Week 4 Skill Position Rankings: DeAndre Hopkins is a beast
After three weeks of NFL football, there is finally enough game film to begin the fun task of ranking players. Always remember, this list is based on play from THIS SEASON only. For example, Christian McCaffrey is clearly the best running back in the league, but he will not crack the list this week. As we near the end of the season, the rankings will likely be nearly identical to everyone’s idea of the best players in the league.
We finish with WRs.
1. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
Stats: 32 REC, 356 YDS, TD
After years of proving that he could be productive with just about anyone under center, nobody should be surprised that Hopkins has continued to dominate in the desert. Through three weeks he leads the league in both receptions and receiving yards, leading the Cardinals to a 2-1 record. This marks the first time Arizona has been above .500 since 2015. Hopkins lowest reception total this season has been eight, a number that would be tops for most other receivers in the league. Thanks to him, second-year QB Kyler Murray has taken the leap that many expected this season.
2. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
Stats: 21 REC, 349 YDS, 4 TD
Although the Falcons are 0-3 following two historic meltdowns, Calvin Ridley has not been a part of the problem. He leads the Falcons in receiving (yes, over Julio Jones), and is just seven yards short of the league lead. Skeptics quickly attributed Ridley’s success to the presence of Julio Jones, but after a five-catch, 110-yard performance with #11 injured, it appears Ridley is just as good on his own. After near-identical statistical performances in his rookie and sophomore campaigns, Ridley is currently on pace to post career highs across the board.
3. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Stats: 12 REC, 297 YDS, 3 TD
Metcalf is averaging just four receptions per game, yet somehow ranks third in receiving yards behind the two receivers we talked about above. He’s been an integral part of the “Let Russ Cook” campaign, hauling in three of the QBs 14 touchdown passes. If not for a ridiculous mental gaffe against Dallas, he and Wilson would both have one more touchdown to their names. Fortunately for the second-year receiver, he more than made up for it with a game-sealing TD reception. After dropping to the tail end of the second round thanks to injury and route-running concerns, Metcalf has proven himself as the best receiver in his class. He is currently averaging a mind-boggling 24.8 yards per reception. Steelers rookie Chase Claypool is the only player with a higher number.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
*All stats are taken from Pro Football Reference
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