As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of DeAndre Hopkins.
DeAndre Hopkins’ Dynasty Outlook and Value
When the Cardinals signed Hopkins to a two-year extension ahead of their 2022 campaign, I don’t think they had any plans to trade him after the season. Well, the universe had other plans, it seems.
The combination of Hopkins’ age and the Cardinals entering a lost season without their quarterback makes him almost certain to be moved.
The 2023 wide receiver free agent class is one of the weakest in recent memory. So, when names like Hopkins pop up as potentially on the move, fantasy managers and NFL general managers’ ears perk up.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
Hopkins will be 31 years old this season. While elite WR1 Hopkins is no longer there, low-end WR1 Hopkins can still exist in the right environment.
Hopkins returned from his six-game suspension to immediately resume WR1 duties. He averaged 16.9 ppg in his nine games played.
Hopkins only has a year or two left before he turns into something like what Cardinals teammate A.J. Green became in his time in Arizona. But I do not think the year Hopkins falls off is this one. He just posted a 29.4% target share and a 29.6% targets-per-route-run rate, both top 10 numbers. Hopkins’ mark of 2.21 yards per route run was inside the top 20. He’s not elite anymore, but he’s still very good.
DeAndre Hopkins’ Fantasy Ranking
Fantasy managers need to treat Hopkins the same way NFL teams are going to treat him. You bring him in to chase a championship. Much like he is of no use to the Cardinals in a lost season, he is of no use to a rebuilding dynasty roster.
Given how little time Hopkins has left as a fantasy-relevant player, he’s severely undervalued in dynasty circles. Where he ends up matters, and perhaps you wait until you know where that is. But Hopkins can help your team win a championship this season. Once his location is known, if he is, in fact, traded, I’d be very interested in acquiring him.
Dynasty is all about getting young, talented players. However, oftentimes fantasy managers can get tunnel vision on that goal and forget that 24-25-year-old low-end WR2s are not going to help your team more than a 29-31-year-old WR1. Hopkins could end up being quite the short-term value, especially in dynasty startup drafts.
Currently, he sits at WR35 in our dynasty Superflex rankings, No. 88 overall. This is exactly what I mean about providing short-term value. There aren’t 30 wide receivers better than Hopkins for 2023.
The reason he’s ranked that low is because of how little time he has left as a productive fantasy asset. But if you’re willing to slightly mortgage future assets to win now, there’s a clear upgrade that can be had in acquiring Hopkins.