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Footballguys fantasy football takes on Kirk Cousins
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Footballguys about Kirk Cousins.
46
Insights
24
Positive
11
Negative
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All Footballguys insights about Kirk Cousins
PositiveValueOct 24, 2026
Cousins lands in 5.9 percent optimal against 2.9 percent rostered, making him under-rostered. Raiders players fill 50 percent of optimal lineups against 42 percent of the field's projected roster spots, and Cousins is one of the main reasons for this gap.PositiveProjectionOct 24, 2026
Cousins was projected to finish as QB13 with 17.4 points in Week 6 against Buffalo; the source expected lots of scoring given one of the highest over/unders of the week and a generous Buffalo defense. He finished as QB9 with 18.5 points, exceeding the projection.PositiveProjectionOct 23, 2026
Cousins has played at a high level and is quietly seventh at the position in fantasy points through Week 7; he scored 22.5 fantasy points in Week 6 against Buffalo and has scored at least 19.8 points in all but one game this season. CBS Sports' Jamey Eisenberg expects continued production against the Rams, who will be without defensive linemen Poona Ford and Kobie Turner, and potentially without cornerback Trent McDuffie; the Rams have allowed three quarterbacks to score at least 27.1 fantasy points this season.NegativeValueOct 22, 2026
The source recommends selling Kirk Cousins in 2QB/Superflex dynasty leagues after a favorable Week 7 matchup against the fading Rams. The Raiders face a daunting stretch in Weeks 8-10 against the Jets, 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos, which could result in a three-game losing streak and trigger Fernando Mendoza to be announced as the starter. Selling before this difficult schedule is prudent unless Cousins is needed.PositiveProjectionOct 20, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins told reporters that Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as he ever has, noting Rodgers' ability to call the game at the line of scrimmage and act as offensive coordinator with quick hand signals.PositiveProjectionOct 20, 2026
Cousins is QB3 through Week 6, scoring 19.35 fantasy points per game, benefiting from his history with Klint Kubiak and a star-studded Raiders offense; however, the Raiders' schedule gets much tougher in coming months and Fernando Mendoza (first overall pick) could see more field time, but as long as Cousins is starting he deserves consideration as a back-end QB1.PositiveProjectionOct 20, 2026
The source notes that Kirk Cousins is 'playing like a quarterback who is six or seven years younger right now,' indicating strong recent performance and positive momentum heading into Week 7 matchups against the Rams.PositiveProjectionOct 17, 2026
Cousins is projected as QB13 with 17.4 points against Buffalo but the source predicts he finishes inside QB1 territory. He's flying under the radar after a poor 13.7-point, QB20 outing against the Patriots, but has three consecutive 20-plus-point games prior. Buffalo has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks with three 25-plus-point scores; four of five opposing QBs have topped 265 yards with multiple touchdowns against them. The Bills-Raiders game has the week's highest over/under at 53.5 with the Raiders as 5.5-point underdogs, signaling a pass-friendly game script.NegativeValueOct 17, 2026
Cousins is 7.5 percent rostered against 5.1 percent optimal, indicating overexposure; the source lists him as one of the chalk quarterbacks to go under the field on, suggesting fading him in GPP tournaments.NegativeValueOct 17, 2026
Over-rostered at 7.5 percent rostered against 5.1 percent optimal; Raiders are the offense the field is most overweight on after Atlanta.PositiveProjectionOct 16, 2026
The source predicts that Kirk Cousins will generate more fantasy points than Patrick Mahomes II in Week 6, one of three 'crazy predictions' for the week.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
Cousins opened 2026 with 11 touchdowns to 4 interceptions through 4 weeks but was limited by the Patriots last week to 243 yards and 1 touchdown; the source notes the Patriots exploited his extreme lack of mobility and arm strength, though the result provided a solid floor. Against Buffalo's struggling pass defense, if Cousins can stay upright and plant his feet, he should find openings aplenty downfield.NegativeProjectionOct 13, 2026
Cousins fell five spots to QB30, indicating a significant decline in rest-of-season outlook.PositiveValueOct 13, 2026
Kirk Cousins, at QB9, is more than a streamer for Las Vegas against Buffalo in Week 6.NegativeProjectionOct 12, 2026
Cousins' season has collapsed after a strong start. The Raiders opened 3-0 with Cousins on pace to throw 51 touchdown passes. However, they subsequently lost 45-17 in Week 4, with Fernando Mendoza closing the game. This represents a dramatic reversal from his early-season pace and the team's early success.NegativeBustOct 12, 2026
