What to do with Jared Cook in the Divisional round of the 2021 NFL playoffs

With the New Orleans Saints’ wide receivers at just about full strength, what DFS opportunities will be left for tight end Jared Cook against the Buccaneers?

Fantasy Football analysis: Saints TE Jared Cook, $4,000

Cook was fine against the Bears during the Wild Card round. Really, it’s no different than what he’s been for the majority of the season. His 4-40-0 line wasn’t a total letdown, but fantasy managers have probably become used to Cook turning in mediocre stat lines. He has reached 50 yards just once since Week 8 and has kept his fantasy value afloat with scores in three of his past six contests.

However, Michael Thomas is back and looked healthy against the Bears, WR Tre’Quan Smith could return this week from injured reserve, Deonte Harris stood out last week, Emmanuel Sanders will soak up a few targets, and Alvin Kamara will see action as a receiver as well. The Saints’ receiving corps hasn’t been this well-stocked in a long while.

Meanwhile, although the Bucs did cede a 5-79-0 line to Washington’s Logan Thomas last week, only three opposing tight ends have topped 50 yards in Tampa’s past nine games. You’re pretty much banking on a touchdown from Cook. The silver lining there is that the Bucs have given up nine TDs to the position; only six teams have allowed more tight end touchdowns this year.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Cook is a TD-or-bust choice versus the Buccaneers. He is not a preferred play at $4,000.