Amari Cooper is hands down one of the best receivers in the NFL today. In two years in the league, Cooper has over 1,000 yards in both seasons and has solidified his spot as Derek Carr’s top target. But the question still remains: is Amari Cooper a WR1 in fantasy football?

The case for Cooper

AC/DC has been one of the best quarterback and wide receiver duos for the last two years in the NFL. Cooper has been great for the Raiders but has been frustrating for fantasy owners. The good thing that comes with Cooper is his volume to start the season.

In the first two games of the season, Cooper has been targeted 18 times, including many looks in the red zone in the first two weeks of the season. The problem last season with Cooper was his lack of targets in the red zone, but it seems to have switched this year. Cooper seems to be getting the looks he deserves in the red zone this season.

Another thing that will help out Cooper is the Raiders’ other weapons game. Opposing defenses have to worry about Marshawn Lynch and Michael Crabtree. Cooper isn’t in a position to be double teamed in the NFL today with the weapons surrounding him. Drawing single coverage should continue to increase his volume as well as production.

The case against cooper

A couple of problems come with Cooper. His drops have not only plagued him in his career, but to the start of this season.

In week 1 against the Titans, Cooper had some key drops in the red zone, which directly affected his targets in week 2. Carr decided to go to Michael Crabtree in week 2 because of Cooper’s red zone drops in week 1, and that led Crabtree to have three touchdowns against the Jets.

The other key problem that comes with Cooper is his schedule. The Raiders face a tough couple of weeks when they play against Washington, Denver, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens. Those defenses will provide tough matchups for Cooper as each team has a very good secondary.

Schedule is always important in fantasy football in determining whether or not that player deserves a start that week. Cooper’s schedule is tough, but he is still a great player and should be started every week.

All in all with his problems, Amari Cooper is a low-end WR1 in all leagues this season.

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