UPDATE: Kupp (ankle) is unlikely to play Sunday vs. the Raiders, but the Rams will work him out before the game just be sure, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is expected to play, also per Schefter.
With Kupp ruled out again, the Rams’ offense will continue to flow through RB Kyren Williams ($8,100), who makes for one of the best DFS plays on Sunday’s main slate. Las Vegas has allowed the fourth most FPTS to opposing running backs this season, and just got carved up by Najee Harris last week for 106 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Williams has seen 21 or more RB opportunities in four-of-five games this year, and Sean McVay will continue to feed his bell-cow in this dream spot, as seven-point home favorites.
With Whittington ($4,800) expected to go, he remains as a decent value at this sub-$5K price tag. The former Texas Longhorn has seen a combined 18 targets over his past two games, which he’s turned into 12.2 and 15.9 FPTS. Even with the Raiders being stingy against opposing wideouts this season, Whittington’s low-aDOT role makes him a pretty sure bet for double-dight FPTS, especially with DraftKings’ full-PPR scoring.
– Landon Silinsky
Once a lock to be one of the top wide receivers on a weekly basis, it has been a rapid fall from grace for Cooper Kupp.
The former Super Bowl MVP has not played more than 12 games in a season since 2021 and has been limited to just two games this year. Most recently, he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2. Kupp was kept off IR, which opened the door for a more rapid return to the field, but his status is still not certain this week.
Kupp is officially listed as questionable, with head coach Sean McVay indicating the decision could be made closer to kickoff. He has been a limited participant in practice to this point. In all likelihood, this will be a decision made on Sunday morning.
How have the Rams fared without Cooper Kupp?
The Los Angeles Rams have not gotten off to the start they desired this season. They hold a 1-4 record, ranking 25th in scoring and 16th in yards produced on offense. Defensively, Los Angeles ranks 29th in points allowed and 28th in yards given up.
While Kupp may take most of the headlines, the Rams have dealt with plenty of injuries beyond the star pass catcher. Puka Nacua has also landed on IR due to a knee injury providing the offense with another difficult hit. While he is eligible to return this week, Nacua still seems a few weeks away. In addition, the Rams have dealt with a few key offensive line injuries.
Though their on-field play has not been up to the set standards, injuries have been a notable hurdle the Rams have failed to clear. They now hold +600 odds of making the playoffs on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Cooper Kupp Fantasy Outlook
If Kupp can return to the field and look like himself, the fantasy football outlook is clear. However, it is fair to be skeptical until we can see him in action.
The last time Kupp had a fully healthy season, he won the Triple Crown. While it was only in 2021 that Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16), this feels like an eternity ago.
For what it is worth, Kupp shined in the opening week. The 31-year-old had 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 loss to the Lions. He ranked second among wide receivers and third among all fantasy football performers.
If Kupp is on the field and healthy, there will be enough targets sent in his direction for him to make a strong impact in fantasy football lineups. But keep an eye on the injury report leading up to the Week 7 matchup with the Raiders before counting on the veteran wide receiver.
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