Week 14 vs. New England Patriots
DeAndre Hopkins caught four of his six targets against the Chargers before the bye last week, gaining 87 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins has double-digit half-PPR points in every game he’s played this season and he has three touchdowns in just six games. While it’s slightly concerning that Marquise Brown led the team in targets in his first game with Hopkins in the lineup, fantasy managers should still count on Hopkins as a reliable producer.
This week, Hopkins faces a Patriots defense that ranks 12th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s a tough matchup for Hopkins, but his target share should still make him a viable WR1 option in all fantasy leagues. The addition of Brown to the lineup at least keeps Bill Belichick from focusing all of his defensive attention on one target.
Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
DeAndre Hopkins went into Monday night’s tilt against the 49ers questionable, but he played and ended up with another solid outing. He caught nine of his 12 targets for 91 yards, delivering big PPR points. Hopkins has double-digit targets in four of his five games this season and he’s been as steady as it gets for fantasy manager who held him through his six-game suspension.
Hopkins should continue to do well against the Chargers this week, despite their effectiveness against wide receivers. Los Angeles ranks ninth in aFPA to the position, and they just held the Kansas City wide receivers to minimal production on Sunday night. Hopkins’ targets are too enticing to consider benching him, however, and we expect him to continue to be in WR1 territory this week.
Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers
DeAndre Hopkins has been excellent since returning from suspension four weeks ago. He has double-digit half-PPR points in every game and double-digit targets in three of four. He finished last week’s victory over the Rams with 10 catches and 98 yards, making him a PPR demon, despite the absence of Kyler Murray.
This week, Hopkins faces a good 49ers defense, but one that has struggled against the wide receiver position, ranking 19th in aFPA to opposing receivers. Hopkins should have no trouble continuing his productive streak in this one, and fantasy managers should keep him active as an elite WR1 in all league formats.
Week 10 at Los Angeles Rams
DeAndre Hopkins was limited to 36 yards on four receptions last week against the Seahawks, but he found the end zone for the second consecutive week and he has double-digit fantasy points in all three games since returning from suspension.
This week, Hopkins faces a Rams defense that ranks 14th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Expect another busy day for Hopkins, who has 32 targets in just three games, and for him to put up quality WR1 numbers again. Start him in all league formats.
Week 9 vs. Seattle Seahawks
DeAndre Hopkins has wasted no time getting back to fantasy prominence since returning from suspension two weeks ago. He followed up a 10-catch, 103-yard performance in Week 7 with 12 catches, 159 yards, and a touchdown last week against the Vikings. It was a losing effort for the Cardinals, but Hopkins looks every bit the elite fantasy wide receiver he’s been throughout his career. He has 27 targets over the past two weeks and should continue to be the key cog in the Arizona passing attack.
This week, Hopkins has a surprisingly tough matchup against the stellar young Seattle secondary. The Seahawks rank second in aFPA to opposing wide receivers this year. Still, Hopkins should see enough targets and has the talent to thrive in any situation, so we still have him ranked as a top option. Start him.
Week 8 at Minnesota Vikings
DeAndre Hopkins wasted no time getting back into the swing of things last week, racking up 10 receptions on 14 targets and finishing with 103 yards in a victory over the Saints. Hopkins should continue to see significant targets in this offense, and Kyler Murray has never been shy about feeding him in the past.
This week, Hopkins faces a Vikings defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. While it’s not the best matchup against an improved secondary this season, Hopkins’ volume should still make him a viable WR1 in all fantasy leagues. Reward yourself for stashing him this season and start him.
Week 7 vs. New Orleans Saints
DeAndre Hopkins is set to return from suspension this week and it couldn’t come at a better time with Marquise Brown injured for the foreseeable future. Hopkins is coming off a relatively down year, averaging 4.2 catches and 57.2 yards through 10 games in 2021, though he did score eight touchdowns.
Hopkins gets a great matchup in his season debut against a Saints defense that ranks 30th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Hopkins is a veteran and he and Kyler Murray have had a nice rapport from Day 1 of them playing together, so we don’t anticipate too much of a warming up period for him. We have him ranked as a solid WR2 option and fantasy managers should activate him in all leagues.
Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
DeAndre Hopkins returned to action last week against the Bears and found the end zone for the eighth time this season. He only caught two balls for 32 yards, but the limited targets were definitely impacted by the Cardinals getting an early lead and dominating the Bears defensively. Kyler Murray only attempted 15 passes.
This week, Hopkins faces a Rams defense that ranks 26th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, which should lead to considerable targets for Hopkins. We have him ranked as a fringe WR1 this week. Start him.
Week 13 at Chicago Bears
DeAndre Hopkins has missed the past three games due to injury, but he’s set to return this week. Prior to the injury, he scored seven touchdowns in eight games, putting up fringe WR1 numbers despite not eclipsing 100 yards receiving.
This week, Hopkins faces a Bears defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s a good matchup for Hopkins to return to action, and fantasy managers should feel good about inserting him into their lineups as a solid WR2 option.
Week 9 at San Francisco 49ers
DeAndre Hopkins played hobbled last week and missed large portions of the game. Still, he caught two balls for 66 yards, including a long touchdown that was wiped off by a facemask penalty. Hopkins’ targets haven’t been where they were a year ago, but he’s still providing a solid enough floor for fantasy managers to keep him active in most weeks.
This week, Hopkins faces a 49ers defense that ranks 21st in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Watch his injury status, but as long as he’s active and good to go, he should be active in all leagues, especially with A.J. Green on the COVID list. Start him.
