WR Brandin Cooks, NO (2 Viewers)

[brun]

Son is beside himself after dropping him this week. 

 

[DAG]

Anyone who watched game and/or has followed the Texans: did today seem the product of a change in approach or more flukish? I know it’s probably too early to tell...

 

[Truebluey]

Anyone who watched game and/or has followed the Texans: did today seem the product of a change in approach or more flukish? I know it’s probably too early to tell...

Watson is a good QB and Cooks a great receiver. When they single covered him, Watson found him. 

 

[TLEF316]

Didn't put him in the lineup this week (he'll be in as my conditional flex if the Bills-Titans game ends up getting cancelled) but still very happy to see this.  Obviously 25 points aint gonna happen every week but I'd be very surprised if he's not a top 30 guy the rest of the way. (barring injury).

He's talented, in his prime (feels like he's older because of how many teams he's been on) and Watson is obviously good.

Glad I kept the faith.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Didn't put him in the lineup this week (he'll be in as my conditional flex if the Bills-Titans game ends up getting cancelled) but still very happy to see this.  Obviously 25 points aint gonna happen every week but I'd be very surprised if he's not a top 30 guy the rest of the way. (barring injury).

He's talented, in his prime (feels like he's older because of how many teams he's been on) and Watson is obviously good.

Glad I kept the faith.

Also had him on the bench but did not cut him. So we always have that going for us. 

 

[bostonfred]

A month into his first season with Watson, with no training camp, after a brutal early slate, he finally faces a bad defense in his first week without BoB, and he got targeted a ton.  There's enough there to think this might be a sign of things to come and not just a fluke game. 

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

With BOB it wouldn't surprise me if the guy was frozen out for some reason and he just wasn't getting plays called for him or high in the read progressions.  I'm in buy low mode.

This talked me into running him out there this week with Adams and Golliday on byes.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Son is beside himself after dropping him this week. 

Dad, is that you?

I was going to have to drop someone this coming week for byes, so pre-empted it this week because I wanted Bridgewater on my squad for the Moore hookup. That may help me win this week.

What's not going to help me win the rest of the season may be giving up on Cooks. I think you'll still see some streakiness and unevenness in his weekly points, but this is why I drafted him -- he's got talent and just needed to get involved. 

Between Cooks, Jeudy, Moore, Julio and Jefferson, was going to be a hard choice regardless.

 

[Faust]

Texans' Brandin Cooks enjoys a breakthrough with Deshaun Watson

 

[Efritch4]

Are people trusting Cooks this week after last week’s breakout performance??

 

[xenon]

Are people trusting Cooks this week after last week’s breakout performance??

Debating...I need to choose 3 of the 4:  Claypool, Boyd, Gallup and Cooks....currently leaning on leaving him on the bench as he has been known to be inconsistent throughout his career.  Still debating and hopefully someone can make a compelling argument as to why to start to him 

 

[Efritch4]

Debating...I need to choose 3 of the 4:  Claypool, Boyd, Gallup and Cooks....currently leaning on leaving him on the bench as he has been known to be inconsistent throughout his career.  Still debating and hopefully someone can make a compelling argument as to why to start to him 

I’m debating between Gallup & Cooks...I’m trying to talk myself into thinking that the Red Rifle might look Gallup’s way more than Dak did.

 

[tombonneau]

Debating...I need to choose 3 of the 4:  Claypool, Boyd, Gallup and Cooks....currently leaning on leaving him on the bench as he has been known to be inconsistent throughout his career.  Still debating and hopefully someone can make a compelling argument as to why to start to him 

Similar. Opted for Claypool over Cooks in wr2. I need to see this as an actual shift in scheme to focus on him in passing game before I trot him out again. 

 

[xenon]

Similar. Opted for Claypool over Cooks in wr2. I need to see this as an actual shift in scheme to focus on him in passing game before I trot him out again. 

Kind of where I am at too.....but always second guessing HA HA

 

[tombonneau]

Kind of where I am at too.....but always second guessing HA HA

I'd play him over Gallup though. They could be running a lot more now, at least out of gate. 

 

[Faust]

Brandin Cooks caught 9-of-9 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Texans' Week 6 loss to the Titans. 

Cooks now has 17 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns in two games since the Texans fired Bill O'Brien. The Texans' clear-cut No. 2 wideout is finally being treated like it by Deshaun Watson. Despite his deep-threat game, Cooks' score was a one-yarder on 4th-and-goal with under two minutes remaining in regulation. Cooks also received a goal-line carry he failed to convert for a touchdown. Heating up in time for bye weeks, Cooks will be an upside WR3 for next week's showdown with the Packers. 

