DeAndre Hopins USA Today Kirby Lee
Despite the Houston Texans having one of their worst seasons in franchise history, DeAndre Hopkins had a quiet but effective rookie season. Hopkins caught for over 800 yards and averaged 15.2 yards per catch which was third among qualifying rookies. He looks to continue his steady upward trend this week against the Washington Redskins.
Andre Johnson’s rapid decline and penchant to get injured is only a bonus for Hopkins. Johnson’s glass hamstrings look like they could go any minute, which would immediately make Hopkins the key target in the Texans pass game, especially as a deep threat.
It helps that Hopkins is going up against a shaky Redskins defense. While they improved the secondary by adding veteran safety Ryan Clarke and amped up the pass rush, it was only enough to make them average at best. This is a defense that gave up over thirty points seven times last season and they ranked 30th in points allowed. DeAngelo Hall will probably be spending most of the day on Andre Johnson, leaving Hopkins with little else to worry about as far as the secondary goes.
None of this matters though if Hopkins doesn’t have a capable quarterback throwing to him. Ryan Fitzpatrick is still somehow an NFL starter and that doesn’t bode well for any of the Texans’ receivers. The best thing the Redskins defense has going for it is its pass rush and Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are more than adept at forcing quarterbacks to make sloppy plays; and ask anyone in Buffalo if Fitzpatrick makes sloppy plays.
So, this leads us to the ultimate question surrounding DeAndre Hopkins. Is he worth a start in Week 1? You probably have better options on your team and maybe even on your bench. He probably shouldn’t see playing time anywhere away from the flex position if necessary. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be happy you have him on your team as he showed explosiveness last year. However, he also had seven games where he produced less than three points for his owners. Hopkins is a player you should let simmer on your bench. He’ll be ready to serve when the time is right, or he may go down the garbage disposal as long as the “Amish Rifle” Ryan Fitzpatrick is throwing him the ball. Be patient and watch, but don’t let him tank your first week.
Ryan Ball is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @squash_match.