Cousins' hot start (3 TDs per week, 3-0 record) has faded to back-to-back losses with only 3 total TDs; Fernando Mendoza saw first NFL action in blowout loss to Patriots; upcoming schedule vs. Bills and Rams offers little reprieve, with 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos on schedule by Week 11 pointing to continued struggles; ranked QB19 in Roster Rate, making him more of a bye-week option than stable weekly starter.PositiveValueOct 9, 2026
Raiders QB Kirk Cousins is tied with Brock Purdy for most touchdowns thrown (11) and has seen his fantasy points increase every week. He has potential high-scoring matchups coming up against the Bills, Rams, and Niners. In a season where injuries are knocking quarterbacks out, Cousins needs to be considered as a waiver wire option.PositiveProjectionOct 9, 2026
Cousins has posted top-10 fantasy numbers among quarterbacks through four games, throwing for a season-high 365 yards against Kansas City in Week 4. He has scored at least 19.8 fantasy points in all four games, including three consecutive games with at least 26.2 points. Jamey Eisenberg of CBS Sports expects his early surge to continue against New England, noting that Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen each scored at least 20.5 fantasy points against the Patriots in the past two games, making Cousins worth using as a low-end starter in deeper leagues.NegativeBustOct 7, 2026
Cousins is QB6 in PPG with an 11-4 TD-INT ratio, but his play is overrated and a regression candidate. His four interceptions are tied for fourth-most in the NFL; his 1.00 big-time throw-to-turnover-worthy play (BTT) ratio is below NFL average, indicating average-ish play inflated by high touchdown volume. His pressure-to-sack rate is at an all-time low for his career, barely half his career mark. At 38 years old without quality wide receivers or offensive line play, Cousins is a classic sell-high candidate after a hot opening month. His next schedule (NE-BUF-LAR-NYJ) is one of the more difficult for quarterbacks by aSOS.PositiveProjectionOct 6, 2026
Kirk Cousins is ranked QB25, up 2 spots from the previous week's rankings. The source notes that Cousins is one of the top-eight quarterbacks in scoring through Week 4, a surprising departure from preseason expectations.PositiveProjectionOct 1, 2026
Kirk Cousins had a dependable connection with Brock Bowers in the Raiders' Week 3 win, with Bowers' seven catches for 87 yards in the first half helping fuel four scoring drives.PositiveProjectionSep 29, 2026
Cousins is ranked QB27 in rest-of-season rankings and has moved up three spots from last week.PositiveProjectionSep 29, 2026
Kirk Cousins has nine touchdown passes through three games, which the source highlights as shocking given the Raiders' 3-0 record and their defense being a top-five play so far this season. This suggests Cousins is performing at an elite level early in the season.PositiveProjectionSep 28, 2026
Cousins threw three touchdown passes for his third consecutive game in Week 4. Rich Gannon, Derek Carr, Jay Schroeder, and Daryle Lamonic are the only other Raiders quarterbacks with three-game touchdown streaks; no one has reached four games. Cousins is 35 touchdown passes from catching Fran Tarkenton for 13th all-time.PositiveMatchupSep 24, 2026
Cousins completed 70% of his throws for 530 yards and two touchdowns in a relatively easy win over the Chargers, part of a pattern where the Chargers' secondary has been rolled over by both Jacoby Brissett and Cousins to kick off the year.PositiveMatchupSep 24, 2026
Kirk Cousins rolled over the Chargers' defense to kick off the year, completing 70% of his throws for a way-too-easy 530 yards and four touchdowns in a relatively easy win over LA. The Chargers' malaise has spread to the defense, which has been thoroughly exposed.PositiveProjectionSep 24, 2026
Cousins has impressed through two weeks in the Klint Kubiak offense with the Raiders, making hay against poor defenses. The long-term outlook for the Raiders offense is very promising.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Kirk Cousins is praised by the source for bringing his whole personality to the game, with emphasis on the distinction between role (what the team needs) and value (what a player brings every day), suggesting Cousins' consistent value contribution.NegativeMatchupSep 17, 2026
Kirk Cousins is placed in the DESPERATION PLAYS tier for Week 2 at Los Angeles Chargers, indicating he should only be considered in the most dire streaming circumstances.NegativeValueSep 16, 2026
A future 2nd-round pick is the going rate for Cousins as a middle-ground expectation in dynasty trades. The source recommends exiting Cousins now, off of a quality fantasy game, to secure future capital or enhance other positions before his value declines. Kyler Murray and Sam Darnold injuries, plus down games from other quarterbacks (Cam Ward, etc.), create an opportunity to hunt sell angles for Cousins to a team needing a quarterback.NegativeProjectionSep 16, 2026