Oct 18, 2020, 6:23 PM ET

 

[Truebluey]

Looking like a solid WR3 now, with WR2/1 upside.  His catch rate has been crazy good the past 2 weeks.

 

[tombonneau]

Looking like a solid WR3 now, with WR2/1 upside.  His catch rate has been crazy good the past 2 weeks.

Agreed. I was kind of surprised with people ready to throw dirt on him, especially in dynasty. I got him as an afterthought throw in and think he'll be a very viable WR2 type for several more years. He's only 26!!!

 

[iamkoza]

i was fearful cooks on the road on grass was going to be a disappointment and through 3 qtrs it was. looks like even without hop this offense can support two fantasy WR's.

 

[habsfan]

This is looking like a nice fantasy situation for him ROS.

 

[Buckna]

Rumors over the weekend that both Cooks and Fuller are on the trade block as well as a few other Texans. Worth mentioning especially since neither WR could be back with the team next year due to salary cap reasons (Fuller a FA, Cooks due a large unguaranteed salary) so it would make sense to deal them for whatever the Texans can get.

 

[travdogg]

Rumors over the weekend that both Cooks and Fuller are on the trade block as well as a few other Texans. Worth mentioning especially since neither WR could be back with the team next year due to salary cap reasons (Fuller a FA, Cooks due a large unguaranteed salary) so it would make sense to deal them for whatever the Texans can get.

I think its much more likely they deal someone like Stills, or Mercilus, or a high priced LB. 

I don't see them giving up on the season, as they are a couple bad breaks from being 4-2. They were right there with 2 undefeated teams in Pittsburgh and Tennessee. With 7 playoff teams I don't think teams will be as quick to pull the plug in their seasons.

 

[Buckna]

I think its much more likely they deal someone like Stills, or Mercilus, or a high priced LB. 

I don't see them giving up on the season, as they are a couple bad breaks from being 4-2. They were right there with 2 undefeated teams in Pittsburgh and Tennessee. With 7 playoff teams I don't think teams will be as quick to pull the plug in their seasons.

No way to know what Easterby is thinking, but if they lose to the Pack this weekend they are going to be likely 4 games back from the final playoff spot without much hope of catching up. Taking away weapons from Watson is not ideal, but with no premium draft picks next year and a horrible cap situation they will have to make some hard decisions. Fuller seems to be the most likely to go, odds of resigning him are low but likely no one will give much for a half season rental. Cooks may have more trade interest with guaranteed money not a factor and a higher return in trade but he could be retained and restructured next year.

Hopefully they can ship off Mercilus, not a bad player but it is a terrible contract. McKinney is out for the season. Cunningham is a good young LB’er that might bring a decent return in trade, hate to lose him but the salary relief would be nice and LB’er tends to be an easier position to fill in the draft. Roby could be a good candidate to be traded as well. Creates a lot more holes on defense, but the defense sucks anyway so why not start over?

 

[habsfan]

I'm not sure why Cooks has as many stickers on his suitcase as he does. He's been a productive player. Size maybe?

 

[Truebluey]

Rumors over the weekend that both Cooks and Fuller are on the trade block as well as a few other Texans. Worth mentioning especially since neither WR could be back with the team next year due to salary cap reasons (Fuller a FA, Cooks due a large unguaranteed salary) so it would make sense to deal them for whatever the Texans can get.

Would be unhappy to see that (I own both) as they are both well suited by Watson's talents.

Potential trade destinations I would be happy to see:

Fuller: Green Bay, Rams, NE (?), NO, PHI, 

Cooks: BAL, CHI, DEN, DET, IND, KC, NE, PHI, SF, WASH

But I'm not sure anyone is hurting enough for starting WRs to trade away a draft pick. NE doesn't usually do that, although they are clearly weakest at the position. PHI has a need because of injuries, but do they see themselves as contenders?

No idea about the salary space on any of these teams.

 

[jtd13]

I'm not sure why Cooks has as many stickers on his suitcase as he does. He's been a productive player. Size maybe?

I think the saints and pats moved him because they didn't want to pay him after his rookie contract, and they both got back what they spent. Saints because they had Thomas and didn't want to pay 2 WRs, and Pats because who knows. 

I think the Rams were in salary cap hell, and needed to move on from at least 2 of their massive contracts to make space in '21 to sign  the CB they had just given up 2 1sts for. The head injuries last year might have had something to do with choosing to pay Kupp and Woods over keeping Cooks. 

