DeAndre Hopkins

Week 16 vs. San Francisco 49ers

DeAndre Hopkins is a monster. He caught nine balls for 169 yards and a wildly impressive touchdown last week in a victory over the Eagles. He also had 11 targets, the seventh time this season he’s had double-digit targets in a game. Hopkins only has six touchdowns this year, but he’s otherwise been an elite fantasy receiver all year.

This week, he faces a 49ers defense that ranks 15th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. He caught 14 balls when he faced them in Week 1, and that was a healthier defense. Start him regardless of matchup as a WR1 every week.

Week 14 at New York Giants

DeAndre Hopkins had 52 yards and a touchdown last week on eight receptions in a loss to the Rams. Hopkins hasn’t had 100-plus yards in any of his last three games, but he’s still getting tremendous volume, including 13 targets last week. Hopkins has produced double-digit PPR points because of that volume, despite facing a brutal schedule over the second half of the season.

This week, Hopkins faces a Giants defense that ranks 11th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers, so it’s not getting much easier. That being said, he should find a little more room than he did the last two weeks, and he should continue to be heavily targeted. We have him as a fringe WR1 option due to the matchup, but he’s a must-start every week in all league formats.

Week 12 at New England Patriots

DeAndre Hopkins only had 51 yards in a great matchup against the Seahawks last week, but had five receptions and was targeted eight times. He remains the focal point of the Cardinals’ passing game and is an elite fantasy option, regardless of matchup.

This week, he’ll face a Patriots defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. While the Patriots have been known for their ability to find overachieving cornerbacks, Hopkins is so good, he can usually produce even against the better defenders, particularly one-on-one. Start him every week.