Quarterback
MVP: Matthew Stafford (Rams)
The Lions genuinely hilarious string of successful fake punts and onside kicks in a loss kind of overshadowed how great Stafford was on Sunday. Stafford routinely guided the Rams out of potential danger by shredding the Lions wayward defense for 334 YDS, 3 TD's and a 2-PT CNV in what proved to be a much closer game than anticipated. Stafford is putting together a legit real life and fantasy MVP campaign through 7 weeks and seems like a pretty good bet to go off again versus an increasingly sad Texans squad in Week 8.
Honorable Mentions: Joe Burrow (Bengals), Tom Brady (Buccaneers), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
LVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
If this performance doesn't set off the alarm bells regarding the play of Mahomes in 2021, nothing will. Mahomes was lifeless, aloof and constantly under siege against a Titans defense that has been among the worst in the league thus far this season (especially against the pass)-throwing for 206 YDS, 0 TD and an INT, losing a fumble and rushing for 35 YDS-in what has to be the single most deflating loss of his career to date. Normally, a matchup with the lowly Giants would be something for Mahomes owners to relish, but he simply can't be trusted to put up numbers against anybody while he's playing this poorly.
Dishonorable Mentions: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Sam Darnold (Panthers), Jameis Winston (Saints)
Running Back
MVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)
Getting stifled on the ground (20 CAR/51 YDS) and dominating in the passing game (10 REC/128 YDS/1 TD), Kamara put up a vintage performance against the Seahawks that ultimately carried the Saints to a victory in an unexpected 13-10 rock fight in the Pacific Northwest. Jameis Winston's predictably erratic play and a lack of secondary weapons alongside him has upped the amount of duds the long time fantasy star is posting, but Kamara is still performing at a solid RB1 level overall and should continue to be the Saints top offensive weapon the rest of the way-even with the return of Michael Thomas seemingly imminent.
Honorable Mentions: Damien Harris (Patriots), D'Ernest Johnson (Browns), D'Andre Swift (Lions)
LVP: Aaron Jones (Packers)
The run game had a stunningly small role in the Packers game plan on Sunday against the struggling Football Team-as Jones led the team with a whopping 6 carries for 19 YDS. His slow work day also carried over to his passing game involvement as he was relegated to checkdown duty and only picked up 20 YDS on 5 catches. With Davante Adams very likely out after testing positive for COVID yesterday, Jones should have a much more substantial workload in Thursday night's game against the Cardinals.
Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Davis (Falcons), Antonio Gibson (Football Team), Darrel Williams (Chiefs)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Cooper Kupp (Rams)
In a development that should shock no active fantasy football participant, Kupp was the primary beneficiary of Matthew Stafford's huge day against the Lions-hauling in 10 catches for 156 YDS and 2 TD's. At this rate, an injury seems like the only thing that could stop him from being the #1 overall fantasy WR this year.
Honorable Mentions: Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), A.J. Brown (Titans)
LVP: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
Outside of Pete Carroll, I don't think there's a member of the Seahawks organization that misses Russell Wilson more than Tyler Lockett. Geno Smith-who struggled mightily in his 2nd start in place of Wilson-only looked his way 3 times on Monday night against the Saints and that resulted in a depressing 2 catches for 12 YDS. A Week 8 date with the 1-5 Jaguars may be just what Lockett (and Smith) need to get right.
Dishonorable Mentions: Allen Robinson (Bears), Henry Ruggs (Raiders), Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns)
Tight End
MVP: Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
Watch out NFL, Pitts is starting to cook. The rookie tight end built off his strong pre-Bye week showing against the Jets with a full blown breakout game against the Dolphins (7 REC/163 YDS) that saw him further gain the trust of Matt Ryan by making plays in huge spots-including back-to-back catches of 20+ YDS on the drive that set up the game-winning field goal by Younghoe Koo. Pitts will be a no-brainer top 3 option for the Falcons Week 8 contest against the borderline imploding Panthers.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Zach Ertz (Cardinals), Robert Tonyan (Packers)
LVP: Gerald Everett (Seahawks)
Good news for Everett: He outperformed Lockett in last night's game against the Saints. Bad news: He only registered 23 scrimmage YDS on 4 touches (12 of which came on a running play). Everett won't be worth starting until Russell Wilson comes back.
Dishonorable Mentions: Noah Fant (Broncos), Tyler Higbee (Rams), Cole Kmet (Bears)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Buccaneers
The Bucs defense overwhelming the Bears hopeless offensive line and rookie QB Justin Fields was the mortal lock of the millennium. 4 sacks, 3 INT and 2 FUM REC ended up being their body count in a 38-3 win that couldn't have possibly been easier to obtain. Unless Jameis Winston is feeling nostalgic about his time in Tampa and throws 6 picks before halftime, they'll likely have far less success against the Saints this Sunday.
Honorable Mentions: Saints, Patriots, Cardinals
LVP: Ravens
Just when it looked like the Ravens defense had turned a corner after back-to-back dominant performances, they get absolutely torched by the suddenly scary Bengals. 1 sack and an INT were the only highlights for Wink Martindale's troops as Joe Burrow and co. hung 41 points on them in the most shocking shellacking of Week 7 slate that was full of them. Thankfully for the sake of their morale, they've got a bye in Week 8 and a not overly brutal matchup against the Vikings in Week 9.
Dishonorable Mentions: Broncos, Browns, 49ers
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