance]

Since the Hogan injury he's seen target shares of 30% and 24%. He is obviously benefiting from it.

 

[shadrap]

Since the Hogan injury he's seen target shares of 30% and 24%. He is obviously benefiting from it.

thanks for reminding me.  I have Hogan in 4 out of 6 leagues.  ouch.

 

[jtd13]

If only the Raiders would have put up a fight on offense yesterday...

 

[Milkman]

The only thing that hasn't been there are the touchdowns. Only 3 before yesterday, now 4 after 10 games. Many were expecting 8-10 at least this season. He's had 8 and 9 TDs in his two full seasons. It's not unrealistic to believe he could get that number again this year. If so that means there are a lot of TDs coming in the final weeks. 

He's just been unlucky......

 

[FreeBaGeL]

The only thing that hasn't been there are the touchdowns. Only 3 before yesterday, now 4 after 10 games. Many were expecting 8-10 at least this season. He's had 8 and 9 TDs in his two full seasons. It's not unrealistic to believe he could get that number again this year. If so that means there are a lot of TDs coming in the final weeks. 

I believe he's been tackled on the 1 two or three times this year.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Currently on pace for 72-1257-6.4

 

[BobbyLayne]

Currently on pace for 72-1257-6.4

On a per game basis, career high targets, yards, and YPC

On a per game basis, career lows receptions, catch rate, TDs.

Overall ranking, whether standard or PPR, about where he’s been the last two seasons and current years PS expectations. 

 

[Milkman]

New QB and he's ran bad on TD's. That explains the catch rate and TD's. Could have a monster second half......

 

[TZMarkie]

Other notable Charch calls this year include drop R-Wilson after like 2 or 3, drop all Giants including Engram and Shepard after week 5. 

I should hold my own show.

 Yeah I get it.

I have listened to them all at one point or another.  I listen to a few shows that I like, and form my own opinions from there .  I have always told others they should do the same. I own my team, and own my own decisions.  I'm not one of those guys that will ever ##### and say "well I started player X because  Charch/Matthew Berry,CBS crew/or whoever" said I should, and I lost because of it.

I completely own my own decisions.

I do like to listen to a few of the others talk on matchups and what they believe, and proceed from there. At least with Charch and crew, they tend to back up their opinions and give reasons why, and some other analysts don't do quite as good of a job.  Plus the podcast is actually something I don't mind listening to.  ESPN and Berry went down the ####ter when Nate Ravitz left.

I'm sure we could list pretty much every high profile "expert analyst" and come up with a cascade of bad calls. It comes with the territory. But I think we all know that......

 TZM

 

[Faust]

Brandin Cooks wants to finish career with Patriots

 

[Faust]

Brandin Cooks has lived up to the offseason hype for Patriots

 

[jtd13]

Brandin Cooks has lived up to the offseason hype for Patriots

I believe this from a football standpoint. It was a bit of a mixed bag for fantasy last year. 

 

[[icon]]

I believe this from a football standpoint. It was a bit of a mixed bag for fantasy last year. 

Yep. Had a lot of WR3 games with some WR1 and a game winner or two mixed in. 

 

[[icon]]

Brandin Cooks has lived up to the offseason hype for Patriots

I didn't know this about Cooks but it shows. Work ethic, football intelligence, humility and eagerness to continue to learn and improve are absolute cornerstones of "The Patriot Way".  Not to imply they're not traits sought by other teams, but I feel New England buts a higher value on them.