Quarterback
MVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
About the only thing that went right for the Seahawks' performance on Sunday against the Rams was the play of Russell Wilson. Wilson once again dominated through the air and ground as became the first quarterback to ever throw for 300 yards and rush for 100 in the same game. The Seahawks are not playing nearly as well as they were a year ago, but Wilson is a much better fantasy option in 2014 than he was last year. Wilson has another promising matchup against the erratic Panthers defense on the docket in Week 8.
Honorable Mentions: Peyton Manning (Broncos), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins)
LVP: Jay Cutler (Bears)
Oh the plight of Jay Cutler.... A week after destroying the Falcons, Cutler had his worst outing of the season at home against a middling Dolphins team in Week 7. Cutler threw for a measly 190 yards and a touchdown while picking up 2 turnovers in one of the most miserable outings the Bears offense has had in years. Cutler will forever be the most unpredictable and inconsistent quarterback in the league. You're taking a risk every time you start him and that risk is even higher than usual this week as the Bears travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the red-hot Patriots.
Dishonorable Mentions: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Phillip Rivers (Chargers), Colin Kaepernick (49ers)
Running Back
MVP: Shane Vereen (Patriots)
With Steven Ridley out for the season, Shane Vereen now has a stranglehold on the running back position in New England. Vereen showcased his dominance over the backfield with a stellar performance against the Jets on Thursday. In typical Vereen fashion, he did most of his damage in the receiving game picking up 5 receptions for 71 yards and 2 TD's. It should be noted that 49 of his 71 yards came on a deep strike on the first drive of the game, so the numbers are certainly a bit deceiving. That being said, Vereen is easily the most gifted running back the Patriots currently have their disposal, so expect him to operate as a high-end RB2 (especially in PPR leagues) with a couple of stinkers moving forward.
Honorable Mentions: Matt Forte (Bears), Ronnie Hillman (Broncos), Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)
LVP: Giovani Bernard (Bengals)
It was rough day to be a member of the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday as the team got shut out by the Colts. Despite it being a rough day for the entire offense, no one suffered more than Giovani Bernard. The second-year dual-threat back got held to 16 total yards (17 rushing, -1 receiving) on 9 touches. Bernard should get ample touches this week, but unfortunately it's against a stiff Ravens front that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown since Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Ben Tate (Browns),Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks), Reggie Bush (Lions)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
Demaryius Thomas became part of history this week as he caught the touchdown that put Peyton Manning ahead of Brett Favre for the all-time passing touchdown record. In addition to catching the record-setting TD, Thomas massacred the 49ers secondary all game long. Thomas finished the evening with 171 yards and 2 TD's on 8 receptions. Thomas has been on fire since the Broncos returned from their Week 4 bye and I don't believe that will change this week when he faces a banged-up Chargers secondary on Thursday night.
Honorable Mentions: Sammy Watkins (Bills), Golden Tate (Lions), Randall Cobb (Packers)
LVP: Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)
Odds are if you were a member of the Chicago Bears not named Matt Forte, you had a terrible game against the Dolphins on Sunday. Alshon Jeffrey was the biggest victim of their poor offensive performance, finishing with just 9 yards on the day. While I don't expect Jeffrey to repeat his 9-yard performance, he certainly has his hands full as he is going up against a tough Patriots secondary in Week 8.
Dishonorable Mentions: Brandon Marshall (Bears), Julio Jones (Falcons), Julian Edelman (Patriots)
Tight End
MVP: Antonio Gates (Chargers)
In an incredibly poor week for tight ends on the whole, the ageless wonder Antonio Gates was one of the few exceptions. Gates made the most of his 3 catches-picking up 61 yards and a touchdown in an otherwise quiet day for the Chargers offense against the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. Gates remains one of the very few TE's you can rely on to put up solid numbers every week.
Honorable Mentions: Charles Clay (Dolphins), Owen Daniels (Ravens), Dwayne Allen (Colts)
LVP: Jordan Cameron (Browns)
A week after showing signs of life, Jordan Cameron reverted back to sucking it up against the Jaguars in Week 7. Cameron was held to just a single catch for 5 yards against a Jaguars defense that has been practically giving away fantasy points to TE's this season. Cameron is a low-end TE1 who will deliver a stellar performance from time-to-time, but can't be trusted in the slightest as a full-time starter.
Dishonorable Mentions: Julius Thomas (Broncos), Larry Donnell (Giants), Delanie Walker (Titans)
Defense
MVP: Indianapolis Colts
The Colts defense have quietly become one of the more reliable fantasy defenses to own in 2014. The Colts further their solidified their stock on Sunday as they shut out the Bengals. Their numbers could've been higher as they only got 4 sacks and failed to get a takeaway, but in a week where most defenses only put up average fantasy numbers, that was more than enough to make the best overall fantasy play.
Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Rams
LVP: Seattle Seahawks
This is just getting ridiculous. The Seahawks defense has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments of 2014 so far and that disappointment only grew stronger this week as they failed miserably against the lowly St. Louis Rams. The Rams had been allowing the most fantasy points to defenses coming into Week 7, but the Seahawks failed to capitalize on that juicy matchup as allowed 28 points and once again, got zero sacks and takeaways. I can't believe I'm saying this but if you can afford to drop the Seahawks D in your league right now, do it right away. Their lack of pass rush and inability to cause turnovers makes them pretty much useless in fantasy at the moment.
Dishonorable Mentions: New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers
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