Cooper Kupp has struggled with injuries since winning the NFL’s triple crown for most receptions, yards and touchdowns in the LA Rams’ Super Bowl-winning 2021 season. The wide receiver has started 21 of 34 possible games since and has seen his value in fantasy plummet with the emergence of Puka Nacua in 2023.
Kupp has an average draft position of No. 37 as the WR18 (as per Fantasy Pros), which means he could represent incredible value or be a potential bust. If Kupp’s injuries are behind him, he could be in for a bounce-back season and easily be in the top five receivers in 2024.
Cooper Kupp managed 59 receptions for 737 yards and 5 touchdowns in 12 games, most of which he was not 100% healthy for, he is well worth drafting at his ADP and possibly a few picks earlier. Put simply, the Rams WR is definitely being slept on due to his injury history and Puka Nacua.
Cooper Kupp’s 2024 fantasy outlook
While many will look at Cooper Kupp as a risk in fantasy this year, it is worth bearing in mind that every player can get injured. Yes, Kupp has a recent injury history and is 31 years old, so the caution is understandable. That said, Christian McCaffrey has been given similar treatment in previous years and we all saw how that worked out with the San Francisco 49ers.
Kupp has great chemistry with QB Matthew Stafford, who has struggled with injuries himself since winning the Super Bowl. If the two can stay healthy in 2024, Kupp could be one of the comeback stories of the year.
For those worrying about Puka Nacua, the sophomore is the WR2 on the Rams depth chart, with Kupp the WR1. Considering a banged-up Cooper Kupp managed a WR41 finish in 12 games (not all of which he finished) and broke 17 points on three occasions, expect a good campaign.
It seems wise to expect Kupp to miss a game or two in 2024, but if he manages 15 games, he will offer a very good return on a third-round pick. A healthy and resurgent Cooper Kupp should be targeting a 1,300-yard season with 10 TDs.
Also read: Garrett Wilson’s fantasy outlook: Could the Jets WR explode in 2024 with Aaron Rodgers?
Rams HC Sean McVay on Cooper Kupp’s injury status
LA Rams HC Sean McVay spoke to reporters about Cooper Kupp in early June, and the signs are certainly positive (via USA Today):
“Really, similar to Matthew in ‘22 and then Cooper last year, I don’t think anybody really understands the amount of things that both of those guys were working through in each of those years,” McVay said.
“That gives you an appreciation, and I think both of them an appreciation for how much they love this game and how much more fun it is when you’re feeling good. But you talk about a guy that’s really set the tempo for the way that this offseason has gone.
“I’m not surprised, but you sure are impressed with just the consistency, the work ethic, the growth mindset, and how that influences and affects the rest of the guys that he’s around. This guy’s a stud. I love him. I’m really happy to see where he’s at right now.”
It will be interesting to see if 2024 is Cooper Kupp’s year, as with him fully healthy the Rams could make a lot of noise in the postseason.
Other WR fantasy outlooks: George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Drake London & Terry McLaurin.