Fantasy outlook: Analyzing Cooper Kupp’s value in dynasty leagues
Cooper Kupp. That’s all that needs to be said in this article. I shouldn’t have to go into deep detail about how Kupp is in the upper echelon of wide receivers in fantasy football. But I’m a man of the people, and since I’m contractually obligated to type words on a screen, I’ll expand on why Kupp is still a fantastic option in dynasty leagues.
The Los Angeles Rams recently signed Kupp to a three-year extension, keeping him with the franchise through the 2026 season. His extension makes him one of the highest-paid wideouts in the NFL — and deservedly so — as he now leads all wide receivers in total guarantees at $75 million.
Following his shiny new contract extension, what is Kupp’s value in dynasty leagues entering the 2022 season?
Draft projection
Kupp put together a historic season in 2021, hauling in 145 passes for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading all wide receivers in all three categories. Due to his performance a season ago, Kupp currently has an ADP of 6.5, according to FantasyPros.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Kupp is one of the first players taken off of the board, especially with him being the clear No. 1 target for Matthew Stafford. Also, even with the Rams signing Allen Robinson in the offseason, that could actually aid Kupp in the aerial attack.
If you’re hoping to get Kupp in your startup dynasty drafts, you’ll likely need to get a pick inside the top six.
Position ranking
At the wide receiver position, Kupp is the third player taken in dynasty drafts. Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are typically the first two wide receivers selected, largely due to them being younger than Kupp.
Kupp finished as WR1 by a wide margin a season ago, recording 367 fantasy points in half-PPR leagues. The second-most points scored by a wideout in 2021 was Deebo Samuel with 300.5.
The Rams should continue being one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL, and with Stafford still orchestrating from under center, Kupp has the chance to be the highest-scoring wideout again in 2022.
Long-term value
As previously mentioned, the Rams handed Kupp a new three-year extension, which will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent until 2027. Given the confidence that Los Angeles has in Kupp long-term, there is reason to believe we can get a few more years of WR1 production out of the Eastern Washington product.
Kupp turned 29 years old just yesterday, and we’ve seen wide receivers begin to decline in their early 30s, but we saw massive improvements from him in 2021 at 28 years old. If you’re in win-now mode in your dynasty leagues, Kupp could be a fantastic trade target or someone to select in drafts.
People tend to avoid players in dynasty leagues once they approach 30 years old, however, Kupp should be an exception to the rule due to the offense he’s in, how he performed in 2021, and the fact he’s linked to Stafford for a few more years.
1
1
