Malik Nabers vs. Cooper Kupp – Who Should I Draft In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Should fantasy players draft Malik Nabers or Cooper Kupp during their 2024 fantasy football drafts? Mike Fanelli examines the case for both wide receivers.

Fantasy football players should use one of their first two draft picks on a wide receiver, as there are several elite options this year. However, the depth at the wide receiver position has never been deeper.

While the mid-round wide receivers lack the upside to finish as a top-5 option, fantasy players can find several potential league winners after the first two rounds.

Two wide receiver options with an ADP outside the first two rounds are Malik Nabers and Cooper Kupp. While both are excellent WR2s for fantasy players, which one should get drafted first? Let’s dive into their 2024 fantasy football outlooks.

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Malik Nabers 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Nabers could be a league winner despite playing on an unappealing New York Giants offense. The former LSU star will be the focal point of the team’s passing attack, with the Giants lacking any proven pass-catcher following Darren Waller’s retirement. Meanwhile, Nabers ranked first in the NFL Draft class in yards per route run (3.64) among wide receivers with at least 20 targets last season (per PFF).

Nabers has made several highlight-reel receptions during training camp, and he should rival Marvin Harrison Jr. for the league leaders in targets among rookies but has an ADP two rounds later.

Daniel Jones connects with Malik Nabers on a long touchdown in Thursday's practice. pic.twitter.com/VROzKksD1n

— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) August 1, 2024

Cooper Kupp 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Kupp has been one of the top wide receivers in the NFL over the past few years. Unfortunately, injuries have hampered him since his historical 2021 season. Yet, the veteran was one of 16 players to have four 100 or more receiving yard games last season, including his first two contests of the year. Despite playing in five fewer contests, Kupp had more games with over 20 half-point PPR fantasy points (three) than Puka Nacua (two).

Furthermore, he had a higher first-read target share than the rookie in the 11 games they played together (per Fantasy Points Data). While the veteran has struggled with injuries the past few years, the Los Angeles Rams believe Kupp is 100% healthy and should bounce back in 2024.

The Rams PR keeps indicating Cooper Kupp is still Cooper Kupp pic.twitter.com/G5fO5lLosW

— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) August 3, 2024

Who Should I Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Fantasy players should love drafting either player as their WR2 this season. However, Nabers should get drafted ahead of Kupp. The rookie has been the star of training camp across the NFL, making impressive plays despite poor quarterback production. More importantly, he is the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver on his team while Kupp has to share targets with Nacua. Nacua is banged up, but he's expected to be ready for the regular season.

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