Should I Pickup Brandin Cooks For Fantasy Football Week 17? Waiver Wire Outlook

The Houston Texans finally won a football game on Sunday, claiming their first victory since way back in Week 5. The team also welcomed back their top wide receiver, Brandin Cooks, after being sidelined with a calf injury the past three games.

Was it a coincidence that the team finally won a game at the same time they got their best pass catcher back in the lineup? Cooks had a productive game, and it certainly helped the Texans pull out the victory.

But is there more of this to come? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues after his Week 16 showing?

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What Did Brandin Cooks Do In Week 16 Fantasy Football?

Cooks is a veteran and knows how to run routes. He is a skilled receiver who adds speed and intelligence on the football field. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, he remains on the worst team in the NFL, compromising his fantasy value.

However, in his return on Sunday, Cooks showed glimpses of hope for his owners, catching four balls for 34 receiving yards and one touchdown.

His 13.4 fantasy points were nice, but nothing to write home about. However, after missing three games, he saw nine targets, which is very encouraging for fantasy managers as the team heads into a friendly matchup versus Jacksonville in Week 17.

Were There Any Worrying Signs With Brandin Cooks In Week 16?

It wasn't all good for Cooks on Sunday. The raw numbers were solid, but he was targeted nine times, only capitalizing on four of those looks for just 34 yards.

His touchdown saved his fantasy day, but if he is to be considered a recommended option moving forward, he must find a way to connect more with quarterback Davis Mills.

Let's be honest, Mills is not Patrick Mahomes, he is not Josh Allen, and he's not even Mac Jones. He is an average to below-average quarterback who plays for a terrible football team. But he has shown he likes to look for Cooks often, which must continue if he wants to provide any fantasy value to owners in need.

Should I Pickup Brandin Cooks Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

The Texans' Week 17 opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars, is one of the weaker teams in the NFL when it comes to defending the pass. On the season, they are giving up 12.1 receptions and 21.9 fantasy points to the wide receiver position.

The good news is that Cooks should continue to maintain a significant role in the offense for the rest of the season. The bad is that poor quarterback play could mean he doesn't provide any impact from a fantasy perspective as we head into championship weekend.

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