Please Not Again

Alvin Kamara was at practice, which makes Travis Etienne Jr. less intriguing as it reduces ETN's three-down role opportunity. Dr. Daniel Cooper expresses hope that Kamara misses the game so Etienne can see all three-down work against Detroit.

Bijan Robinson's value is strong enough to justify acquiring him via trade even in deep leagues. In a 14-team league, Dr. Daniel Cooper endorses trading Travis Etienne and Jadarian Price for Robinson, stating 'the value is so damn good that even if depth makes a very important component of our roster in league settings like this, you still have to go through and make the trade.' In a 10-team, two-receiver, one-flex league, Cooper calls trading Gentry and Bowers for Robinson 'super easy,' noting he would not have made this trade a month ago but the Bowers knee surgery and Gentry ankle injury change the calculus.

Dr. Daniel Cooper would trade Brock Bowers for Breece Hall in rest-of-season value, ranking Hall above the injured Bowers. Hall is fully healthy and removed from injury report, making him a strong play in RB2 or flex spots. Cooper lists Hall as a flex start and notes he will get the three-down workload for the Jets and appears fully healthy. Hall is identified as a must-play in one of the flex spots due to his locked-in role.

Brevin Jordan carries a 54% implied probability of recording 50+ rushing yards and is the only running back in the Jaguars backfield capable of catching passes, giving him dual-threat role advantage over Chris Rodriguez (31% probability for 50+ yards). Market data strongly prefers Jordan over Rodriguez in a game where the Jaguars are heavy favorites.

Dr. Daniel Cooper notes Brian Thomas has an uncertain workload but is in a good spot with the Jaguars heavily favored against the Cleveland Browns. However, Cooper advises against playing Thomas over Jamo or other wide receivers on the bench this week, suggesting limited confidence in his immediate role despite the favorable matchup.

Raiders all-pro tight end underwent meniscus trim surgery Tuesday with expected 1-2 game absence after injury sustained in camp and diagnosed last week. Historical context: Bowers played through similar injury last season (week 1), posting 8.8, 9.8, and 9.6 fantasy points in weeks 2-4 before shutdown weeks 5-7, then returning healthy to score 43 points. Dr. Daniel Cooper moved Bowers from TE20-21 to behind Trey McBride in rest-of-season rankings due to injury risk and potential for playing at half-strength upon return. Injury news caused Raiders' win probability to drop from 64% to 60% on Polymarket, indicating material fantasy impact from his absence.

Bucky Irving is recommended as a starting running back in a potential shootout against the Cincinnati Bengals, and is included in Dr. Daniel Cooper's optimal lineup recommendations for the week.

Dr. Daniel Cooper designates Calvin Ridley (Pickens) as an auto-start every week regardless of matchup, indicating elite tier status and guaranteed offensive role.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers Carnell Tate over Michael Pittman rest of season, though for week one specifically Pittman is favored due to Tate's first NFL game and the lowest-scoring game environment projection in the entire league. Cooper prefers Tate over MarShawn Lloyd rest of season in a flex start/sit decision, despite acknowledging both have very low floors. The preference for Tate long-term is based on his upside relative to Pittman, but the short-term concern about his NFL debut and poor game environment makes Pittman the safer week-one play.

Dr. Daniel Cooper lists Chase Brown as an auto-start in the flex spot; he also notes that Chase Brown represents a clear upgrade over Andre Etienne in a trade, and becomes especially appealing now that Darren Bowers is having surgery and missing games—if Etienne returns sooner than expected, the Brown side of the trade becomes more attractive.

Dr. Daniel Cooper would trade Brock Bowers for Chris Olave in rest-of-season value, ranking Olave above the injured Bowers. Cooper identifies Olave as an auto-start at wide receiver, indicating strong weekly confidence.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Christian Watson as a flex play this week specifically due to Josh Jacobs being out for the Packers, which forces the team to lean heavier on the pass over the run. Watson is listed as an auto-start wide receiver alongside Jefferson, and Cooper ranks him back-to-back with Luther Burden and Jameson Williams for flex consideration. Cooper also notes Watson has a 49% implied probability of recording 60+ receiving yards and a 52% probability of fewer than 60 receiving yards, indicating near-even market expectations. However, Cooper prefers Breece Hall over Watson when choosing between a running back with a guaranteed three-down workload and a wide receiver. The Packers' pass-happy setup without Jacobs creates favorable big-play upside for Watson this week.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Chuba Hubbard if Jonathan Brooks misses the game, positioning him as the clear primary option to jam into the Eagles backfield. If Brooks gets ruled out, Hubbard becomes an easy flex play and would be played over alternatives like Bayshell Tuten. In deeper 16-team league formats, Hubbard is identified as a valuable acquisition who 'very easily could be startable.'

