Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Lost fumble aside, Jackson basically had a perfect night in Tampa on MNF. The reigning MVP shredded the Bucs secondary for 281 YDS and 5 TD's while picking up another 52 YDS with his legs in another big win for the Ravens. Jackson will face a much stiffer test against the Browns 11th ranked pass defense in Week 8.
Honorable Mentions: Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
LVP: C.J. Stroud (Texans)
It was a really rough day at the office for Stroud at Lambeau on Sunday as the frisky Packers defense held Stroud to a career-low 86 passing YDS and zero TD's. Things got so dire for him that he even tried running the ball, but that only netted him 19 YDS on 5 attempts. Stroud will look to redeem himself against the Colts this week, who he threw for 234 YDS and 2 TD's against in their previous matchup in Week 1.
Dishonorable Mentions: Anthony Richardson (Colts), Kirk Cousins (Falcons), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Running Back
MVP: Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions)
With David Montgomery having an off day by his standards, it was Gibbs' time to shine. The Lions speedster needed just 19 touches (15 carries, 4 receptions) versus the stout Vikings defense to pick up 160 YDS and a pair of rushing TD's in this early Game of the Year candidate that saw Detroit irk out the win with a late field goal. Barring another fumble from Montgomery that nails him to bench for a prolonged stretch, Gibbs will likely return to his timeshare role in the Lions backfield for their Week 8 showdown with the lowly Titans.
Honorable Mentions: Joe Mixon (Texans), Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Rachaad White (Bucanners)
LVP: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots)
The people banking on Stevenson to return with a bang after his 1-game absence were majorly let down as the Patriots effectively ignored the running game against the Jaguars. Stevenson ended up with just 9 touches (7 carries, 2 receptions) for 35 YDS in yet another lopsided loss for the spiraling Patriots. Stevenson has been a consistent fantasy dud since his 2-game eruption to start 2024 and he'll be a shaky start once again this week despite a plus matchup with the Jets below average run defense.
Dishonorable Mentions: Alvin Kamara (Saints), Devin Singletary (Giants), Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions)
Not only did St. Brown extended his TD streak to 4 games versus the Vikings, but he also cleared the century mark for the 1st time since Week 2 as he hauled in 8 grabs for 112 YDS. St. Brown has a surprisingly tough draw this week against a Titans secondary that has surrendered the 3rd fewest fantasy points to receivers so far this season.
Honorable Mentions: George Pickens (Steelers), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), DK Metcalf (Seahawks)
LVP: DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
Smith was literally the only active fantasy-relevant player for the Eagles to not have a good game against the Giants and he really pulled his weight in the stink department catching 1-of-2 targets for -2 YDS. The Eagles WR2 hadn't had less than 64 YDS in the other 4 games he's played this season, so it would be a surprise if this clunker snowballed into a full blown negative trend.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Jayden Reed (Packers), Zay Flowers (Ravens)
Tight End
MVP: David Njoku (Browns)
Somebody had to fill the gap left by Amari Cooper in the Browns passing game and Njoku was the one who stepped up. The longtime starting tight end was a safety valve for all 3 QB's that played for the Browns on Sunday against the Bengals, hauling in a season-high 10 receptions for 76 YDS and a garbage time TD. He flashed a good rapport with Jameis Winston on the last couple of drives, so it wouldn't be a shock if he becomes the Browns top receiver now that Winston is set to start moving forward.
Honorable Mentions: Mark Andrews (Ravens), Brock Bowers (Raiders), Cade Otton (Buccaneers)
LVP: Sam LaPorta (Lions)
It was a very quiet day for LaPorta (1 REC, 25 YDS) as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond emerged as the primary targets in the passing game versus the Vikings. This marked the 3rd time in the last 4 weeks that LaPorta has received 2 or less targets in the passing game. Despite his worrisome target share, he's still a must-start TE1 for the time being.
Dishonorable Mentions: Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Dalton Schultz (Texans), Isaiah Likely (Ravens)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Broncos
Vance Joseph's group absolutely feasted on the injury-depleted Saints offense led by rookie Spencer Rattler in Sean Payton's first trip back to the Superdome after resigning as Saints head coach following the 2021 season, securing 6 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries (1 of which was returned for a TD) in a 33-10 victory. They are being blessed with another juicy matchup this week when the woefully inept Panthers make the trek out to Mile High.
Honorable Mentions: Eagles, Bengals, Bills
LVP: Jets
The not-so-secret return of Russell Wilson caught the Jets off guard in a major way. Russ, George Pickens and the Steelers running backs dumped all over Jeff Ulbrich's vaunted group-scoring 37 points and allowing 409 total YDS of offense in yet another embarrassing loss for Aaron Rodgers' dream team. The good news for the Jets is that they're headed up to Foxboro this week to take on a Patriots team they registered 7 sacks against and surrendered just 3 points to 5 short weeks ago in East Rutherford.
Dishonorable Mentions: Browns, Saints, Chargers
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