Dj Moore Or Brandin Cooks
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DJ Moore vs. Brandin Cooks: The Ultimate Wide Receiver Showdown

Introduction

Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks runs down the field during a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

As a fantasy football aficionado, you understand the significance of selecting the right players for your team. A stellar wide receiver can make or break your team’s performance. In this article, we’ll compare the performances of two top-notch wide receivers, DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a better grasp of which player suits your fantasy football team best.

Let’s kick things off with a brief overview of these two players.

DJ Moore: Overview and Stats

Early Career

DJ Moore made a name for himself as an outstanding wide receiver at the University of Maryland. Drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Breakout Season in 2019

In his second year in the league, DJ Moore had a sensational breakout season. He accumulated 87 receptions, 1,175 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Moore’s 1,175 receiving yards ranked him 13th in the league, surpassing renowned wide receivers such as Mike Evans and Keenan Allen.

Consistency in 2020

In 2020, DJ Moore continued to dazzle with another outstanding season, reaching the 1,000-yard mark yet again. He ended the year with 66 receptions, 1,193 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Moore’s 1,193 receiving yards ranked him 12th in the league, outshining top wide receivers like Allen Robinson and Tyler Lockett.

Comparison to Other Top Wide Receivers

In comparison to other elite wide receivers, DJ Moore holds his own. With a total of 2,368 receiving yards over two years, he ranks 10th in the league, outperforming players like Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs. Moore’s consistency and knack for making big plays have made him a prime target for the Panthers’ quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater.

Brandin Cooks: Overview and Stats

Brandin Cooks boasts an impressive NFL career, having played for multiple teams and cementing his status as one of the league’s top wide receivers. Let’s delve deeper into Cooks’ career and statistics.

Early Career

The New Orleans Saints selected Cooks in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He had an exceptional rookie season, amassing over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Cooks continued to excel in his second season with the Saints, replicating his impressive yardage and touchdown figures.

Success with Multiple Teams

After two seasons with the Saints, Cooks found himself traded to the New England Patriots. He put up solid numbers during his time there, with over 1,000 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. However, he was once again traded the following year, this time to the Los Angeles Rams.

Cooks enjoyed a successful 2018 season with the Rams, accumulating over 1,200 yards and 5 touchdowns. He maintained his solid performance in 2019, with over 500 yards and 2 touchdowns, before finding himself traded to the Houston Texans.

Injury Concerns

While Cooks has had a notable career, he has also experienced some injury concerns. He suffered a concussion during the 2017 season, causing him to miss two games. In 2019, he endured two concussions within a month, raising concerns about his long-term health.

Comparison to Other Top Wide Receivers

When measured against other elite wide receivers, Cooks slightly lags behind in terms of overall production. Although he has had impressive seasons, he hasn’t consistently performed at the same level as players like DeAndre Hopkins or Julio Jones. Nevertheless, Cooks remains a reliable option for fantasy football and can contribute consistently to your team.

Head-to-Head Comparison: DJ Moore vs. Brandin Cooks

When faced with the decision between DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks, it’s crucial to examine their performances in various key areas.

Receiving Yards and Touchdowns

In terms of receiving yards, DJ Moore outperformed Cooks in both 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Moore recorded 1,175 receiving yards compared to Cooks’ 583. Similarly, in 2020, Moore amassed 1,193 receiving yards compared to Cooks’ 583. However, Cooks scored more touchdowns in both seasons, with 2 touchdowns in 2019 and 3 touchdowns in 2020, as opposed to Moore’s 4 touchdowns in each year.

Yards per Reception and Targets

Regarding yards per reception, Cooks held the advantage in both 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Cooks tallied an impressive 15.1 yards per reception, while Moore registered 12.1. Similarly, in 2020, Cooks averaged 12.1 yards per reception, slightly surpassing Moore’s 11.9. However, Moore received more targets than Cooks in both seasons. In 2019, Moore was targeted 135 times, whereas Cooks received 72 targets. In 2020, Moore received 118 targets, while Cooks had 119.

Catch Percentage and Drop Rate

DJ Moore boasted a better catch percentage than Cooks in both 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Moore had a catch percentage of 64.4%, while Cooks’ catch percentage was 58.8%. Similarly, in 2020, Moore’s catch percentage amounted to 66.1%, while Cooks had a catch percentage of 58.2%. Moore also maintained a lower drop rate in both seasons. In 2019, Moore’s drop rate was 5.8%, compared to Cooks’ 7.6%. In 2020, Moore’s drop rate stood at 4.1%, while Cooks’ was 6.7%.

Advanced Stats (DYAR, DVOA, etc.)

When considering advanced statistics, both players delivered comparable performances in 2019. According to Football Outsiders, Moore had a DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) of 150, whereas Cooks recorded a DYAR of 141. However, Cooks boasted a higher DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) of 7.4% compared to Moore’s DVOA of 6.4%. In 2020, Moore surpassed Cooks with a higher DYAR of 233, while Cooks’ DYAR amounted to 52. Moore also exhibited a higher DVOA of 9.5% compared to Cooks’ DVOA of 1.6%.

Based on these comparisons, it’s evident that both DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks possess unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences and strategy for your fantasy football team.

Fantasy Football Analysis

Now that we’ve evaluated the statistics and head-to-head comparison, let’s delve into the realm of fantasy football and analyze DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks from a drafting perspective.

Draft Rankings and ADP

Experts have consistently ranked both players highly. Currently, according to FantasyPros, DJ Moore is ranked as the WR11, while Brandin Cooks is ranked as the WR24. However, it’s worth noting that Cooks’ ADP (average draft position) surpasses Moore’s, indicating that Cooks is typically drafted earlier in fantasy drafts.

Strength of Schedule

Another crucial consideration when drafting players is their strength of schedule. In the case of DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks, their schedules present relatively similar levels of difficulty. Cooks, however, faces some challenging matchups against formidable defenses such as the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. On the other hand, Moore enjoys some favorable matchups against weaker defenses like the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets.

Potential Breakout Games

Fantasy football revolves around those breakout games where players can amass significant points. DJ Moore has the potential for breakout performances against weaker defenses such as the New York Jets in Week 1 and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Brandin Cooks also has some potential breakout opportunities, such as facing the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7.

Risk vs. Reward Analysis

Ultimately, your decision between DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks boils down to risk versus reward. Moore has consistently shown reliability and possesses a higher potential for scoring points, but he also comes with a higher draft price. Cooks, on the other hand, offers greater value with a lower draft price, but his injury concerns and inconsistency make him a riskier option compared to Moore.

In conclusion, both DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks present solid choices for your fantasy football team. When making your decision, carefully consider factors such as draft rankings, strength of schedule, potential breakout games, and risk versus reward.

Conclusion

To summarize, both DJ Moore and Brandin Cooks are talented wide receivers with exceptional performances and statistics. DJ Moore has displayed greater consistency in recent years, while Brandin Cooks has encountered some injury concerns.

When it comes to fantasy football, it’s crucial to consider not only past performances but also draft rankings, strength of schedule, and potential breakout games. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preferences and strategic approach.

If you seek a dependable and consistent player, DJ Moore is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to take risks for potentially higher rewards, Brandin Cooks may be the player for you.

No matter which player you select, stay informed about their performances throughout the season and adjust your strategy accordingly. With the right mix of players, you’ll dominate your fantasy football league. Best of luck!