Week 4 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Wide Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans
9 Receptions, 157 Yards, 22 Targets
NEP: +18.35

It makes sense intuitively that this week's highest scoring wide receiver, would come from a game in which his team was down 42-0 at one point. Head coach Bill O'Brien eventually pulled Ryan Mallett after his team was down six scores, and the Brian Hoyer-led Texans were finally able to put some points on the board.

DeAndre Hopkins was targeted a ridiculous 22 times this week -- something that's only been topped three times in NFL history. Hopkins also became the first player in NFL history to have 60 or more targets in the first four weeks of the season.

Hopkins did most of his damage late in the game against Atlanta's backups, but was still able to reel in a nice stat line of 9 receptions for 157 yards. While Mallett spent most of his afternoon misfiring on deep pass attempts or throwing into traffic in Hopkins' general direction, Hoyer was able to connect with him -- albeit against backups -- more consistently.

While the Texans still ease in Arian Foster, they will continue to pass heavily if they want to stay in games. That begins and ends with Hopkins, who now ranks fifth in receiving yards (409) and first in targets (60). His +18.35 NEP this week has now placed him fourth among all receivers in Reception NEP for the season.

The rest of the top receivers this week consisted of an interesting group. Vincent Jackson had himself a fantastic week as he hauled in 10 receptions for 147 yards and a score. Tavon Austin nearly hit the century mark as he scored 2 touchdowns and added 2 carries for 20 yards. Leonard Hankerson was Matt Ryan's top target in a game script that didn't call for a ton of passing. Allen Hurns and Brandon Marshall both had big road games, coming up big for their teams.

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