I don't think it's a major reflection on his play or attitude. He had been vocal about putting himself in a position to get good contracts before (which saints fans are still salty about). I don't really fault the guy for that, but it might play into how a couple teams chose to cash out on him instead of resigning him. 

 

[travdogg]

Would be unhappy to see that (I own both) as they are both well suited by Watson's talents.

Potential trade destinations I would be happy to see:

Fuller: Green Bay, Rams, NE (?), NO, PHI, 

Cooks: BAL, CHI, DEN, DET, IND, KC, NE, PHI, SF, WASH

But I'm not sure anyone is hurting enough for starting WRs to trade away a draft pick. NE doesn't usually do that, although they are clearly weakest at the position. PHI has a need because of injuries, but do they see themselves as contenders?

No idea about the salary space on any of these teams.

Also its tougher to trade because of COVID rules. Tougher to learn a new system, and tougher to get on the same page with teammates. Other than QB, nobody needs these things more than WR's.

 

[jtd13]

Would be unhappy to see that (I own both) as they are both well suited by Watson's talents.

Potential trade destinations I would be happy to see:

Fuller: Green Bay, Rams, NE (?), NO, PHI, 

Cooks: BAL, CHI, DEN, DET, IND, KC, NE, PHI, SF, WASH

But I'm not sure anyone is hurting enough for starting WRs to trade away a draft pick. NE doesn't usually do that, although they are clearly weakest at the position. PHI has a need because of injuries, but do they see themselves as contenders?

No idea about the salary space on any of these teams.

Man, all those seem like big downgrades, especially considering how in season trade guys struggle. Maybe GB would be a wash after a few weeks. 

I'm definitely hoping for no trade. 

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Man, all those seem like big downgrades, especially considering how in season trade guys struggle. Maybe GB would be a wash after a few weeks. 

I'm definitely hoping for no trade. 

Is there data around this to support it? First I've heard of it -- seems like there are a lot of guys who get traded and are instantly more productive given new roles, system, breath of fresh air, etc.

Fit certainly matters, but believe law of averages would show that traded guys go to teams that help their production as equally as much as to teams that hurt their prior levels.

 

[jtd13]

Is there data around this to support it? First I've heard of it -- seems like there are a lot of guys who get traded and are instantly more productive given new roles, system, breath of fresh air, etc.

Fit certainly matters, but believe law of averages would show that traded guys go to teams that help their production as equally as much as to teams that hurt their prior levels.

I have no data to support it, just going on feel. I would be happy to be proven wrong.

Who are some good examples of in season traded WRs that improved post trade? Now that you mention it, Amari Cooper jumps out as a plus. I was thinking of guys like Chris Chambers, Roy Williams, Percy Harvin, Kelvin Benjamin, and Golden Tate, who pretty much lost all production value after being traded in season.

 

[jtd13]

@Stompin' Tom Connors Here's an interesting article on WRs production after trade (would it have killed them to include production before the trade?). 

LINK

It looks like there have been more successful cases than I remembered. Even still, I prefer the comfort of both these guys staying in Houston.

 

[travdogg]

Even still, I prefer the comfort of both these guys staying in Houston.

Not a team looking for WR's, that have a better QB. If they stay put, Fuller and Cooks are both top-20 WR's going forward in my opinion. 

 

[Keith1]

I have no data to support it, just going on feel. I would be happy to be proven wrong.

Who are some good examples of in season traded WRs that improved post trade? Now that you mention it, Amari Cooper jumps out as a plus. 

Emmanuel Sanders last year as well. 

 

[The Frankman]

Brandin Cooks caught 7-of-9 targets for 60 yards in Houston's Week 7 loss to the Packers.

It was Cook's third consecutive game with at least nine targets as he finished with one fewer than Randall Cobb (10) for the team lead Sunday. Cooks has been the clear focal point for Romeo Crennel and OC Tim Kelly, seeing 30 concerted targets since Bill O'Brien was cut loose. The volume alone will continue to propel Cooks as a WR3 when the Texans return from the bye against the Jaguars.

- Rotoworld

 

[Faust]

Week 10 Dynasty Risers and Fallers: Brandin Cooks remains undervalued

Excerpt:

RISER: WR BRANDIN COOKS, HOUSTON TEXANS

Unsurprisingly, going from Jared Goff to Deshaun Watson has revived Cooks’ dynasty value in just one offseason. Cooks currently leads the Texans in targets (58) and is second in air yards (646), only 51 behind Will Fuller V. While many expect Fuller to operate as the No. 1 receiver in Houston, Cooks shouldn’t be so easily written off as the top pass-catcher for Watson. 

