Quarterback
MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Well well well ,look who's still out here making a lot of plays?! Mahomes' 1st game post-Tyreek Hill was a rousing sucess as he lit up a helpless Cardinals defense for 360 YDS and 5 TD's in a commanding 44-21 win for the Chiefs. While he faces a more difficult Week 2 matchup in the Chargers, Mahomes will remain a no-brainer Top 3-5 QB option.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Allen (Bills), Justin Herbert (Chargers), Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Unlike Mahomes, Rodgers missed his recently departed star wideout very much on Sunday. With sole remaining trusted WR Allen Lazard out of the lineup due to an ankle injury, Rodgers was pretty unspectacular (195 YDS/0 TD/1 INT/FUM lost) in a lopsided loss to the Vikings. Even if he's stuck with nothing but the overmatched whippersnapper gang (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers) and Sammy Watkins at receiver again, he should be able to get right back on track against a Bears team that he destroys in 9 out of every 10 meetings.
Dishonorable Mentions: Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Matthew Stafford (Rams), Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
Running Back
MVP: Saquon Barkley (Giants)
Welcome back Saquon, it's been a while. The 5th year back turned in the kind of monster performance that won him Offensive Rookie of the Year and got him anointed as the next star RB in 2018 by logging 194 scrimmage YDS (164 rushing, 30 receiving), a TD and the game-clinching 2-PT CNV on 24 touches in a wild comeback win over the Titans. As long as he can allude the injuries that have plagued him the past 3 seasons, Barkley will be a weekly RB1 lock.
Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor (Colts), D'Andre Swift (Lions), Cordarrelle Patterson (Falcons)
LVP: Cam Akers (Rams)
All of the Akers detractors out there had themselves a delightful Week 1. Not only did the Florida State product ride the pine in favor of Darrell Henderson for most of the game, he did diddly squat with the touches he did get (0 YDS on 3 carries). While severing ties with Akers after 1 no-show game would be a harsh overreaction, playing him in the interim is an awful idea.
Dishonorable Mentions: Dameon Pierce (Texans), Ezkiel Elliott (Cowboys), Alvin Kamara (Saints)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
This Kevin O'Connell/Jefferson marriage could prove to be something really special. The Packers could only watch in horror as O'Connell schemed Jefferson open all game long and the star WR registered 184 YDS and 2 TD's on 9 receptions in a big divisional victory for the Vikings. Darius Slay, James Bradberry and the rest of the Eagles secondary will see if they can fare better against Jefferson next Monday night.
Honorable Mentions: Cooper Kupp (Rams), Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals), Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts)
LVP: Allen Robinson (Rams)
No Week 1 faceplant surprised or concerned me more than Robinson's. The newest Rams receiver-who was widely viewed as a lock to return to his 2019/20 dominance after a down 2021-struggled to get open against the Bills feisty secondary last Thursday night and as a result, was practically invisible the whole game, catching 1 of his 2 targets for 12 YDS. A meeting with a Falcons secondary that completely collapsed in the 4th quarter this past week will provide Robinson with an ideal bounceback opportunity.
Dishonorable Mentions: CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Amari Cooper (Browns), Darnell Mooney (Bears)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
The biggest beneficiary of Hill's exit from the Chiefs was widely believed to be Kelce and for Week 1 at least, that absolutely was the case. Kelce was all over the place making plays against the Cardinals lackluster defense and finished the afternoon with a terrific 8 REC/121 YDS/1 TD line. A Week 2 showdown with a Chargers defense that allowed Darren Waller to cook a fair amount (4 REC/79 YDS) could put Kelce atop the TE scoring leaderboards for a 2nd straight week.
Honorable Mentions: Gerald Everett (Chargers), Zach Ertz (Cardinals), Pat Friermuth (Steelers)
LVP: Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
The whole Falcons building the offense around Pitts plan didn't exactly materialize on Sunday against the Saints. The 2nd year pro only hauled in 2 catches for 19 YDS while new Falcons QB Marcus Mariota flashed a pretty strong connection with rookie WR Drake London (5 REC/74 YDS). Pitts did however tie with London for the team target lead (7), which indicates better days should be on the horizon for him- although they might not come this week against a Rams defense that will be hungry for revenge after getting embarrassed by the Bills in their season opener.
Dishonorable Mentions: Dawson Knox (Bills), Cole Kmet (Bears), David Njoku (Browns)
Defense/Special Teams:
MVP: Bills
A big reason why the Rams Super Bowl Banner reveal celebration got spoiled was the play of the Bills defense. Leslie Frazier's group was aggressive, disciplined and downright stifling as they put up 7 sacks, 3 INT's and only allowed 10 points to one of the most explosive offenses in football. The Titans offense-who didn't look particularly good against the Giants on Sunday-are going to have their hands full trying to move the ball against this group.
Honorable Mentions: Buccaneers, Chargers, Ravens
LVP: Packers
The crowning of the 2022 Packers defense as one of the league's best is going to have to wait at least another week. They had zero answers for the Vikings new offense led by Sean McVay disciple Kevin O'Connell-as they managed 0 takeaways and only 1 sack in a 23-7 loss. Like Rodgers, they'll get their opportunity to redeem themselves when they feast on the Bears on Sunday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Broncos, 49ers, Patriots
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