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Brandin Cooks entered his ninth season with high expectations. Cooks and second-year quarterback Davis Mills were expected to lean on each other heavily with the lack of talent within the Houston Texans' offense. Midway through the season, the former Oregon State Beaver is the WR44 on the year, averaging 10.5 PPG.
Amid frustrations with the Texans' organization and performance thus far this year, Cooks was held out of Houston's Week 9 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran playmaker's name circulated intensely approaching the trade deadline.
Many fantasy owners are pondering whether or not they should drop Brandin Cooks after this week's no-show. What happened with Brandin Cooks this year? Should you drop Brandin Cooks in fantasy football?
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What Happened With Brandin Cooks in Fantasy Football?
Brandin Cooks was being drafted as a mid-tier WR2 in many fantasy drafts this season. The longtime reliable fantasy star has failed to come through for his fantasy owners in 2022. Cooks remains the team leader in receptions and receiving yards for a 1-6-1 Houston Texans squad.
Cooks' target share has dropped 3.8% from last year, commanding a respectable 23.1% portion of Davis Mills' targets. The one-time vertical deep threat has seen his average depth of target deteriorate to 9.6 yards this year. Nico Collins is averaging 16.9 yards per reception this year and has overtaken Cooks' role as the downfield receiver.
The two-time Super Bowl runner-up has grown frustrated with being stuck in a poor franchise. Head coach Lovie Smith has stated that Cooks has rejoined the Texans' squad following their 29-17 loss against the undefeated Eagles.
Should I Drop Brandin Cooks in Fantasy Football?
Unless you are in an eight-team league or smaller, Brandin Cooks is likely better than any wide receiver on your waiver wire. Disappointed fantasy owners have reached their limit with Cooks' mediocre fantasy play this year. Releasing him to free agency is likely an unwise choice.
After seeing 22 targets in the first two weeks of the season, the 29-year-old is averaging 6.2 targets per game. He's had just as many weekly finishes outside the top-60 wide receivers (two) as he has top-24 finishes. Nonetheless, Cooks is a very talented wide receiver that remains the top target in Houston.
Cooks should remain on your bench as long as he's suiting up next Sunday. His upside is too high to release to the waiver wire.
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