The New Face of the AFC West Will Face the Raiders This Week

The Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) are preparing for their AFC West matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs (6-0) this Sunday and will face a familiar face in a new location.

As reported by Ian Rapoport on Wednesday morning, the Chiefs traded five-time veteran Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Tennessee Titans for a fifth-round, potential fourth-round pick. A big win for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Sources: #Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins is being traded #Chefs in exchange for a 5th round player who could go in the fourth round. The deal is being finalized.

A key veteran who could be the final piece, Hopkins’ name has been hot on the trade market. Now he is among the champions. pic.twitter.com/GRvRbUwux6

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2024

Hopkins is in his 11th season in the NFL and will be joining the fourth team of his career. With over 1,000 receiving yards in seven seasons, this is a significant development for the Chiefs, who have been increasingly injured as the season progresses.

The Chiefs had suffered injuries to several pass catchers through the first six games and were in need of another pass catcher to join the roster. They found it in Hopkins, one of the most experienced and longest-tenured receivers in the NFL.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce was asked about Hopkins entering the league and what he expects from the upcoming matchup in Week 8.

“You have to look at it from two perspectives, right?” pierce in question. “They’re going to make some plays for him, get in there and learn the playbook. But honestly, no disrespect to Hop (DeAndre Hopkins), that offense is still running on 87 (TE Travis Kelce) and Worthy (WR Xavier). So I’m sure Andy (HC Andy Reid) finds that role, that six or so games, just like he did in years past when he traded for certain players, you’re talking about a proven vet who has worked in multiple systems for this gentleman, it won’t take long for him to learn that. But let him know, I’m not sure what we’re going to get from him, but we know who his main focus is.”

Pierce has never coached against Hopkins as a head coach, but he is well aware of how Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will use the team’s newest member. Don’t expect too many targets from Hopkins, but he’ll get those touches and stopping him will be the Raiders’ secondary task.

There’s also a chance Hopkins will be limited against the Raiders due to lower leg soreness, which is currently listed as questionable. He did not play the final few series, including the Titans’ Week 7 game against the Buffalo Bills.

The Raiders’ pass defense ranks eighth in the NFL in passing yards allowed (180.1), but the addition of Hopkins, if healthy, will make it more formidable against the top two teams in the AFC and traditionally high-powered passing offense. .

Raiders expect third-year cornerback jack jones If he can get the majority of the snaps opposite Hopkins and limit the veteran at wideout, the Raiders will have a better chance to pull off the upset by silencing the passing game.

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