DeAndre Hopkins is the third wide receiver to be traded in the last two weeks following in the footsteps of Davante Adams and Amari Cooper. This season hasn’t been the best for Hopkins, but a move gives his fantasy owners some life. What should fantasy fans expect from Hopkins after being traded to the Chiefs?
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Outlook After Being Traded to Chiefs
This year has been less than ideal for Hopkins from a fantasy perspective. He’s had more weeks (3) with less than two fantasy points than he’s had double-digit points (1). That’s largely a result of the Tennessee Titans having the worst passing offense per game.
Those who have Hopkins this season know he’s been unplayable. His stats through seven weeks make him borderline droppable. Now in Kansas City, Hopkins gets a chance to start over.
Chiefs Receiving Room – Who Gets the Ball?
Kansas City’s wide receiver room is pretty banged up right now, a large reason why the trade took place. Without Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, it’s been the Xavier Worthy leading the way. He’s gotten help from Travis Kelce, but it’s been a struggle to this point.
With Smith-Schuster sidelined for a few weeks, Hopkins will see a large volume of targets right away. Him and Worthy are now the main pieces along with Kelce to try and ignite the Chiefs passing game. Hopkins’ impact will be felt as soon as he steps into the lineup for Kansas City.
What Should Owners Expect From Hopkins?
Let’s keep it real here. Even with Hopkins now in Kansas City, it doesn’t mean you’ll see prime Hopkins once again. He’s 32 years old, and Patrick Mahomes is struggling right now. However, anything from Hopkins is a step up from the Titans.
Prior to Rice’s injury, he was averaging seven targets and 72 yards per game from Mahomes. Those numbers bring him back into consideration for a flex spot. If Hopkins can produce a touchdown reception every game or every other game, there’s a chance he could jump into the WR2 category.
If your team is doing well with Hopkins on the bench, by all means roll with what is working. Most fantasy teams are ravaged by the injury bug, so you might not have a choice to play him. His target share will go up (not that it could go much lower), but it’s tough to say right now whether he’s just a flex option or if he upgrades to WR2 status. Hopkins can still separate as good as younger receivers, and now he gets a much-deserved upgrade at quarterback.
Hopkins is owned in 48% of all Yahoo leagues and 58% of all ESPN leagues. If he’s on waivers in your league, now is the time to grab him. This gives you another option if necessary. If the Chiefs can get Hopkins to finish with at least 600-750 yards and 6+ touchdowns, picking him up (or keeping him stashed on your bench since August) will make things worthwhile.
Main Photo Courtesy of Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports – Imagn Images