Despite posting three passing touchdowns in Week 1, Cousins' underlying performance was poor: he totaled only 160 yards, posted zero big-time throws, and had two turnover-worthy passes. Two of his three touchdowns went to Ashton Jeanty, inflating his box score. Cousins struggled as the game progressed with pressure affecting his throws due to lacking mobility, and he is saddled with one of the worst wide receiver corps in the NFL. The Raiders' offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season, with 2026 improvement only expected to be below average.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Kirk Cousins is characterized as a limited quarterback, which is cited as a reason the source cannot trust the Chargers defense despite facing him in Week 2.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Cousins threw 3 passing touchdowns in Week 2, bringing his career total to 301 and moving him past John Elway into 14th all-time; Fran Tarkenton is next with 342.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Kirk Cousins threw 3 passing touchdowns in Week 1 for Las Vegas, reaching 301 career passing touchdowns and passing John Elway for 14th all-time.PositiveMatchupSep 9, 2026
Brock Bowers' absence is not good news for Kirk Cousins and the Raiders offense in general. The loss of Bowers, a primary target, diminishes the offensive firepower available to Cousins, particularly in Week 1 against the Dolphins.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Cousins gets a chance to prove his rough 2025 had more to do with circumstance than decline; his YPA fell from a career average of 7.7 down to just 6.4 in 10 games with Atlanta last season. An improved offensive line should give him more time than he had for much of last season, and even without Bowers, Miami's inexperienced secondary (returning players averaged just 270 snaps in 2025) gives Las Vegas' passing attack a reasonable chance to move the ball.NegativeValueSep 4, 2026
Kirk Cousins rose one positional rank from QB35 to QB34 but his ADP remained essentially flat, increasing only 0.4 points from 214.8 to 215.2 between April and August.NegativeProjectionAug 31, 2026
In the preseason game against the 49ers, Cousins started and went 8 of 11 for 51 yards, showing efficient but limited production in the preseason opener.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Meng Song notes that prior to 2025, Kirk Cousins was a consistent fantasy QB1 under Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota, establishing O'Connell's track record of producing fantasy-relevant QB performance and supporting the case for Kyler Murray's undervaluation in the same system.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Cousins demonstrated leadership and ownership of the Raiders team during training camp by confronting defensive end Maxx Crosby after being hit on his throwing arm twice during practice. After letting the first contact slide, Cousins charged toward Crosby, delivered a shove, and backed it up with stern words and a warning. The source notes this showed Cousins is willing to square his shoulders, plant his feet, and refuse to give an inch—not against a rookie or fringe player, but against Crosby himself. This confrontation may signal that Cousins is taking a more assertive leadership role with the Raiders than his previous reputation as the 'ultimate Goody Two-shoes' suggested.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Raiders signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins in free agency and he is expected to get the first crack at the starting job, with rookie Fernando Mendoza developing behind him.NegativeRoleAug 2, 2026
Kirk Cousins signed with Las Vegas as a free agent, leaving Atlanta and joining the Raiders offense.NegativeRoleJul 26, 2026
Cousins was released by the Falcons in March and signed with the Raiders. He is looking to bounce back after two disappointing seasons in Atlanta. The Raiders have an improved roster, particularly on offense, with an upgraded offensive line and more depth in the backfield. The 37-year-old Cousins is expected to orchestrate that unit and be a mentor to rookie Fernando Mendoza regardless of who gets the start in Week 1. Cousins is known for maximizing the talents of his tight ends; he has paved the way for multiple tight ends—including Jordan Reed in Washington and Kyle Rudolph and T.J. Hockenson in Minnesota—to either eclipse 1,000 yards or come extremely close to doing so.NegativeRoleJul 26, 2026
Cousins was released by the Falcons in March and signed with the Raiders. He is expected to orchestrate the Raiders' offense and be a mentor to rookie Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders hope Cousins starts the entire season, though Mendoza can take over if he picks things up quickly. Cousins is looking to bounce back after two disappointing seasons in Atlanta. He is known for maximizing the talents of his tight ends, having paved the way for multiple tight ends—including Jordan Reed in Washington and Kyle Rudolph and T.J. Hockenson in Minnesota—to either eclipse 1,000 yards or come extremely close.NegativeProjectionJul 20, 2026
Cousins faces potential QB competition with rookie Fernando Mendoza at Raiders; source questions whether Raiders should start Mendoza immediately or begin with Cousins and transition to Mendoza later. Raiders' plan could change if Mendoza demonstrates readiness during training camp.NegativeDepth ChartJul 20, 2026
Cousins is competing with rookie Fernando Mendoza for the Raiders starting QB job. The source questions whether it is better to give the rookie the opportunity from day one or start with Cousins and eventually use Mendoza. The Raiders may have a plan, but it could change if Mendoza impresses during training camp and demonstrates readiness for the Week 1 pressure.