When the Kansas city Chiefs agreed to a deal that brought veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins into the AFC West, it remained unclear exactly how much of an asset the 32-year-old pass-catcher would be. Hopkins, who appeared in six contests with the Tennessee Titans this season, totaled 173 yards and one touchdown. Since 2021, the five-time Pro Bowler has been responsible for just one 1,000-yard season.
Can the aging veteran really give the Chiefs that dynamic presence they’ve been looking for at the wide receiver position?
One week after being fully accustomed to Kansas City’s offense, that question has an answer.
Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8, during what was his first game with the Chiefs, Hopkins totaled two receptions for 29 yards. As he had been in Kansas City for less than a week, his offensive snaps were limited to 23. However, with more familiarity in his new system entering Week 9, Hopkins’ offensive snap-count rose to 53.
His production skyrocketed as well.
In a Week 9 battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hopkins hauled in eight passes for 86 yards. The first-rounder in the 2013 NFL Draft scored twice, paving the way for his new team to walk away with a 30-24 victory in overtime.
Hopkins was given a grade of 81.8 via Pro Football Focus for his efforts this past week; the 6th-highest grade among all players at his position.
The AFC West has a new top-wideout in the division courtesy of the Chiefs, who brought him in to help make their three-peat aspirations a reality. But will Hopkins be able to continue his success against a strong matchup this upcoming weekend?
An AFC West bout awaits the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10
Up next on the Chiefs’ schedule is their division rivals, the Denver Broncos. Although Hopkins dominated Tampa Bay a mere handful of days ago, he can’t expect to have the same amount of opportunities in Week 10. The Broncos are a different animal—for more reasons than being an AFC West foe.
Up to this point in the season, Tampa Bay has allowed the fifth-most yardage per contest (377.8) with the fifth-most points scored against them on a weekly basis (28.8). Denver, on the other hand, doesn’t come close to these rankings.
Through nine weeks, the Broncos have given up the eighth-least yardage per game (308.6) while surrendering the 10th-least points on average (20.8).
These rankings closely translate to the passing defenses of both clubs, too.
Only five teams across the NFL allow more passing yards on a week-to-week basis than the Buccaneers (250.8). For Denver, only five teams league-wide are responsible for fewer passing yards per contest (187.1). It should come as no surprise that teams have scored seven more touchdowns through the air against Tampa Bay than they have against the Broncos.
For Hopkins, this will be his true test as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately for him, first-team All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II is ready to have a go at the veteran. Will Hopkins be able to hold his own? Sunday’s AFC West duel will answer that question.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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