It’s Week 8 of the fantasy football season and time to start the playoff run. There are many tough decisions to be made each week, especially at the wide receiver position.
With the trade deadline next Tuesday, DeAndre Hopkins could be playing his final game as a Tennessee Titan. Should fantasy managers have him in their lineup, or does Houston Texans WR Tank Dell make more sense on your starting roster?
Tank Dell Fantasy Outlook This Week
Upon being drafted, the rookie from Houston was a guy that C.J. Stroud asked management to draft. And Dell has shown a lot of promise this season with the potential to be a starting fantasy wide receiver.
In consecutive games against the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars, Dell had 72 and 145 yards, respectively, scoring a touchdown in both games.
MORE: Fantasy Week 8 WR Start/Sit
This weekend the Texans play the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers are still the lone winless team in the NFL, they have been solid against the pass this year. Carolina currently ranks ninth against the pass, allowing 197.8 yards per game. The Panthers, in general, have a solid defense, but it’s the offense that has let them down this year.
While Dell had a very good streak early in the year, he hasn’t been quite as productive recently. He only has four catches for 73 yards in October.
DeAndre Hopkins Fantasy Outlook This Week
The Hopkins era in Tennessee could be coming to a close. The trade deadline is on Tuesday, and the Titans already dealt safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hopkins remains on the Titans for now and has a chance to bounce back from his worst performance on the season. He caught only one pass against the Baltimore Ravens.
Like Dell, Hopkins doesn’t have an easy matchup with the Titans taking on the Atlanta Falcons, who are allowing only 190.1 passing yards — seventh in the NFL.
Cornerback A.J. Terrell is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, while safety Jessie Bates III has been a great pickup at the safety spot.
Which of the AFC South Receivers Should You Start?
In the PFN Fantasy Consensus Rankings, these two receivers are very close. Dell is currently WR42, while Hopkins is WR47. But in the end, Dell is the play in fantasy this week.
The Texans are a team that is playing solid football right now with much to play for. The Titans, on the other hand, are a team that feels like some big trades are pending. Hopkins, as well as Derrick Henry, could find themselves on different teams in just a few days. Tennessee will also not have Ryan Tannehill under center this week, with Will Levis expected to start. Malik Willis might also get playing time.
The Texans also have the much better quarterback situation, so go with Dell.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!