2021 Player Outlook: Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver, LA Rams

WR Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)

2020 PPR Ranking: 26

Offseason Changes

• QB Matthew Stafford obtained in trade for Jared Goff
• WR Tutu Atwell drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft
• TE Gerald Everett signed with the Seattle Seahawks
• RB Cam Akers out for 2021 season with an Achilles injury

Projected Stats: 1100 – 1175 Receiving Yards, 100-108 Receptions, 6-8 TDs

2021 PPR Projected Ranking: 17

Overall Outlook

As the 2021 season approaches, I find myself moving Cooper Kupp further and further up my rankings. The recipe for a great fantasy season is certainly coming together. In 2020, Kupp displayed his normal PPR brilliance snagging 92 passes. However, the Rams offense was inconsistent all season mirroring the play of then quarterback Jared Goff. As a result, Kupp’s other numbers declined. He posted a career-low in touchdowns and a dip in receiving yards. 

For 2021, exit Goff and enter Matthew Stafford. This is great news for Kupp and fellow star wide receiver Robert Woods. Stafford’s big arm and ability to make throws down the field will lead to far better opportunities for his pass catchers. With Stafford at the helm, I expect the offense to return to their 2019 form. That season, Kupp had a monster year finishing with 1,161 yards, 94 receptions, and 10 touchdowns. Kupp ended the year as WR4 in overall points and WR7 in average points per game.

Outside of Stafford, I like the addition of 2021 third-round draft pick Tutu Atwell. His skill set should complement Kupp and Woods perfectly. Atwell should not present a significant threat to target volume but his 4.3 speed should stretch the field vertically. In turn, this should open up the middle of the field, a place where Kupp thrives. Another change to the offense this year is the unfortunate loss of Cam Akers to an Achilles injury. This loss should force the Rams to lean on the passing game even more. Darrell Henderson and a committee backs will get their share, but look for the short passing game to potentially supplant some of the volume that may have gone Akers’s way.

From a receptions standpoint, Kupp has been remarkably consistent in his career thus far. Since 2018, he has averaged over around six receptions per game. He also possesses an upside for increased touchdown production based on the 10 he posted in 2019. Kupp is a sneaky value this year. He is a fantastic target as your WR2 in drafts that you can get at an ideal spot. Overall, I view Kupp as a lock for a top 24 finish with plenty of upside for a WR1 season.