Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins Updated Fantasy Outlook After Ryan Mallett Injury

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett will reportedly need season-ending surgery on the pectoral muscle he injured in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals.   

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle and Mark Berman of Fox 26 reported the news Monday:

For fantasy owners, the focus shifts to the value of elite wide receivers Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins as Houston turns the reins over once again to former starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

During the nine-game stretch Fitzpatrick started earlier this season, he averaged just 217.8 yards per game and only managed 11 touchdowns with eight interceptions. With an average of 7.72 yards per pass, Fitzpatrick is dependent on the short-yardage game, and that will limit the deep-threat factor of both Johnson and Hopkins.    

The move to Fitzpatrick hurts Hopkins' value the most. Mallett was targeting Hopkins consistently, including nine times in Week 12. The two were developing a rapport, but the move back to Fitzpatrick will likely have the offensive unit leaning more on Johnson.  

On the season, Johnson has been targeted 104 times to Hopkins’ 81 times. Owners with Johnson or Hopkins should not panic, though. The Texans will continue to lean on the passing attack as running back Arian Foster deals with a nagging groin injury. The result should be plenty of targets to go around.

In a favorable Week 13 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, fantasy owners should ride with Johnson as a WR2 in all fantasy formats and Hopkins as a flex play or WR3 with high upside.

*Stats via NFL.com.