DJ Moore faces a really tough matchup at wide receiver but must be played anyway; he is fully healthy and presents a clearer play than Romeo Doubs, who is missing practice. Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers Moore over Doubs in flex despite the difficult opponent. Cooper absolutely hates the spot going up against the Texans and Stingley but still recommends playing Moore. Cooper also calls DJ Moore an easy setup at wide receiver over Washington despite a tough matchup context, emphasizing his locked-in role in the offense.

Dr. Daniel Cooper favors Swift in flex due to favorable matchup and game environment against Carolina. Cooper recommends playing both Swift and Jamal Williams, as both project to see work on all three downs.

Dr. Daniel Cooper strongly recommends playing De'Andre Swift this week, describing him as essentially a lock with a great matchup against the Carolina Panthers and an expected ridiculous amount of volume. Swift is identified as a very easy auto-start play in combination with Gentry. However, with Kalen Guy now cleared from the injury report, Cooper downgrades Swift from his previous ranking to running back 16 in week-one rankings, as Swift loses volume to Guy's return. Despite this downgrade, Swift should be played with or without Kalen Ballage in the lineup.

Dallas Goedert is positioned as the lead second target in the Eagles offense behind Devonta Smith, with early-season injuries to Mekhi Becton and Elias Stowers creating opportunity for him to be in a good spot.

Dr. Daniel Cooper ranks Dalton Schultz below George Kittle at tight end, preferring Kittle even though Kittle is returning from injury this week. Schultz is deprioritized in favor of Kittle in flex spot decisions.

Darren Waller is passed over in favor of George Kittle at tight end for week one, even with Kittle being in his first week back from injury.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers Davante Adams in flex spots over players like Bayshaud Breeland and Jeremiah Love due to role certainty.

Dr. Daniel Cooper identifies David Montgomery (Gibbs) as the auto start at running back, indicating elite confidence in his production this week.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Achane as an auto-start every week regardless of matchup, indicating strong confidence in his role and production.

DeVonta Smith was acquired in a trade where Jaylen Waddle was traded away. Dr. Daniel Cooper rates this as a 'slight up tier,' indicating Smith has more fantasy value than Waddle in the trade.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers George Kittle over Dalton Schultz and other tight end options despite it being Kittle's first week back from injury, suggesting confidence in his immediate impact. Cooper ranks Kittle ahead of Schultz, Darren Waller, and Mark Andrews in various lineup decisions, positioning him as a top-tier tight end play.

Dr. Daniel Cooper would trade Brock Bowers for George Pickens in rest-of-season value, ranking Pickens above the injured Bowers. Cooper also designates Pickens as an auto-start every week regardless of matchup, indicating elite confidence in his production and guaranteed role.

Dr. Daniel Cooper is excited to see Jadarian Price play but recommends waiting to see week one results before starting him in week two; he also notes Price is a rookie and recommends waiting to see his role before making a play on him. Cooper acknowledges it's "a little shaky" to play Price in his first-ever NFL game but frames it as a fun play for the week.

Jahmyr Gibbs is recommended as a start alongside Jared Goff, with context that the Lions project to be one of the highest scoring offenses in the league. Gibbs is selected as the running back start in a decision between him and Bucky Irving, and is recommended as the running back play for the week in the optimal lineup.

Dr. Daniel Cooper ranks Hurts alongside Jameson Williams and Christian Watson back-to-back-to-back at the position, with the caveat that you play Hurts if he plays; if Rome (Odunze) plays, Cooper would go with Jameson Williams instead. Love is presented as a close alternative to Jayden Daniels at the quarterback position, though Daniels is preferred.

Jaylen Hurts was acquired in a trade where Jayden Daniels was traded away. Dr. Daniel Cooper rates this as a lateral move, indicating roughly equal fantasy value between the two quarterbacks.

