DeAndre Hopkins' odds to lead NFL in 2022 receiving yards now significantly longer with six-game suspension

Many NFL talking heads ripped the Arizona Cardinals for giving up a first-round pick in the last week's draft for Baltimore Ravens receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown instead of just taking a younger, cheaper wideout with that choice. Perhaps the Cardinals knew bad news was coming: Former All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins has been suspended for the first six games of 2022 for violating the Performance Enhancing Drug policy. Hopkins had been +2000 at Caesars Sportsbook to lead the NFL in receiving yards but is now +5000 and that number may continue to get longer.

Reportedly, the suspension is final and Hopkins can't appeal. The 29-year-old, a five-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro and two-time second-team All-Pro, played in just 10 games last year while dealing with a knee injury that needed surgery. He had 42 catches for 572 yards and eight scores. The year before, he had 1,407 yards. Hopkins has never led the NFL in receiving yards but did in TD catches with 13 in 2017 while with Houston. 

Rondale Moore probably slides into the starting lineup with Brown and veteran AJ Green, who was re-signed this offseason to a one-year deal. The Cardinals also lost receiver Christian Kirk to free agency when he signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Jaguars.

Perhaps the Cards look at a veteran free agent, but Odell Beckham Jr. wouldn't make a lot of sense because he probably won't be ready for the start of the season off a torn ACL. Arizona opened at over/under 9.5 wins but that is down to 9.0.

The current favorite to lead the NFL in receiving yards is the Rams' Cooper Kupp at +800. He led last year with 1,947 yards, second-most in league history and 17 shy of Calvin Johnson's record.

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