Freed from his bench shackles in a game that — at times — called on the Bills to actually throw the ball, Cooper’s 32 snaps were tied for the most he had in any game with the Bills since Week 8. Instead of trusting Cooper to win downfield on third-and-10, on Buffalo’s penultimate offensive play from scrimmage, Brady threw a screen at Cooper that got five yards. Turning 31 in June, Cooper is likely headed for more of an “interesting” free agency than a $10 million a year deal. He was buried by Deshaun Watson in Cleveland and buried by the offensive game plan in Buffalo. He also just had a career-high 1250 yards in 2023 with Joe Flacco at quarterback. Somebody could find a bargain here in 2025, but until he lands with a team it’ll be hard to suss out Cooper’s fantasy value beyond “vaguely WR4ish.”

Cooper was on-field for just 21-of-61 possible offensive snaps. His usage and results continue to confuse us. Although Cooper has dealt with wrist and back issues during his Bills tenure, he regularly practices in full which suggests the veteran wide receiver should at least be hitting a 50.0 percent snap offensive snap rate. Perhaps his great unveiling with take place against the Chiefs in next Sunday’s AFC Championship game.

Cooper popped up for 56 yards in his final regular season appearance in Week 17, but he’s now been held to 10-or-fewer yards in three straight games. He’s cleared 12 four times in nine games as a Bill. Baffling. One of the few players who wasn’t there for the Bills’ first matchup with the Ravens in Week 4, Cooper is a potential X-factor who is nevertheless looking unlikely to fulfill that promise.

Cooper missed a meaningless Week 18 game for personal reasons and had not returned to the team as of Monday. He was back on the field for a full practice today and is good to go for Buffalo’s Wild Card Round date with the Broncos. The team also listed a back injury for Cooper on their report, though it didn’t limit him in practice and is a non-issue. Splitting time and targets in a crowded receiver room, Cooper will be a boom/bust fantasy option for the opening round of the playoffs.