In the wake of Cooper Kupp’s ankle injury, fantasy football managers are scrambling to adjust their strategies and ensure they still have a competitive edge this season. With Kupp expected to miss an extended period, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, finding reliable waiver-wire wide receivers becomes crucial. Here are some potential pickups to consider in light of Kupp’s absence.
Los Angeles Rams’ Demarcus Robinson
Demarcus Robinson stands ready to step up for the Los Angeles Rams with both Kupp and Puka Nacua sidelined. Robinson, who notched 371 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, is poised for increased targets in the coming weeks. In the first two games of the season, Robinson showed promise with 42 yards on four receptions in Week 1, followed by 50 yards on two receptions in Week 2. As the Rams’ top receiver for the time being, Robinson is a strong contender for those in need of a reliable fantasy replacement.
Los Angeles Chargers’ Quentin Johnston
Quentin Johnston, the Los Angeles Chargers’ wide receiver, aims to prove himself after a challenging rookie season. Already matching his previous year’s touchdown tally within the first two weeks, Johnston shows signs of a breakout season. He recorded 38 receiving yards in Week 1 and managed to gather 51 yards along with two touchdowns in Week 2. While predicting consistent multi-touchdown games could be optimistic, especially against weaker defenses like the Carolina Panthers, the potential upside makes Johnston a tempting early-season waiver pick.
Cleveland Browns’ Jerry Jeudy
Having moved from the Denver Broncos, Jerry Jeudy is looking to reinvigorate his career with the Cleveland Browns. His start to the 2024 season has been promising, with 98 receiving yards and a touchdown across games against strong teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars. Jeudy’s productivity is especially noteworthy considering Deshaun Watson’s sluggish early performance, with 355 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Should Watson find his rhythm—or should Jameis Winston step in—Jeudy could see more passes and deliver stellar fantasy performances.
As Kupp recovers, tapping into these potential waiver-wire standouts could make all the difference for fantasy managers eager to maintain their edge this NFL season. Adjust your lineup strategically and keep an eye on these key players.