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 15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
DeAndre Hopkins didn’t find the end zone last week, but he caught nine balls for 136 yards. He was also targeted 11 times, his sixth time with double-digit targets this season. Hopkins is third in the league in receptions, fourth in targets and fifth in receiving yards. He remains an elite fantasy player at his position and has been one of the steadiest performers this season, especially in PPR formats.
This week, Hopkins faces an Eagles defense that ranks 22nd in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Hopkins should benefit from the nice matchup, and with the volume of targets he gets on a regular basis, he’s a must-start in all leagues as a WR1.
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 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams
DeAndre Hopkins had just 55 yards on five receptions last week against the Patriots. His five receptions on seven targets against a fantastic secondary show how good he is, but the lack of fantasy production has been frustrating for two straight weeks now.
It’s a tough matchup again for Hopkins this week against the Rams, who rank number one in the league in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Hopkins should be active every week, regardless of matchup, but we have him ranked down a bit, as a fringe WR1 option, against another tough secondary.
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.
Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks
DeAndre Hopkins had seven catches for 127 yards last week, including a 43-yard, Hail Mary touchdown in the closing seconds to secure the victory. Hopkins is averaging 9.8 targets per game and remains one of the best players in the league at his position. Kyler Murray looks to him often, and he has over 100 yards in five games this season.
This week, Hopkins has a great matchup against a Seahawks defense that ranks dead last in aFPA to opposing wide receivers and just gave up 10 catches, 103 yards and a touchdown to him a few weeks ago. Hopkins is a must-start every week, but especially so in a great matchup. Start him in all leagues.
Week 10 vs. Buffalo Bills
DeAndre Hopkins had a quiet day against a strong Miami Dolphins secondary last week, catching just three balls for 30 yards. He’s still tied for third in receptions and is fifth in receiving yards this season, despite the Cardinals already having a bye week. He should continue to be the primary cog in the Cardinals’ passing game and remain Kyler Murray’s favorite target for the rest of the season.
This week, Hopkins faces a Bills defense that ranks ninth in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. That’s not a great matchup, but D.K. Metcalf was able to produce against this secondary a week ago, and Hopkins should generally be considered matchup-proof. Expect another busy day for Hopkins, and we have him ranked as a top-five option in all leagues.
Week 9 vs. Miami Dolphins
DeAndre Hopkins continues to be a force in the Cardinals’ passing offense. Before the bye last week, he caught 10 of 12 targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling overtime victory over the Seahawks. Hopkins is on pace for an astounding 130 receptions and 1,609 yards, both of which would be career highs.
This week, Hopkins faces a Dolphins defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. While Miami does have quality players in the secondary, Hopkins is virtually matchup proof and should continue to get fed a ton of targets. We have him ranked as a top-five option and he should be active in all leagues.
Week 7 vs. Seattle Seahawks
DeAndre Hopkins had a quiet game, catching only two passes last week against the Cowboys. Luckily one of those was a 60-yarder and he wound up with 73 yards on the day, but it was still a disappointing outing for the All-Pro. Hopkins was targeted eight times, however, and is averaging 10.2 targets per game on this season. Kyler Murray continues to trust him, and he should continue to be one of the steadiest options in fantasy football.
This week, Hopkins faces a Seattle defense that ranks dead last in aFPA to opposing wide receivers, giving him significant upside in an excellent matchup. He’s a must-start every week, but especially so in this contest, which could easily turn into a shootout. Start him.
Week 6 at Dallas Cowboys
DeAndre Hopkins continued his excellent first season in Arizona with six catches, 131 yards and a touchdown against the Jets last week. Hopkins is averaging nine catches and 105.6 receiving yards per game so far this year, and his chemistry with second-year quarterback Kyler Murray has been on point.
This week, expect Hopkins to continue to thrive in a fantastic matchup against the Cowboys. Dallas ranks 29th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers and the Cardinals just lost Chandler Jones for the rest of the season. Even without Dak Prescott, this could be a shootout, and Hopkins could see double-digit targets. He’s our top wide receiver option this week and a must-start in all leagues.
