3. DeAndre Hopkins wins the battle with Tre’davious White
This is the matuchup that really stands out for this game, and for good reason. How many times in a playoff game will fans see All-Pro vs. All-Pro? That is what we get when the Texans face the Bills, and even more specifically, when DeAndre Hopkins is defended by Tre’davious White.
Pro Football Focus gave White a 75.6 player grade for his 2019 season, as he totaled 50 tackles, six interceptions and he allowed 47 receptions on 84 targets. Looking at White’s numbers this season, he has 50 solo tackles, seven assisted tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack and six interceptions.
White is improved over his grade from last season, with last year’s PFF grade being 61.0, where he had two interceptions.
Now for Hopkins, he has been graded at 87.3 this season by PFF, where he’s totaled 104 receptions for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. Hopkins has been targeted 146 times this season, and he has 11.2 yards per reception this season.
Hopkins has the following numbers in playoff games throughout his career:
• 5-37-0 vs. Colts (2018)
• 6-65-0 vs. Patriots (2016)
• 5-67-1 vs. Raiders (2016)
• 6-69-0 vs. Chiefs (2015)
Hopkins has a lot of playoff experience compared to White and hasn’t had a breakout type of game yet in the playoffs that he’s become accustomed to through his regular-season career. Hopkins is due to have a big-time playoff performance, and for the Texans to win, Hopkins must win the battle with the All-Pro White.