All News & Analysis

Premium Content Sign Up

A.J. Green over DeAndre Hopkins for fantasy in 2016

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

As it stands now, among wide receivers, Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins is going fourth in early fantasy drafts. Cincinnati’s A.J. Green, meanwhile, is going sixth. The overall gap is slightly bigger: Hopkins is going eighth overall, a mid-to-late first-rounder. Green is 12th, so closer to (or in) the second round.

At a glance, these ADPs make some sense. After all, Hopkins had 218 fantasy points last year, while Green had only 189. Hopkins had 25 more receptions and 307 more yards than Green. Maybe Hopkins deserves his spot above Green?

I’m not so sure. Today, I’m looking at the two receivers facet by facet, and at the end you’ll see why my recommendation is that A.J. Green should be drafted ahead of DeAndre Hopkins in fantasy this season.

Strength of quarterback

It was nice to see Hopkins take a step forward last year, especially considering his quarterback situation, although Brian Hoyer was better than some wanted to give him credit for (he graded negatively in just three of his 11 regular-season games). There have been some big offseason changes to the Texans roster, including Hopkins’ new quarterback, Brock Osweiler.

DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL & BETTING WITH AI-POWERED DATA & TOOLS TRUSTED BY ALL 32

Unlimited Fantasy League Sync
Fantasy Start/Sit Line-Up Optimizer & Waiver Wire
WR-CB & OL-DL Matchups, PFF Player Grades, & Premium Stats 2.0 Tools
Nathan Jahnkes Rankings - #1 Most Accurate Last 70 Weeks
PFF Best Bets, Player Props, & Power Ranking Tools
NFL Mock Draft Sim with Trades & Draft Grades

Already have a subscription? Log In

All Featured Tools

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit