Fantasy Upside
Amari Cooper established himself as the top receiver in Dallas rain, shine, soft tissue injuries, and hurt quarterbacks be damned. Cooper set a career-high in receptions in 2020 with 92 and topped 1,100 receiving yards for the third time in his career (2016, 2019-20). Cooper has put up high-end WR2 numbers with Dak Prescott as his quarterback and was a benefactor of Prescott’s hot start in 2020. Cooper had double-digit targets in three of four games Prescott finished and two games with 100-plus yards receiving and double-digit receptions. 2020 was also the third time Cooper was targeted 130-plus times and his first time as a Cowboy. The addition of CeeDee Lamb altered Cooper’s role some in the passing offense, but it is clear that no matter the QB under center, he is the lead dog.
Fantasy Downside
Prescott is better than the combination of Cowboys replacement quarterbacks. It is easier for a less experienced or familiar signal caller to target the assumed top receiver. Cooper’s chemistry with Prescott is obvious, but he also has experience with Michael Gallup, Blake Jarwin, Ezekiel Elliott, and Tony Pollard. If Cooper’s targets drop there should be a concern. He finished 2020 with his lowest Average Depth of Target (aDOT) of his career. The return of a healthy offensive line could also mean more running plays. In 2019, the Cowboys passed the ball 57% of the time and were 19th in neutral game scripts. That percentage went up to 61% and 10th in 2020. How likely will Cowboys Offensive Coordinator keep a higher pace when all of his best players are available and expected to be leading?
Cooper has also suffered from soft tissue injuries throughout his career. He has not missed significant time in two years as a Cowboy, but the constant injury designations are enough to scare fantasy players away.
2021 Bottom Line
Cooper projects as a top 15 wide receiver with WR1 upside. He has shown his ability to soak up targets no matter the quarterback and has shone with Kellen Moore as the play caller/designer in Dallas.
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