As the Kansas City Chiefs head into the Wild Card Weekend with a bye after securing the #1 seed in the AFC, DeAndre Hopkins is poised to play a key role in their playoff run. After joining the Chiefs midseason in a trade from the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins has caught 41 passes for 437 yards and 4 touchdowns in 10 games. While he’s seen a diminished role in recent weeks due to the emergence of Xavier Worthy as the Chiefs’ primary target, Hopkins is a seasoned veteran who knows how to perform in high-pressure situations. With the Chiefs gearing up for a Super Bowl push, Mahomes will likely lean on Hopkins in critical moments. The 32-year-old’s experience and ability to make clutch catches could be invaluable, especially as Kansas City faces tougher opponents in the postseason.

Looking ahead to 2025, Hopkins enters free agency after a season that has had its ups and downs. A strong postseason showing could help him land with a team in need of a veteran presence at wide receiver. Despite his relatively quiet regular season with the Chiefs, Hopkins remains a skilled route runner and red-zone target, and any team looking for a savvy veteran to contribute in big games could see him as a valuable asset. His ability to step up in the playoffs should keep his stock high, and he could be a key piece for a contending team next season, whether it’s as a reliable WR2 or a red-zone specialist. As the Chiefs look to make another Super Bowl run, Hopkins could play a pivotal role in their success, making him a potential fantasy asset in 2025, especially if he lands in a high-volume offense.

Mike Lindberg @FFCanuck99