Amari Cooper: Fantasy Outlook| Madden rating| Should i pick up

Introduction

Amari Cooper, the veteran wide receiver, continues to generate buzz among fantasy football enthusiasts and gamers alike. As of late August 2025, Cooper has officially signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting him with the team that drafted him in 2015. Let’s break down why this move matters for his fantasy value, what his Madden NFL rating looks like, and whether he’s worth rostering or streaming in both realms.

1. Fantasy Football Outlook (2025)

Recent Performance & Context

• In 2023, Cooper posted solid production with the Cleveland Browns: 72 receptions, a career-high 1,250 yards, and 5 touchdowns in 15 games.

• The 2024 season started poorly. With the Browns, he produced just 250 yards on 24 receptions over 6 games. He was then traded midseason to the Bills, finishing with 297 yards and 4 touchdowns across 8 games.

• Despite the dip, Cooper landed in a favorable situation with the Raiders, especially considering the potential absence or trade of WR Jakobi Meyers.

2025 Outlook & Analyst Insights

• FantasyPros noted his shaky 2024, particularly Weeks 1–6 where he ranked WR46 in fantasy points per game, with a low 41.7 receiving yards per game, poor yards per route run, and limited snap share.

• Yet now back in Las Vegas’s wide-receiver room—which is relatively shallow—he’s been projected as a late/dark-horse fantasy pick, with flex starter potential if things break right.

• Athlon Sports, in a “today” piece dated August 2025, confirms Cooper remains worth drafting, though he’s unlikely to be a high-floor, high-ceiling option; expectations are modest.

Fantasy Football Take

Pros

• Familiarity with Raiders’ system and possible target share increase if Meyers is traded.

• Experience and past production, including multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

Cons

• Age—he’s 31 and coming off a disappointing 2024.

• History of injuries and inconsistency in snaps/targets.

Verdict
Late-round value in best-ball or deeper redraft formats. Potential for flex relevance if Raiders’ offense leans heavily on veteran experience. Monitor preseason usage and Meyers’ roster status closely.

2. Madden NFL Rating

Madden NFL 26 Rating

• In Madden NFL 26, Cooper holds an 85 overall rating, categorized as a Deep Threat archetype.

• Highlighted strengths: Spectacular Catch and Catch in Traffic both at 91, Toughness at 94, and speed/agility in the 88–92 range.

Historical Ratings

• In Madden NFL 25 (2024), he was rated 90 overall, which placed him 11th among WRs, behind players like Mike Evans and Brandon Aiyuk.

• His Madden 25 stat profile underscored his explosiveness: deep route running (94), catching attributes in the low 90s, and excellent agility/jumping.

Madden Take

While his Madden rating dropped by 5 points from 90 to 85, Cooper still offers strong deep-threat traits. If you’re building a Madden offense with field-stretching threats, he remains a viable low-cost pick.

3. Should I Pick Him Up?

Fantasy Football

• Yes, but with tempered expectations. He’s not a guaranteed season-long starter but could outperform draft capital in the right scenario. A bounce-back campaign in Las Vegas is plausible.

• Monitor preseason snaps and target distribution. If he emerges as one of the top two receivers, his value rises.

Madden NFL

• If you’re playing Madden 25, he remains a 90 overall, one of the top-tier WRs with strong deep-threat capabilities.

• In Madden 26, he’s downgraded to 85 overall, more of a mid-tier option—but still valuable for his unique trait combination and toughness.

4. Brief Career Recap (for context)

• Drafted 4th overall by Oakland Raiders in 2015, established early as a top WR.

• Played for the Cowboys, Browns, each stop producing at least one 1,000-yard season, including back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 with the Browns.

• Traded mid-2024 to the Bills, struggled with injury and efficiency.

• Signed a one-year deal with Raiders on August 25, 2025.

5. Sample Draft/Streaming Strategy (Fantasy)

Conclusion

Amari Cooper remains a compelling story—veteran WR returning to familiar terrain, still offering elite traits in Madden and intriguing upside in fantasy. Draft him as a high-upside depth option; in Madden, slot him in as a deep threat or possession receiver depending on game mode.