DeAndre Hopkins Will Score a TD vs. Broncos for Unique Reason

The Chiefs are planning to rest a majority of their starters against the Broncos in Week 18, but the matchup isn't meaningless for everyone. Obviously, not every player will ride the pine even if the team would prefer that.

WR DeAndre Hopkins is someone you should expect to get a decent chunk of playing time, as he has an opportunity to earn an additional $750,000 for three different contract incentives. Two of the incentives may be hard to reach, though he'd get an additional $250,000 just by scoring a TD.

Even if the Chiefs only play him in the red zone, Andy Reid has been clear that he considers these bonuses when choosing who to put on the field. Thus, Hopkins to score a TD is one of the best bets you can make this week.

DeAndre Hopkins Poised to Score TD in Week 18 for Contract Bonus

Hopkins is listed at +450 ($10 to profit $45) to score a TD at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Chiefs are incentivized to keep his snap count below 60%, making it difficult for him to achieve the nine receptions and 140 yards he needs for two other $250,000 bonuses.

That said, it wouldn't be that difficult to force-feed Hopkins near the red zone to at least try to get him one of the bonuses. We saw in 2023 how important Chris Jones getting his $1,000,000 sack bonus was to the team, so Reid will almost certainly at least try to give Hopkins a chance to score.

He has four TDs with the Chiefs this year but hasn't found the end zone in the last three weeks. Expect that to change on Sunday as a kind gesture to a veteran. Hopkins' health is of the utmost importance given his role as a reliable third-down weapon, though Reid is obviously aware of the implications should the All-Pro wideout get a TD.

Kansas City is a massive 10.5-point underdog with nothing to play for aside from pride, while Denver will make the playoffs with a victory. Carson Wentz is a capable QB, having thrown 153 TDs in his career, so it's not as if the Chiefs are just throwing an unproven rookie out there under center.

Wentz hopes to prove he's still deserving of a starting spot in this league. Reid typically does right by his players, and giving Wentz some time throwing to Hopkins would let the signal caller show off his skillset for the first time in over a year.

At +450 odds, there's too much upside for all parties to ignore. There's no such thing as a guarantee in betting, but Hopkins will be given every opportunity to earn that bonus.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.