How DeAndre Hopkins trade affects the fantasy football value of Chiefs pass catchers

Through 7 weeks of this NFL campaign, the Kansas City Chiefs have been without Rashee Rice (ACL), Isaiah Pacheco (fibula), Hollywood Brown (shoulder), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (non-football illness), and now Juju Smith-Schuster (hamstring). The injuries have stacked up, but the Chiefs have enjoyed solid contributions from guys like Kareem Hunt and Noah Gray on their way to posting a perfect record through their first six contests. Having the best quarterback in the world leading the charge doesn't hurt either.

To further address the issues in their receiver room, the Chiefs acquired Deandre Hopkins in a trade from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday morning.

Hopkins has been somewhat quiet in his tenor with the Titans, but from 2014-2020, he was the definition of a superstar for the Houston Texans as well as the Arizona Cardinals averaging astronomical numbers with 99 receptions, 1,315 yards, and 8 touchdowns per season.

Lack of productive quarterback play could be partially to blame for his recent decline, but at the same time, Hopkins has not looked quite like his former self on the field. The Chiefs are looking to turn that around, however, and get "Nuk" back to playing like a superstar.

After turning every head at the NFL scouting combine with a record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash, fantasy managers were fumbling their phones around trying to get Xavier Worthy on their teams.

Worthy hasn't put up the types of fantasy numbers that people had in mind though, only being able to grab 15 receptions for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns through 6 games. The rookie has displayed flashes of brilliance and explosiveness on the field in short spurts, but to this point in the season, his involvement has been majorly disappointing.

Still, there is a strong chance that things will shift moving forward, as Worthy is set to be among the top two receiver options in a Mahomes-led offense for the foreseeable future. As Hopkins gets comfortable and works his way into the mix, look for the connection between Worthy and his quarterback to strengthen as the weeks come and go.

Mecole Hardman has high-end speed as well. The sixth-year receiver is a dangerous return man as well as an electric running threat on offense. He has only grabbed 5 receptions for 50 yards this season, but Hardman's skills as a utility piece are the real difference maker.

Expect the Chiefs to make a concerted effort to get the ball into the speedster's hands in multiple ways moving forward. It is yet to be seen if that will lead to consistent fantasy production, but if you are in a tough place as a fantasy manager at the moment, Hardman might just be worth a shot as a touchdown-dependent flex play.

The efficient and effective Noah Gray has been a bright spot for the Chiefs, bringing in 14 receptions for 185 yards (13.2-yards/catch average) in 5 games as well as showing proficiency in run and pass blocking. His performance against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 earned Gray the highest PFF grade of all Chiefs players for the week.

Look for Gray to continue seeing the field a ton as the Chiefs will likely roll with offensive formations that utilize two tight ends. The 4th year veteran out of Duke has seen his snap share increase in every game since Week 3, but to this point that has only translated into mild fantasy success.

Travis Kelce has been a sore spot for fantasy owners thus far in 2024. The 12th-year tight end has not produced like his usual self, and the telepathic connection with Mahomes that has been displayed so many times hasn't been as evident recently. However, with the history that Mahomes and Kelce have of creating magic on the football field, expect the two to find their stride once again as the season progresses.

Justin Watson and Skyy Moore are the other receivers in the offense that should see slightly increased snap counts. Through 7 weeks, Moore hasn't recorded a stat, while Watson has only been able to corral 7 receptions for 95 yards, most of which came on a 25-yard catch in Week 1 vs Baltimore. Moore and Watson are not relevant in fantasy, and that will continue unless the injury bug bites at the Chiefs receiver room once again.

Injuries to offensive weapons have been a problem for the Chiefs, but look for them to keep executing their game plan effectively with whoever is out on the field. It can't be overstated how important Andy Reid and rest of the coaching staff are, as Kansas City seems to keep finding a way to come out on top even with a revolving door at multiple positions.

With Deandre Hopkins being added to the fold, Reid has access to a sleeping giant that he'll look to wake up in a big way. The Chiefs have been impressive on their way to 6-0, and things should just keep getting better with the addition of a four-time All-Pro in Hopkins.