Week 2 at Browns
Brandin Cooks is well on his way to posting his sixth-career 1,000-yard season and he totaled 132 receiving yards in Week 1. He certainly is no Tyreek Hill, but wouldn't it be something if he could post even close to the numbers Hill did against the Browns in Week 1 (11/197/1)? Tyrod Taylor may have to force-feed Cooks the ball if Houston wants to hang in with the Browns in Week 2, so the upside is there as Flex or even a WR2.
Week 1 vs Jaguars
If there's at least one shining light in Houston's offense, it's Brandin Cooks. Despite having bounced around the league (Houston is Cooks' fourth team entering his eighth season), he still produces at a quality level, posting his fifth 1,000-yard season in 2020. Of course, that was with DeShaun Watson at quarterback. Now he has Tyrod Taylor. But with really no one else stepping up in the offense (and with Houston trading Randall Cobb and cutting Keke Coutee), Cooks will be the focal point of Houston's offense. His talent alone makes him a solid flex option against the Jaguars.
Fantasy Upside
Brandin Cooks is coming off his fifth season with more than 1,000 receiving yards. The receiver, who is playing on his fourth team in seven seasons, is well-positioned to succeed -- at least individually speaking. Besides Cooks, the Texans have 2020 fifth-round pick Isaiah Coulter and slot receivers Randall Cobb and Keke Coutee along with a handful of free-agent additions and incoming rookie Nico Collins, a promising prospect. So there's no mystery about Cooks' role (with Will Fuller moving on in free agency, Cooks is the clear-cut No. 1).
Fantasy Downside
Deshaun Watson's off-field issues and insistence he won't play for the team again leave plenty of questions about who Cooks' quarterback will be. Of course, the Watson uncertainty looms ominously for multiple Texans. But Cooks, who led the team in receptions with 81 and posted his fifth 1,000-yard season (1,150) in 2020 will likely bear the brunt. Without Watson, Cooks and the offense appear to be overmatched.
2021 Bottom Line
While the ongoing QB drama is clearly an issue, it should also drive Cooks' price down considerably. Even without Watson, Cooks is by far the most viable receiving play here. Expecting him to produce, even if Tyrod Taylor is his triggerman, isn't a reach.
Week 17 vs. Tennessee Titans
With Deshaun Watson again throwing for over 300 yards last week, Brandin Cooks had a big performance, recording seven grabs for 141 yards and his fourth TD of ‘20. He needs only 16 yards in the finale for his fifth 1,000-yard season over his seven-year career. In the overtime loss to the Titans in October, Cooks snagged nine passes for 68 yards and a score.
Week 16 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
In the loss to the Colts last week, Brandin Cooks was targeted seven times, leading to six grabs for 59 yards. It was a bit of a disappointing fantasy outing though, as Deshaun Watson threw for over 370 yards with two TDs. The Bengals are No. 20 against the pass, so look for Cooks to have a solid showing on Sunday.
Week 15 at Indianapolis Colts
After missing last week’s contest with foot and neck injuries, Brandin Cooks should return on Sunday at Indy. Deshaun Watson was held to 219 passing yards in the loss to the Bears, so having Cooks back would help the aerial attack. He snagged five passes for 65 yards earlier this month against the Colts.
Week 14 at Chicago Bears
Despite experiencing concussion-like symptoms during last week’s game versus Indianapolis, Brandin Cooks caught five passes for 65 yards. With Will Fuller suspended for the rest of the season, Cooks will continue to be a top target of Deshaun Watson’s. He has been cleared to play this week and has a decent matchup against an average Bears pass defense.
Week 13 vs. Indianapolis Colts
While it was fellow WR Will Fuller with the huge outing on Thanksgiving Brandin Cooks caught all five of his targets for 85 yards in the win. While he hasn’t found the end zone in three straight Cooks has recorded at least 80 yards five times this season. Indianapolis owns the No. 7 pass defense, but Cooks should see more looks in the Texans aerial attack with Fuller being suspended through the rest of the regular season.
Week 12 at Detroit Lions
In the win over New England last week, Brandin Cooks did most of his damage in the first half, as he led Houston with 85 yards on four catches. In the past six contests, Cooks is averaging six receptions for 83 yards, with two of his three TDs this season coming during that span. The Lions are No. 25 against the pass so Cooks makes for a WR2 option on Thursday.
Week 11 vs. New England Patriots
In the loss at Cleveland last week, Brandin Cooks turned eight targets into six receptions for 39 yards. Deshaun Watson was held to just 163 passing yards by the Browns defense and windy conditions. Even though New England owns a good pass defense look for better things from the Texans aerial attack on Sunday, making Cooks a WR3/flex option.
