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The most important player to every AFC teams’ playoff hopes

By Joel Deering

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 16: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates his second half touchdown against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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AFC teams playoff hopes - DeAndre Hopkins
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 15: Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans celebrates his touchdown with teammate wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #87 during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Houston Texans won 29-22. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans (10-4)

Most important player: WR DeAndre Hopkins

Yes, a WR is the most important player to this AFC team’s playoff hopes. That WR is DeAndre Hopkins, who isn’t just any WR. He’s one of the best in the league. On the season, Hopkins has totaled 94 receptions for 1,321 yards, and 11 TDs.

While Hopkins has good numbers this season, it’s not his numbers that make him the most important player to this AFC team’s playoff hopes. What makes him the most important player to the Texans is his ability to change the game during the most important times. It’s his ability to bail the Texans out when they need him to most.

Earlier in the season against the Dallas Cowboys, the Texans won in OT because Hopkins made a superstar play. If Hopkins wasn’t there, I’m not so sure they would have won that game. He bailed them out.

Just last week we saw Hopkins bailed the Texans out against the Jets. Houston was down at the end of the game, but Hopkins made a great catch for a TD which bailed the Texans out again.

When the Texans need a play, Hopkins is that guy. This week against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Texans may need Hopkins to make more superstar plays for them. The Eagles are fighting for their playoff lives. Houston doesn’t have too much to worry about, as they should be in the playoffs, but if they get a scare, Hopkins is their guy.

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