49ers vs. Texans: 5 biggest challenges facing San Francisco in Week 14

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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 14: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Houston Texans runs the ball in the second half against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 14, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

No. 2: How to Go About Stopping Texans Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins

The Texans might be banged up this season, and their offense is notably worse with Tom Savage under center instead of Deshaun Watson.

But there’s still a serious, serious weapon.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is, not surprisingly, having yet another phenomenal season despite the quarterbacking issues. His 1,084 receiving yards rank second in the NFL entering Week 14 behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Antonio Brown (1,296). And Hopkins’ totals are over 400 more than San Francisco’s leading receiver, Marquise Goodwin, who has 677 yards.

Hopkins is averaging 95.6 yards per game in each of the contests Savage has started since Watson’s injury.

Needless to say, the receiver continues to produce.

Unlike the Bears, who have no serious No. 1 receiving threat, Houston is still capable of matching up a top-flight receiver against the 49ers’ young and developing secondary.

If you’re looking for rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon’s next serious challenge, this is it.