The Detroit Lions are over 10-point favorites against the Tennessee Titans this week, and their road to victory may have just gotten even easier. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Titans are finalizing a trade to send All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs. At this point, the trade terms are not yet out.
UPDATE: It’s apparently costing the Chiefs a conditional fifth-round pick that could turn into a fourth-round pick, per Ian Rapoport.
It’s a nice break for the Lions, even though Hopkins (32) isn’t at the top of his game. The Titans’ passing attack has struggled mightily thanks to poor quarterback play from both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. Removing their top option, though, isn’t likely to help improve the unit. Thus far this season, Hopkins only has 15 catches for 173 yards and a single touchdown. His average of 28.8 receiving yards per game this season is by far the worst production of his 12-year career, dropping far below his previous low (50.1).
That said, you’ll take whatever advantage you can get in the NFL. While the Titans do still have decent receivers, such as Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, this remains one of the most ineffective passing attacks in football through seven weeks. The Titans rank 32nd in yards per attempt (4.2), last in passer rating (71.2), t-28th in interceptions (eight), and t-24th in touchdowns.
The Lions pass defense has had an up-and-down start to the season. While they’ve been aggressive on the ball, ranking t-third in pass deflections (36) and t-fifth in interceptions, they have also allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game (245.8).