Cowboys fantasy football 2023: Brandin Cooks or Michael Gallup?
By Ali Jawad
Looking back at this time last year, Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup was recovering from a gruesome torn ACL. In contrast, Brandin Cooks provided as much life as possible to the struggling Texans' offense.
As we are soon to gear up for the 2023 season, the topic of fantasy football is slowly entering the conversation, and both players are now teammates.
Considering the scenario and situation, both players are intriguing options for fantasy players this year after a disappointing turnout in 2022. With that in mind, let's break down both options and who could be the better choice.
Cowboys WR Michael Gallup's 2023 fantasy value
When healthy, Gallup provides the Dallas offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott a reliable option and a red zone target. Gallup has scored 19 career touchdowns, 11 of which have come in the red zone.
However, Gallup was slowed down in 2022, coming off a torn ACL and has missed 12 games over the past two seasons. Injury history alone will certainly cause him to drop in fantasy drafts, if not go undrafted entirely.
Gallup returned to action in week four vs Washington, where he scored a touchdown, but it was his best fantasy performance until week 13 vs Indianapolis. Suffice it to say fantasy mangers can't afford nine straight weeks of subpar games.
Overall, Gallup's production dipped and he struggled to return to form. His season high in receptions in a game in 2022 was just five, and his highest receiving yards in a game were 63 while scoring just four touchdowns.
All things to consider, most players don’t return to full form after an ACL tear until the following season. Gallup's fantasy value could be a good option in the back end of drafts and a good depth piece to store on a bench. If he returns to form, we can call him a late-round steal.
However, the addition of Brandin Cooks will eat into his fantasy production and overall ceiling as Cooks is largely viewed as the No. 2 WR in Dallas' passing game behind CeeDee Lamb.
The good news is Gallup is feeling the best he has in a while as we get closer to camp. He will be at his healthiest in a long time.