Dr. Daniel Cooper advises against starting Jalen Nailor despite Brock Bowers' injury creating potential opportunity. Cooper's reasoning: the wide receivers in Las Vegas are so poor that it makes no sense to start Nailor. Cooper may reconsider if a Las Vegas WR pops off the waiver wire in week one, but does not trust the position until proven otherwise.

Dr. Daniel Cooper notes Jameson Williams has an enticing matchup and ranks him back-to-back-to-back with Luther Burden and Christian Watson for flex consideration. Cooper recommends going with Jamo if Ramondre Stevenson plays. Williams also projects to see work in flex spots alongside other receivers, with a great matchup against the Browns this week.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends playing Javonte Williams over a banged-up Ashton Gent and includes him in a recommended running back combo with Jamir Gibbs. However, in a 16-team league trade evaluation, Cooper recommends trading away Javonte Williams to acquire Chuba Hubbard and Ickey Ekwonu, characterizing the Javonte-for-Ekwonu portion as a down-tier move but noting Hubbard becomes startable in deep formats.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers to wait and see on Jaylen Warren's week one workload rather than commit to him in flex; Warren is passed over in favor of Luther Burden due to uncertainty around his role and usage in his first week.

Dr. Daniel Cooper would trade Brock Bowers for Jeremiah Love in rest-of-season value, stating "Hell, I'd sell him for Jeremiah Love." However, Love is not fully healthy (coming off high ankle sprain) and is listed as the backup, so Cooper recommends benching him this week. Love lacks certainty in his role compared to established players; Cooper advises waiting to see his role before making a play on him. For this week specifically, Cooper recommends benching Love for Christian Watson due to the high ankle sprain and the team being 10-point dogs, but expresses no long-term concerns about Love's role.

Jonathan Taylor is a no-brainer trade acquisition when receiving him for Brooks and Neighbors. While Neighbors and Brooks have upside to be worth more than Taylor, the downside risk on both is significantly higher and different, making Taylor the safer, lower-risk acquisition.

Dr. Daniel Cooper expresses significant concern about Jonathan Brooks' availability this week due to being limited at practice. Cooper prefers MarShawn Lloyd and Marvin Harrison over Brooks in flex spots, stating 'I don't know if we can trust Brooks this week.' Brooks isn't fully practicing at the moment, limiting his availability and creating depth concerns. Cooper states you're not playing Jonathan Brooks this week, placing him below other flex options like Bayshell Tuten and Jeremiah Love.

Jordan Addison is a secondary flex option behind Quentin Johnston in the Chargers' high-projected-point matchup this week. Dr. Daniel Cooper states: 'I would play either Quinton Johnston or Jordan Addison, but probably Quinton Johnston with how many points we have the Chargers currently projected for this week.'

Love is presented as an alternative to Jared Goff in superflex, with Goff preferred due to Lions' high offensive projection.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends waiting to see Jordan Mason's week one workload before committing to him in flex lineups, citing uncertainty around his role and usage. Mason was passed over for Christian Watson in a flex decision and serves as a pivot option only if Gentry is unavailable, suggesting limited confidence in his week-one role.

In a 10-team, two receiver, one flex league, Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends acquiring Josh Allen via trade (giving up May and Basel Tuitan) because running back depth is less critical in shallow formats; the value proposition justifies the trade.

Dr. Daniel Cooper designates Justin Jefferson as an auto-start every week regardless of matchup, reflecting his elite tier status and guaranteed role in the Vikings offense.

Dr. Daniel Cooper ranks Juwan Johnson as tight end seven this week and projects he will 'absolutely smash.' Cooper describes Johnson as a smash play at tight end, particularly for teams that lost Brock Bowers; he's the best pivot option for Bowers owners with a favorable matchup against Detroit Lions. Johnson is recommended as a tight end start in superflex league scenarios and should be picked up off waivers if available as the priority waiver wire target.

Dr. Daniel Cooper emphasizes Kenneth Walker III as a must-play running back despite having the toughest matchup, noting that matchup difficulty does not override his locked-in role and necessity in the lineup.

Dr. Daniel Cooper moves Kyle Pitts dramatically up in his rankings after his hyperextended knee injury resolves, elevating him to a tier above where he was previously ranked.

Dr. Daniel Cooper identifies Kyren Williams as a safe flex option for those seeking stability over upside, positioning him as a three-down back alternative to higher-variance plays like Malik Nabers.

