Update 5/26/2023: DeAndre Hopkins Released by the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been a hot topic in NFL circles as of late. The multi-time All-Pro and future Hall of Famer is on his way out of Arizona to settle with a new team. Let’s look at five teams who could feature Hopkins in the fall and how it would impact DeAndre Hopkins fantasy value going forward.
Potential Destinations
New England Patriots
The Patriots have reworked their receiving corps in recent years, exchanging Tom Brady’s guard for a younger unit. Hopkins would be the Patriots’ first true superstar receiver since Randy Moss. Hopkins would be an excellent weapon for Mac Jones as he enters a crucial third year. He would also let the supporting cast play roles in the offense as opposed to being the main star.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Value in New England
Hopkins would be the no-doubt top option in the offense. Hopkins would be peppered with targets from quarterback, Mac Jones, giving him an enticing floor and reasonable fantasy value. He would almost certainly be a WR1 or high-end WR2 depending on the depth in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens might have just drafted Zay Flowers but they enjoy their veterans. Hopkins would join the list that includes the likes of Beckham, Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Smith as older Ravens acquisitions. The Ravens also resigned Lamar Jackson so the pickup would be an another massive boost to the Baltimore passing attack.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Value in Baltimore
Jackson and Hopkins together, would make Hopkins a mid-tier WR1 with a high-end upside. Hopkins also would have to contend with Mark Andrews and Flowers. Andrews has an excellent rapport with and would likely remain as one of the most-targeted tight ends even with Hopkins in the fold.
Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl champions need a wide receiver, and Hopkins would fill that nicely. He may not be as explosive as Tyreek Hill, but Hopkins would bring immense value, particularly in the red zone, and on third downs. Last season, Kansas City had one superstar weapon, and a cast of solid ones, but Hopkins would likely restore Kansas City’s placement as a multi-superstar receiving corps.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Value in Kansas City
Hopkins could be penciled in as a top-four wide receiver in all formats if he became a Chief. He would have to compete for targets and touchdowns with Travis Kelce, but the Chiefs have a huge volume of passing production that could be sent Hopkins’ way. He would be a shoo-in for 10 touchdowns.
Minnesota Vikings
Hopkins would not be the alpha receiver in Minnesota, but he would be the best No. 2 receiver in the NFL. As the foil to Justin Jefferson, Hopkins would have ample opportunity to score touchdowns and draw easier match-ups than Jefferson. Hopkins would be quite the upgrade over the recently departed Adam Thielen.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Value in Minnesota
Determining a fantasy value for Hopkins, Minnesota is difficult, but he would likely be a high-end WR2 option. He would not get the most targets in the offense, but he would be an exciting option in best-ball leagues because of the week-to-week volatility. Minnesota does throw the ball a lot, and Hopkins could have multi-touchdown games or games with more than 150 yards. He may not be as consistent as he would in other locations, but the overall value would likely be around the same.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a popular potential destination with wide receiver trades because Gabriel Davis did not have quite the breakout that many predicted him to have in 2022. Hopkins would be the second fiddle to Stefon Diggs, but the Bills have a high-volume passing attack led by Josh Allen.
The Bills are in a difficult cap situation with Allen’s ever-increasing deal, but Hopkins could be the move that puts the Bills as Super Bowl favorites.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Value in Buffalo
Like in Minnesota, Hopkins would be a high-end WR2 option. He would be a great add candidate in best-ball leagues. He might not have the week-to-week consistency fantasy owners love, but he would end the season with big yardage and touchdown totals.
Where ever Hopkin ends up, its going to shift that teams odds to win the Super Bowl. You can find great value if you lock these five teams in to win at BetMGM. Thank me later.