Week 1 at New Orleans Saints
The No. 1 fantasy WR this week is DeAndre Hopkins. Do you need to know any more? He’s coming off career-highs in receptions and yards and has scored double-digit TDs in three of the past four seasons. The New Orleans defense had plenty of problems against the pass last year, so expect Hopkins to get off to a good start on Monday night.
Fantasy Upside
This just in: DeAndre Hopkins is good. He's super good. But it goes beyond that. He has a talented young quarterback in Deshaun Watson and gets a huge percentage of his team's targets. Better still, Hopkins makes the most of those targets. He comes off an impressive 2018 campaign, one in which the athletic wideout earned his second straight All-Pro selection and tied Andre Johnson's single-season franchise record with 115 catches. Unlike Johnson, Hopkins did it without a single drop. The former 2013 first-round pick's ability to haul in 105 catchable passes without a drop was a Pro Football Focus record (PFF has been keeping grades since the 2006 season). Better still, the overall production has been consistently high-end. Hopkins has only had two seasons in his six years in the NFL where he has not reached over 1,000 receiving yards (a feat achieved without the greatest of quarterbacks until Watson came along).
Fantasy Downside
Reaching here, but it's certainly possible the healthy return of Will Fuller (coming off an ACL) and Keke Coutee (coming off a rookie season that's more notable for lingering hamstring issues than consistent production) could cut into Hopkins' targets.
2019 Bottom Line
According to PFF, over the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Hopkins has a combined 649.3 points in PPR -- the next receiver that is even remotely close is Antonio Brown with 638.2 points. With an improved offensive line and Watson still under center, 2019 should be another elite year for Hopkins. Expect to pay accordingly.
Wild Card vs. Indianapolis Colts
In the first contest versus the Colts this season at the end of September, DeAndre Hopkins went off for 10 receptions for 169 yards and a TD. However, in the home loss to Indianapolis just a month ago he was held to four grabs for 36 yards but managed to find the end zone again. Hopkins was on a roll down the stretch, registering three 100-yard games to close out the regular season. He will remain a huge part of the Texans offense in the playoff game Saturday.
Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Deshaun Watson threw for over 300 yards last week in the loss at Philly, with DeAndre Hopkins having another good day. On 12 targets he caught nine passes for 104 yards, the sixth time this season he’s cracked the century mark. In Week 7 at Jacksonville Watson completed only 12 passes but Hopkins totaled 50 yards and a TD. He needs to remain in your starting lineup as he’ll continue to see plenty of looks, especially without Demaryius Thomas.
Week 16 at Philadelphia Eagles
It was just another DeAndre Hopkins big performance last Saturday against the Jets. In the win, Hopkins torched the New York defense for 10 catches, 170 yards and two TDs. He leads the league with 11 receiving scores and has a good matchup versus the Eagles injury-plagued secondary. Hopkins is dealing with a sore ankle himself but will be fine and should remain in your lineup.
Week 15 at New York Jets
The Colts held DeAndre Hopkins to a season-low 36 yards on four receptions last week, but the WR was able to score his ninth TD of the season in the loss. With the Texans having success on the ground lately, Hopkins is averaging only 64 yards per game over the past four. However, he has a decent matchup versus the Jets No. 16 ranked pass defense on Saturday. There’s no question Hopkins should be included in your starting lineup.
Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
In the win against Cleveland last Sunday, DeAndre Hopkins saw 12 targets, leading to seven grabs for 91 yards. With the success of the Texans ground game over the past couple of months, Hopkins has posted just one 100-yard game over the past seven contests. But, he’s always a threat to have a monstrous game as he did in the overtime win against the Colts earlier this season, registering a season-high 169 yards and a TD. There’s no question you’re starting Hopkins in the rematch.
Week 13 Cleveland Browns
In the win over Tennessee last Monday, DeAndre Hopkins led the Texans with six targets, five grabs and 74 yards. However, it was newly acquired WR Demaryius Thomas who caught both of Deshaun Watson’s TD tosses, ending Hopkins’ streak of five straight games with a score. Cleveland is No. 29 versus the pass, so you know Hopkins will be licking his chops. There’s no question he should remain in your starting lineup.
Week 12 vs. Tennessee Titans
In the win over the Redskins last week DeAndre Hopkins registered five receptions for 56 yards and another TD – his fifth straight game with a score. In the September loss to the Titans, he finished with six grabs for 110 yards and, of course, a touchdown. The Colts passing attack dominated the Titans defense last week and there is no way you’re not starting Hopkins.
Week 11 at Washington Redskins
Deshaun Watson completed only 17 passes two weeks ago in the win at Denver, but DeAndre Hopkins still had a big performance. He collected 10 grabs for 105 yards and his seventh TD of ’18, including at least one in four straight. It was the fourth time this season Hopkins was over the century mark. He’s obviously a must-start every game and has a great matchup on Sunday against the No. 25 pass defense.
