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Chiefs Have Sneaky Reason to Limit DeAndre Hopkins' Snap Count

By Joe Summers

Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) is unable to make a catch against Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) is unable to make a catch against Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Chiefs fans are frustrated with DeAndre Hopkins' limited snap count, but it turns out Kansas City knows exactly what it's doing. Keeping Hopkins' snaps down is a feature, not a bug.

If Hopkins plays 60% or more on the snaps and the Chiefs make the Super Bowl, they'll send a fourth-round pick to the Titans instead of a fifth. Even if the team still makes the Super Bowl, they only have to trade a fifth-rounder provided Hopkins does not eclipse that 60% threshold.

He's been Kansas City's most productive receive since arriving. In the playoffs, he'll certainly play closer to 100% of the time. For now though, the Chiefs are prioritizing their long-term interests in a wise move.

Chiefs Limiting DeAndre Hopkins' Snaps on Purpose

The five-time All-Pro has gotten exceedingly comfortable with the offense, catching 26 passes for 325 yards and three TDs since coming to the team. However, he's been held under 60% of the snaps for each of the last three weeks despite the offense's overall struggles.

Fans are right to wonder what's going on. Seemingly, putting Hopkins on the field more would give the offense some extra juice, especially considering guys like Justin Watson are getting playing time instead.

Above all else, this proves why the hysteria about the Chiefs is overblown. If Kansas City actually cared about scoring every point possible right now, Hopkins would be playing! He's not, and it's because Brett Veach and Andy Reid want to keep that fourth-round pick. That it keeps Hopkins healthy is a benefit as well.

There's a big difference between fourth and fifth-round selections. We've consistently seen Veach find diamonds in the rough in the middle rounds, making it crucial to hold onto that pick. Once the playoffs roll around, Hopkins will be a full part of the passing attack.

Hopefully by then, Hollywood Brown will be back as well. The Chiefs are purposefully trying to build up so that they're fresh and playing their best football when it matters most.

Everyone can calm down. Reid and the offense aren't actually trying to perform to their best ability right now. They will here in about a month and at that point, the real judgment can begin.

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