He dominated at Oregon State to the tune of 1,947 yards from scrimmage and 18 scores in his junior season. The Saints then spent first-round draft capital on him, and he broke out in his second NFL season. After his age 25 season in 2018, Cooks had 5,147 receiving yards. That total was the fifth-most in NFL history for a player before turning 26 years old. That put him between DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper on that list. He was a historic player with nothing but an impeccable track record of production to his name. 

Then, last year, Cooks popped up on the injury report with a concussion twice and played for a quarterback who averaged 7.7 air yards per attempt. Cooks has posted an average depth of target below 11.8 yards since his rookie season. 

He’s now healthy and playing for a quarterback who can properly utilize his skill set. Having just turned 27, Cooks easily projects to post multiple WR2 seasons in the coming years as long as Houston holds on to him. Despite recouping some of his lost value through half a season with Houston, he remains underpriced in dynasty leagues. 

 

[Keith1]

do we play him in the expected horrible weather in Cleveland ? 

 

[The Frankman]

Brandin Cooks caught 6-of-8 targets for 39 yards in the Texans' Week 10 loss to the Browns. 

The passing game wasn't it for the Texans today, as it was not an effective means of moving the ball in windy Cleveland. Cooks' 39 yards were by far his fewest since Bill O'Brien's firing. Cooks has been a WR1 since BOB was sent packing, but he should settle in as a mid-range WR2 for the season's stretch run. The Patriots are an approachable Week 11 matchup.

- Rotoworld

 

[TLEF316]

So....do we think the Fuller suspension is good or bad for Cooks?

Probably in line for more targets but also increased attention. I'm kinda thinking slight negative.

 

[tricky92]

So....do we think the Fuller suspension is good or bad for Cooks?

Probably in line for more targets but also increased attention. I'm kinda thinking slight negative.

I think this will impact Watson much more than Cooks. But, Cooks will probably become a target monster.

 

[Double]

Cooks has beasted for 1000 yards with multiple teams and multiple QB’s. Watson can sling it. I think Cooks owners just got themselves a WR1 for the rest of the season. 

 

[Buckna]

He’s been WR14 in PPG since BOB was fired, seems like a big positive in terms of targets. Biggest issue is a much rougher schedule coming up with 2 games against the Colts and Chicago still has a top 10 pass defense as well. Nice week 16 matchup

 

[travdogg]

He’s been WR14 in PPG since BOB was fired, seems like a big positive in terms of targets. Biggest issue is a much rougher schedule coming up with 2 games against the Colts and Chicago still has a top 10 pass defense as well. Nice week 16 matchup

Colts haven't been a tough defense since early in the season. That isn't a tough matchup at all. Bears could be, but could also have a bad enough offense that the short fields more than make up for it.

 

[Buckna]

Colts haven't been a tough defense since early in the season. That isn't a tough matchup at all. Bears could be, but could also have a bad enough offense that the short fields more than make up for it.

The #4 pass defense in the league isn't tough?

 

[travdogg]

The #4 pass defense in the league isn't tough?

Very skewed by the first half of the season, which also was packed with easy matchups. 

 

[Long Ball Larry]

How do we feel about him with both fuller and Cobb now out?  I assume stills is still out?

I think he can run most of the deeper routes that fuller does.

i actually had a dream last night that he 20 catches and 4 touchdowns.

edit: I see now that stills was released so...

 

[Wrigley]

How do we feel about him with both fuller and Cobb now out?  I assume stills is still out?

I think he can run most of the deeper routes that fuller does.

i actually had a dream last night that he 20 catches and 4 touchdowns.

edit: I see now that stills was released so...

that would work

 

[cloppbeast]

i actually had a dream last night that he 20 catches and 4 touchdowns.

Putting the fantasy in football there.

 

[jtd13]

While it wasn't nice that he was 3rd in yards on the team today, I'm happy to see he didn't get a concussion on that bad head hit (they evaluated him for awhile but he came back in). That's encouraging given his history. 

 

[sho nuff]

While it wasn't nice that he was 3rd in yards on the team today, I'm happy to see he didn't get a concussion on that bad head hit (they evaluated him for awhile but he came back in). That's encouraging given his history. 

Yeah. Scary for him for sure.  Selfish want him you  score more points.  But more thankful its not another concussion as you would think it would be something that could end his career.

 

[Faust]

Brandin Cooks (foot, neck) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Cooks was checked for a concussion in Week 13 but cleared the evaluation and returned against the Colts. He's obviously dealing with a neck issue instead but should be fine for Week 14 against the Bears.

Dec 9, 2020, 5:45 PM ET