Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Cooper Kupp vs DK MetcalfWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Cooper Kupp is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 10.8 PPG to DK Metcalf's 10.5 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Cooper Kupp is the better fantasy play this season.

Statistically, Cooper Kupp and DK Metcalf are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 0.3-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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WRLos Angeles Rams#99PPG LEADER

Cooper Kupp

PPG

10.8

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

748

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 6

WRPittsburgh Steelers#25

DK Metcalf

PPG

10.5

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

850

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 9

The Edge Chart

Cooper Kupp

DK Metcalf

Head to Head

10.8 PPG10.5 PPG

12 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 6Bye: Week 9

Fantasy Tiers

Cooper Kupp: Tier 5 (Deep League) WR (ranked #99 at the position). DK Metcalf: Tier 4 (Bench/Bye Fill) WR (ranked #25 at the position). Among the top 50 wide receivers this season, Cooper Kupp is producing at 49% of elite pace and DK Metcalf at 48%. That ranking gap means DK Metcalf carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Cooper Kupp vs DK Metcalf: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Cooper Kupp and DK Metcalf is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.3 PPG in 2025, this is one of those wide receiver decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Cooper Kupp averaged 10.8 PPG with the Los Angeles Rams across 12 games, and DK Metcalf posted 10.5 with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 15.

When two wide receivers are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.

Both are workload receivers with similar target shares. Cooper Kupp turned 92 targets into 748 yards and 5 touchdowns, while DK Metcalf converted 99 looks into 850 yards and 6 scores. When target volume is this close, game script and defensive matchup typically decide the weekly winner.

Cooper Kupp has his bye in Week 6, and DK Metcalf rests in Week 9. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at wide receiver for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Cooper Kupp (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. DK Metcalf (age 28) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Cooper Kupp outscored DK Metcalf by a projected 5 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•DK Metcalf played 15 games in 2025 compared to Cooper Kupp's 12. That durability gap means DK Metcalf contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•DK Metcalf scored 7 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.5 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at wide receiver.
•DK Metcalf saw 99 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the wide receiver position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Cooper Kupp vs DK Metcalf: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Cooper Kupp	DK Metcalf
PPG (Half-PPR)	10.8	10.5
Games Played	12	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	130	158
Receptions	62	59
Rec/Game	5.2	3.9
Receiving Yards	748	850
Rec Yds/Game	62.3	56.7
Receiving TDs	5	6
Targets	92	99
Target Share/Game	7.7	6.6
Age	-	28
Experience	-	6 yrs
Bye Week	Week 6	Week 9

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Cooper Kupp at 10.8 PPG, 0.3 points per game above DK Metcalf's 10.5. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Cooper Kupp or DK Metcalf in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Cooper Kupp has the edge at 10.8 PPG compared to DK Metcalf's 10.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Cooper Kupp and DK Metcalf average in 2025?▾

Cooper Kupp averaged 10.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 12 games in 2025. DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.3 points per game.

When are Cooper Kupp and DK Metcalf's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Cooper Kupp (LAR) has a bye in Week 6, and DK Metcalf (PIT) has a bye in Week 9. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Cooper Kupp or DK Metcalf a better fantasy wide receiver in 2026?▾

Cooper Kupp outscored DK Metcalf by 0.3 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.