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Cooper Kupp to Seattle: HYPE or HATE?

Alright, FantasyHolics — we’ve got one of the wildest pairings of the offseason: Cooper Kupp and Sam Darnold are now rockin’ Seahawks blue. And naturally, the big question is this: Is this duo about to COOK, or are we setting ourselves up for fantasy heartbreak?

Let’s break it all down — with stats, sauce, and a side of straight-up realism.



THE HYPE: Triple Crown Kupp Meets Revamped Darnold

Let’s not disrespect history here. Cooper Kupp’s 2021 season wasn’t just good — it was LEGENDARY.


Kupp’s 2021 Triple Crown (a.k.a. WR heaven):


  • 145 receptions

  • 1,947 receiving yards

  • 16 touchdowns

  • Led the league in all three — just the fourth WR ever to do it.

But here’s the thing… Kupp ain’t just living off 2021 clout. Even banged up, he’s been a problem:


Cooper Kupp’s Last 5 Seasons:

Season

Games

Recs

Yards

TDs

2020

15

92

974

3

2021

17

145

1,947

16

2022

9

75

812

6

2023

12

59

737

5

2024

12

67

710

6

Even in 2024 — while still clearly recovering — the man put up 67/710/6 in just 12 games.

Now pair that with Sam Darnold’s 2024 glow-up. This dude went from career journeyman to low-key flamethrower in Minnesota:


Darnold’s 2024 Season:


  • 4,319 passing yards

  • 35 touchdowns

  • 66.2% completion rate

  • 102.5 passer rating

  • Finished top 5 in both yards and TDs.




THE HATE: Health Flags & Fool’s Gold Darnold

Now before you start overdrafting Kupp like it’s 2021, let’s hit the brakes for a sec.



Kupp’s body is talking back:



Since that historic season, he’s:


  • Played in only 33 of the last 51 games

  • Dealt with ankle sprains, hamstring pulls, and soft tissue injuries that seem to never fully heal

  • Missed huge chunks of 2022 and started 2023 late due to setbacks



Look — when healthy, he’s elite. But that “when” is starting to feel more like a “maybe.”


Now let’s talk 

Sam “One-Year Wonder?” Darnold.


We’re all hyped about 2024 — no question. But you can’t ignore the four years of mid that came before it:


Darnold’s Stats (2020–2023):

Year

Team

Yards

TD

INT

Rating

2020

NYJ

2,208

9

11

72.7

2021

CAR

2,527

9

13

71.9

2022

CAR

1,143

7

3

92.6

2023

SF

297

2

1

85.1

That’s FOUR YEARS of turnover-prone ball, bad reads, and inconsistent pocket presence. Dude was on career life support before Kevin O’Connell gave him a system he could thrive in.


And let’s not act like Seattle’s offense is plug-and-play. No KOC, no Justin Jefferson, no top-10 o-line. Just saying.


THE VERDICT: It’s a Trap… or a Treasure Chest


If you’re betting on Kupp this year, you’re betting on:


  • Darnold staying hot

  • Kupp staying healthy

  • Seattle unlocking something special


Could it work? Absolutely. Could it bust harder than 2022 Michael Thomas truthers? Yup.


Kupp might still be a WR2 with upside in full-PPR formats — but this ain’t 2021 anymore, folks.


So FantasyHolics — which side are you on?


Are you putting your chips on the comeback tour, or playing it safe and fading the hype?


Drop your takes in the comments. Let the fire debates begin.


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