Though we expected Amari Cooper to finally find consistency under “WR1 Whisperer” Jon Gruden, he’s been as maddening as ever to begin 2018. Through three weeks, Cooper has sandwiched a meaty 10 catch, 116 yard Week 2 gem in between two week-ruining, vomit-inducing disappearing efforts: 1-of-3 for 9 yards in Week 1 versus the Rams, as well as a 2-of-5, 17 yard clunker against the Dolphins. With just equal amounts of week-winning upside and week-losing downside, Cooper seems bench bound until he flashes enough consistency to trust… which may be never.
“The main vein of our massing game.”
“The focal point and headliner of our offense.”
“A young Tim Brown we’ll move around a lot.”
How many disturbing lies are you going to squeak through those tightly pursed lips, Gruden?
For a “main vein,” Cooper seems bound to provide cardiac arrest in 2018. Though he has all the natural ability in the world, Cooper’s long plagued owners with unreliability. Last year, Cooper topped double digit FPs (half PPR) in just 5 of 14 games, including 5 games under 10 yards. Moreover, despite topping 1,000 yards in each of the two seasons prior, Cooper never has had more than 8 games of double-digit half PPR fantasy points in a single season.
Simply put, Cooper is truly Fantasy Football’s Houdini. He always has been, and despite seemingly a shot to buck the trend under Gruden, Cooper seems destined to always be. Granted, his owner is probably infuriated, so if you can “Buy Low” for a sack of plodders, take a stab. The rest of the schedule is loaded with cream puffs, and Cooper encouragingly has found plenty more slot usage. Still, he’s more likely to remain a headache than turn it around, so don’t sacrifice too much.
