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Top 5 receivers the Browns will face in 2017

By Joshua Dentler

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs through the Cleveland Browns defense during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers won 24-9. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs through the Cleveland Browns defense during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers won 24-9. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs after the catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Texans won 12 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs after the catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Texans won 12 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s start with Week 6 where the Browns will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. Houston will flex their big play ability through fifth-year player, DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins has been variably consistent through his first four seasons averaging over 1,000 yards per season in that stretch. He officially rose to fame in 2015 reeling in 111 receptions for 1,521 yards on the way to his first Pro Bowl.

Statistically he regressed slightly in 2016 hauling in 78 balls for 954 yards. That is still an above-average year in the NFL. The decline was credited to the lack of playmakers around him to take the pressure off as well as poor play from current Brown, Brock Osweiler.

The Texans quarterback situation will be interesting to watch in how it affects Hopkins. Certainly by Week 6, one would expect for it to be solidified. Will it be rookie Deshaun Watson or incumbent Tom Savage and will either of them play well enough to showcase Hopkins’ ability?

The Texans have not faced Cleveland since 2014. In that game, Hopkins had four receptions for 80 yards in a 23-7 Houston win. He has shown the ability to post numbers much bigger than that though and the Cleveland secondary should be on high alert.

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