Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Emeka Egbuka

Saturday, October 4, 2:19 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been limited to the lowest-usage role of his career so far in 2025, recording five catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets through four games. Hopkins has yet to play more than 35% of the offensive snaps in any of Baltimore's games. With Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) sidelined for Week 5, it will be tough to trust that backup QB Cooper Rush will be able to get Hopkins the downfield and end zone targets he needs to be effective. Additionally, the Ravens face one of the NFL's best pass defenses in the Houston Texans, who have allowed the second-fewest number of touchdown passes (three) in the league. Hopkins should be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 5.

Sunday, October 5, 8:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught all seven of his targets for 163 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The 22-year-old posted the highest reception and yardage totals of his young career, and he also scored his fifth touchdown in as many games. Egbuka has shown that he can handle matchups against opposing defenses' best cornerbacks, and he has established himself as Baker Mayfield's favorite target over players like Chris Godwin and Cade Otton. Egbuka should be deployed as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football going forward. He has achieved must-start status and remains a fantasy staple regardless of his matchup. Look for him to dominate once again next week against the San Francisco 49ers.