The wide receiver position is always a big one in fantasy football, and this week, it is no different. Any receiver can make a big catch at any moment, but which ones have shown the ability to sustain consistency this year?
With that in mind, let’s look at Brandin Cooks and Elijah Moore. Both receivers have shown the ability to make plays, but they have also been inconsistent this year.
Should You Start Brandin Cooks or Elijah Moore for Fantasy Football in Week 9?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say managers should start Cooks. He is projected to have 9.2 fantasy points on four catches for 45 yards — just ahead of Moore by the slightest of margins. The Browns receiver is projected to have 9.1 points.
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With this being such a close one, which of these two receivers is more likely to get in the end zone? For that reason, I go against the Start/Sit Optimizer on this one and go with Moore.
Moore’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
I know, when you look at the season stats, Moore is yet to get in the end zone. However, the Cleveland Browns have their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson back. PJ Walker has been the guy in the last three games, and he has only thrown one touchdown compared to five interceptions.
The entire Browns passing game has been dismal, but getting Watson back should be an important advantage. Despite not having strong quarterback play, Moore has been targeted consistently this year. He has been targeted 48 times in seven games — just a shade under seven a game. He has at least four targets every game, meaning he is getting the ball.
The Cardinals haven’t been that great against the pass, allowing 225.1 yards per game (19th). This is the game that Moore gets in the end zone. Arizona will focus on Amari Cooper more and look for Watson to find Moore for a score to go along with at least five catches and 60 yards.
Cooks’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Cooks has shown throughout his career that he can put up big numbers with anybody at the quarterback position. In six of his first nine years, Cooks had at least 65 catches and 1,037 yards. It is this consistent play that had the Dallas Cowboys very interested in him in the offseason.
While it seemed like a perfect fit, Cooks hasn’t been nearly as involved in the offense as the team and fantasy managers would have liked. Ever since the Week 3 loss to the Cardinals, Cooks has had four targets in the last four games. Up next for the Cowboys is the Philadelphia Eagles, and they have struggled to stop teams from passing.
The Eagles rank 26th in pass defense, allowing 247.5 yards. While that should mean more opportunities for receivers, Cooks is currently fifth on the team in catches, so guys like CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Jake Ferguson all figure to get more targets in this game than Cooks.
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