Dr. Daniel Cooper describes Ladd McConkey as a lock for starting lineups this week and lists him as a primary wide receiver play in the recommended lineup. The Chargers project to be the highest-scoring offense in the league this week, making McConkey a must-play in flex. Cooper states 'you just got to run with it. You got to play Ladd McConkey, you got to play Justin Herbert, you got to play Amari Cooper' from that offense. Cooper prefers to keep McConkey over trading him away for Jamo and Harrison, viewing him as the best player in the proposed trade.

Dr. Daniel Cooper calls Luther Burden an incredibly strong play against the Panthers; with Jamaal Williams potentially not 100% for week one, Cooper says you have to 'rip it' on Burden. He's ranked as an auto start for flex. Cooper recommends Luther Burden over Jaylen Warren and Jordan Mason in flex spot, citing preference to wait and see the week one workload for the running backs before committing to them. If Rondale Moore misses, Luther Burden is an auto-lock flex play that you jam into your lineup without hesitation; he becomes the clear choice over Montgomery and Breida in that scenario. Cooper prefers Burden in the flex spot over running backs Jaylen Warren and Jordan Mason.

Dr. Daniel Cooper identifies Malik Nabers as the upside shot for flex if you want to play for upside, noting he's been cleared to play. Cooper wouldn't fault playing Nabers in the flex spot given his health status and upside potential, though this depends on personal risk tolerance. Nabers is recommended as a start at wide receiver in a superflex league scenario.

Dr. Daniel Cooper does not recommend Mark Andrews over Travis Kraft for starting tight end in his first week back from injury. Later in the week, Cooper prefers George Kittle over Andrews. However, in another scenario, Cooper recommends LaPorta (Mark Andrews) as the tight end play to jam over Likely, indicating context-dependent recommendations based on matchup and opponent.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers MarShawn Lloyd over Jonathan Brooks in flex spots this week due to Brooks being limited at practice; Cooper is fine playing Lloyd over Jordan Mason or Brooks in week one, but notes reassessment will be needed once actual workload data emerges for all three running backs. Lloyd faces the Minnesota Vikings this week and is presented as a flex option, though Cooper prefers Carnell Tate rest of season while going Lloyd week one, noting both players have very low floors. However, Cooper expresses skepticism about the Packers' running back room with Lloyd and Caleb Johnson, doubting they will employ a ground-and-pound attack without Aaron Jones.

Dr. Daniel Cooper prefers Marvin Harrison Jr. over Jonathan Brooks in flex spots this week, citing concerns about Brooks' limited practice participation. Cooper identifies Harrison as the best name out of the Chargers stack (Herbert, McConkey, Cooper, Harrison) and wants all of them in the lineup given the Chargers' projection as the highest-scoring offense this week.

Best pivot option for Brock Bowers owners. Dr. Daniel Cooper ranked Mayer at TE24 rest-of-season and TE15 in weekly rankings. Cooper prefers Mayer over Amari Cooper and Darren Waller in rest-of-season rankings, and prefers Mayer over Hunter Henry, Dalton Schultz, and Jake Ferguson in weekly matchups. Mayer faces Miami in the relevant week, which is not a scary matchup. If Juwan Johnson is unavailable on waivers, Mayer is the fallback tight end option.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Michael Pittman Jr. in flex spots, noting the Steelers project out pretty well against the Atlanta Falcons defense. Cooper prefers Pittman over Jonathan Brooks due to Brooks' practice limitations and injury concerns. For week one specifically, Pittman is favored over Carnell Tate due to Tate's first NFL game and the lowest-scoring game environment projection. Cooper lists Pittman as one of the flex options to consider alongside Jamo and Tooten, but prefers Jamo and Tooten over Pittman.

Dr. Daniel Cooper notes Mike Evans has a really tough matchup against the Rams and missed considerable time coming into the week, making him less preferred than alternatives like DJ Moore in flex spots despite Evans claiming full health. However, in later analysis, Cooper recommends playing Mike Evans at flex with confidence, suggesting he's a solid play in certain lineup constructions.

