Jalen Coker Looking To Finish Rookie Season On A High Note
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker has mainly been a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues in his first season in the NFL. He heads into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons with only 25 catches for 416 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets over 10 games played. That has been good enough to make him the WR74 in average half-PPR points per game (6.6), so it's safe to say he wasn't rostered in most standard-sized fantasy leagues in 2024. However, the 23-year-old could make some noise as a WR4/flex sleeper in the final game of the regular season this weekend against a Falcons defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts this year. Although the undrafted rookie had only 35 yards in last weeks loss to the Bucs, he finished second on the team in receiving behind veteran Adam Thielen.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught each of his two targets for a total of 35 yards during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The second-year receiver out of Holy Cross has shown numerous flashes this season, but he's struggling to establish himself as a consistent option while competing for targets with Adam Thielen, David Moore, and Xavier Legette. Coker did play 87 percent of offensive snaps, tying his second-highest mark of the season. His 35 receiving yards also ranked second-most on the team behind Thielen, who had 110 yards and two touchdowns. Despite facing some growing pains in a developing Panthers offense, there's reason to believe that Coker could eventually become the team's clear-cut No. 3 receiver. He's an intriguing dynasty target ahead of the upcoming NFL (and fantasy football) offseason. Before then, he'll get one more chance to cement himself in the Panthers' offense when he faces the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker projects to be a risky flex option in deeper formats in a Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last weekend, Coker caught only two of his five targets for a mere eight yards. However, in Week 15, Coker tallied 110 yards and a score on four receptions. During Weeks 5 through 10, Coker saw 4.2 targets per game and has continued to see a slight increase in opportunities as the season has progressed. In addition, No.2 wideout Xavier Legette (hip) is listed as questionable and could open up more targets for Coker if he cannot suit up. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the inactive report before kickoff as Coker could move up the depth chart prior to the game. In addition, No.1 running back Chuba Hubbard (knee) has been ruled out which could encourage Carolina to rely on their passing attack more often. Despite this, fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should only consider starting Coker as a desperation flex option given his unstable production this season, even in a favorable matchup against the Tampa Bay secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a non-factor in the Week 16 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, registering two catches for eight yards. He was targeted five times, which tied for second on the team, but he finished sixth on the team in receiving. Carolina tied a season-best with 36 points and resurgent quarterback Bryce Young played his best game of the year, yet Coker wasn't really part of the action. For managers who advance to their fantasy Super Bowls, the rookie is a massive gamble with a great matchup in Week 17 against Tampa Bay.
Jalen Coker, David Moore Active For Week 16 Against Cardinals
Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (quad) and David Moore (concussion) are active for Sunday's Week 16 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Both players had been listed as questionable. Coker returned from an injured reserve stint last week and made an impact right away, totaling four catches, 110 yards, and one touchdown on an 87 percent snap share. With Xavier Legette (hip) sidelined, Coker should operate alongside Adam Thielen, giving him significant WR3/FLEX appeal. Meanwhile, Moore cleared concussion protocol this week. He hasn't missed a game all season, catching 28 passes for 286 yards and one touchdown. He, too, should handle an increased workload, but he'll likely be behind both Thielen and Coker in the pecking order.
Jalen Coker, David Moore Expected To Play On Sunday
Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (quadriceps) and David Moore (concussion) are expected to play in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. They were listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, it appears they will both be out there, which is good news, considering the Panthers won't have Xavier Legette (hip). With that in mind, Adam Thielen should consume most of the targets in Week 16. There should be room for both Moore and Coker to be involved. But with only three touchdowns on the year between the duo, neither should have a spot in fantasy lineups. Still, they at least have value potential for DFS managers.
Carolina Panthers wide receivers Jalen Coker (quadriceps) and David Moore (concussion) are both listed as questionable for the Week 16 game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Rookie Xavier Legette (hip) was also ruled out, so Carolina could be very thin a the receiver position this weekend behind Adam Thielen. Moore was a full participant in Friday's practice, though, so he could have a good shot at clearing the league's protocol before Sunday's game. Coker missed three games from Weeks 12-14 due to injury but returned in last Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys to produce four catches on six targets for a season-high 110 yards and the second touchdown of his career. An 83-yard TD catch was to thanks for the 23-year-old's big day. Coker could have another expanded role if he's active against Arizona, but even then, he'd be a pretty risky gamble as a flex play in the fantasy playoffs.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie wideout hasn't played since Week 10 while he recovers from a quad injury. It now appears that Coker will be back in the mix this weekend. However, it's uncertain what kind of role Coker is going to have with Adam Thielen healthy and playing well right now. Coker might end up falling into the WR4 role which isn't going to offer much fantasy value. Coker will be a desperation flex option for Week 15.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) practiced in full for a second straight day on Thursday. The rookie out of Holy Cross has missed each of the last three games due to a quad injury, but he could return in Week 15 to face the Dallas Cowboys. Coker caught nine of his 17 targets for 155 yards and a touchdown in his last three active games, but the return of Adam Thielen likely puts an end to his time on the fantasy football radar. At best, he'll likely operate behind Thielen and fellow rookie Xavier Legette in Bryce Young's target pecking order. He can be safely dropped in leagues of 12 teams or fewer.
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was listed as a full participant for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Coker also began last week with a full practice on Wednesday before being limited on Thursday and sitting out on Friday. The 23-year-old then missed his third straight game in the Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. If he can avoid a setback this week, he could return to action this Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Even if the first-year pass-catcher avoids setbacks later this week and is active for Week 15, fantasy managers will want to avoid him as a starting lineup option. Coker did have a season-high eight targets in his last game played in the Week 10 win over the New York Giants in London, but he's been minimally involved in his first NFL season and has only 17 total catches (26 targets) for 263 yards and one touchdown in seven games played.
Jalen Coker
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Panthers
