After an amazing season that ended in a Super Bowl championship, the Los Angeles Rams looked to become the first repeat champion since the 2004-2005 Patriots. Unfortunately, things have gotten to a rough start for LA, as they are 2-3 through five weeks of the 2022 season. But, there’s one player keeping the offense afloat for both his team and fantasy owners. Meet Cooper Kupp, your WR1.

Cooper Kupp: 132.1 PPR points

3rd among all players, only non-QB in the top 5 scorers???? pic.twitter.com/XpC3vGIhPL

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 14, 2022

The Eastern Washington product has continued to put up outstanding numbers for a Rams squad lacking weapons. Matthew Stafford has targeted Cooper Kupp more than any receiver on the team thus far. That shouldn’t change anytime soon. Allen Robinson has been a dud since joining the team. Odell Beckham Jr’s status is unknown in terms of returning.

Keep this in mind: Kupp has been targeted 64 times through five weeks. The closest one to him? Tyler Higbee, who Stafford has targeted 48 times. Across the board, Kupp leads the team in categories including receptions, touchdowns, yards per game, and yards after the catch.

He is also tied for the most rushing touchdowns on a team, which isn’t something to be proud of if you’re the Rams. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson haven’t exactly been productive thus far.

There’s a reason why Kupp has been so reliable. Unlike his other teammates, he has been able to separate from cornerbacks with ease. For example, remember Trevon Diggs? The so-called top-100 player according to NFL Network?

Cooper Kupp COOKED Trevon Diggs ???? pic.twitter.com/TpWeypppE8

— Brian Y (@byysports) October 9, 2022

Then, he makes plays like this.

This TD grab by Cooper Kupp is absolutely ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/OwlbEGgWre

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2022

Before we dive into the fantasy numbers, the record for catches in a single season is 149. Kupp is set to break that record with ease.

Okay, That’s All Great. But, What About His Fantasy Numbers?

This is the fun part. In fact, I myself was lucky enough to draft Cooper Kupp in my fantasy league this year. I drafted him last year and knew I couldn’t let him pass in the first round.

We all know the strategy of drafting running backs in the early rounds and making them a priority. But, Kupp is an exception because of last season and the number of times Stafford threw his way. Before I continue, I want to point out that the players chosen ahead of Kupp in my league were the following:

• Jonathan Taylor
• Christian McCaffery
• Austin Ekeler
• Ja’Marr Chase

Fantasy-wise, Kupp has more fantasy points than any of those four studs. His 132.1 PPR points thus far is second-best in the entire league, trailing only Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. The closest wideout to Kupp is Stefon Diggs (119.8).

Let’s compare Kupp to the four guys chosen ahead of him.

• Jonathan Taylor: RB33, 50.2 points (missed week five)
• Christian McCaffery: RB5, 95.2 points
• Austin Ekeler: RB1, 113.7 points
• Ja’Marr Chase: WR14, 76.5 points

No offense to my league mates, but they made a huge mistake letting him fall to me.

Back to Kupp’s stats. He started off the 2022 season with a bang, recording 31.8 PPR points against Buffalo (13 rec, 128 yds, TD). He would have another 31.8-point performance in week two against the Falcons.

His worst performance thus far was against the Cardinals in week three, but he still recorded 16.4 PPR points. Disgustingly good.

The last couple weeks have seen the wideout record 52.1 fantasy points for fantasy owners, which is quite impressive. As long as he continues to receive double-digit targets (which is something I’d bet on), this production is sustainable.

Cooper Kupp has been a revelation for fantasy owners across the nation. Maybe this narrative of always choosing a running back in the first round can be put to bed if guys like him put up crazy numbers like this.

Does it help that his quarterback is throwing his way every chance he gets? Yes. Are we complaining? No, not at all.

He led the league in fantasy points last year. He’ll do it again this year. Pour me a Kupp, why don’t you?

Thank you for reading! If you want more player spotlight articles or fantasy football Studs and Duds, make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter! Check out my last article here. Thank you for your continuing support, and be on the lookout for more quality content! Also, check out my podcast here!