Pivot option if Ashton Gent does not play; Dr. Daniel Cooper suggests planning on playing the starting running back for the Commanders, with Washington available as a contingency flex play.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Quentin Johnston for flex spots this week, preferring him over Jordan Addison based on the Chargers' high projected point total for the week. Johnston is Cooper's preferred second flex option with the Chargers projected to score many points. However, Cooper also notes Johnston is the best player on the bench but states 'there's no way in hell you can get him in the lineup over any of these guys,' indicating he should remain benched in deeper lineups. Johnston is listed on the bench in a superflex league start/sit scenario, indicating lower priority than active starters.

Dr. Daniel Cooper identifies Rachad White as the receiving back in the Falcons backfield at minimum and notes it's a good spot with the Falcons heavily favored against the Cleveland Browns.

Raheem Mostert's injury status is a major concern in trade evaluations. Dr. Daniel Cooper states: 'I think honestly almost everything hinges on that to be honest with you' and notes 'we just simply don't know the reality of the situation there,' indicating significant uncertainty about his availability and role going forward.

Rashee Rice is described as a lock for starting lineups even in tough matchups. Dr. Daniel Cooper would trade Brock Bowers for Rice in rest-of-season value, ranking Rice above the injured Bowers. Cooper recommends starting Rice regardless of difficult opponent setup.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends Rhamondre Stevenson as a starting running back with no Travion Henry available, meaning Stevenson will see every touch. Cooper states you should play Rhamondre over Jeremiah Love and Bayshaud Breeland easily. Stevenson is described as a lock to play regardless of matchup difficulty; Cooper states 'Rhamondre is just going to be a lock, doesn't matter if he's in a tough match up himself,' indicating he should always be started. Cooper identifies Rhamondre as an easy setup in the flex position even in a tough matchup, citing his locked-in role in the offense.

Dr. Daniel Cooper calls Ramondre Stevenson an auto start for flex, stating he's going to get every single touch. With TreVeyon Henderson out, Stevenson is positioned to get all the volume in the world, making him Cooper's choice for running back two despite a tough matchup, as he's in a better offense. Stevenson is Cooper's preferred flex play because he's guaranteed to get every single touch out of the backfield in a good offense; the situation matters more than individual talent assessment.

Dr. Daniel Cooper would play Romeo Doubs over Rico Dowdle in the second flex spot, citing a tougher matchup for Dowdle than what Doubs faces. However, in dynasty one-quarterback league formats, Cooper prefers Dowdle over Chris Rodriguez long-term, indicating stronger dynasty value despite week-one matchup concerns.

Dr. Daniel Cooper notes that Romeo Doubs is missing practice and is banged up, creating uncertainty for the Packers offense. Cooper recommends pivoting away from Doubs in flex decisions due to health uncertainty, preferring DJ Moore instead. Cooper states it's hard to trust Doubs until he gets in a full practice. If fully healthy, Doubs would have a better matchup than Rico Dowdle.

Rondale Moore's status is a key decision point for Luther Burden's flex value; if Moore plays, Burden's role diminishes and Alfred Breida becomes the better flex option over Montgomery.

Dr. Daniel Cooper considers playing Saquon Barkley against Dallas in the flex position but notes it's 'not an easy call to say the least,' indicating uncertainty about the matchup despite recommending him. Barkley is called an auto start at running back, indicating strong weekly projection and confidence.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends putting Etienne in flex as a guy projecting to see work on all three downs. However, Alvin Kamara being at practice makes Etienne less intriguing since it reduces his three-down role opportunity.

With Brock Bowers out, Trey Tucker is positioned to crush. Polymarket shows 61% implied probability for Tucker to exceed 40 receiving yards, indicating meaningful upside in the matchup.

Dr. Daniel Cooper recommends starting Trevor Lawrence as an 8.5-point favorite against the Cleveland Browns. Cooper easily prefers Lawrence over Bo Nix, citing Bo Nix's horrible game environment against the Chiefs.

Dr. Daniel Cooper moved Brock Bowers behind Trey McBride in rest-of-season rankings, making McBride the preferred trade target over the injured Bowers. Cooper states: "If you could sell Bowers for McBride, you should do so in a heartbeat." McBride also has a favorable matchup this week against the Browns, which Cooper identifies as a great spot despite noting very real concerns with the player.

Dr. Daniel Cooper identifies Tyler Allgeier as an easy pivot option if Jeremiah Love misses time, as he would become the starting running back in that scenario.