Arizona Cardinal wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins missed the first six games this year because of a suspension.
However, the star receiver has been excellent since returning to the field. Over the first six games this season, the former Clemson star averaged 16.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, scoring 11.6 or more in every contest.
Unfortunately, injuries to the quarterback position have impacted Hopkins’ fantasy production. In the three games without Kyler Murray this season, the star receiver has averaged only 6.6 fantasy points per game despite seeing double-digit targets in every matchup.
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Is DeAndre Hopkins Healthy Or Injured?
Hopkins suffered a knee injury in practice a few days before the Week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the star receiver couldn’t play last week. Despite the hope that he could return for the season finale, the former first-round pick won’t play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. His 2022 season is over.
Fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised that Hopkins won’t play this week. The Cardinals have been eliminated from the playoffs and will likely have a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Furthermore, the star receiver could get traded in the offseason as the team has several critical decisions to make.
With Hopkins out this week, what waiver wire target can fantasy players add and start in Week 18?
What Wide Receiver Should I Target Off The Waiver Wire?
Over the past five games, the Isaiah Hodges receiver has averaged 6.6 targets and 12.7 fantasy points per game, scoring 12 or more fantasy points in all but one of those contests. Furthermore, the second-year player has found the end zone in four of the past five games.
Last week former Oregon State star caught four of five targets for 42 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts, scoring 12.2 fantasy points.
Meanwhile, Hodges has a solid matchup in Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles. They have struggled to slow down opposing wide receivers lately. Over the past two weeks, the Eagles have surrendered 26 receptions for 334 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, and 64.4 fantasy points to wide receivers.
Furthermore, they have given up nine receiving touchdowns to wide receivers over the past six weeks after giving up only six touchdowns over the first 10 games this season.
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