Bill Belichick Gave DeAndre Hopkins Massive Praise Ahead of Patriots-Texans Game

While the Baltimore Ravens-San Francisco 49ers matchup is the game of Week 13, the second-most anticipated showdown is the one between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.

If anyone is to have the edge in the battle between Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson, it's the Texans, mostly due to the presence of a true x-factor: DeAndre Hopkins.

Ahead of the primetime game on Sunday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had nothing but praise for Hopkins, saying he's the pure definition of an NFL receiver.

If you're Hopkins, you've got to feel pretty good when receivng praise from a future Hall of Fame coach in Belichick.

Hopkins will have his work cut out for him against New England, as he faces top cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who recently held Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper to zero catches. In fact, Gilmore has yet to allow a touchdown reception this season.

However, what could help Hopkins is the presence of Will Fuller, who really opened things up in Houston's offense when facing the Indianapolis Colts. With Fuller receiving 11 targets, Hopkins found himself open on numerous occasions, finishing the game with six receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

With the Colts and Tennessee Titans sneaking up the AFC South standings, the Houston Texans need a big game from the offense, and it all starts by getting DeAndre Hopkins involved. But knowing Bill Belichick, he has a plan to potentially hold him in check.