Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
The Pompano Beach native had one hell of a homecoming in South Florida, shredding the hapless Dolphins defense for 324 YDS and 5 TD's through the air. This was a head-turning performance for the sophomore quarterback who struggled immensely as a passer during his rookie campaign. He'll look to keep rolling in Week 2 against a Cardinals defense that just struggled to contain Matthew Stafford.
Honorable Mentions: Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Deshaun Watson (Texans), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
LVP: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)
Cam Newton and Baker Mayfield may have had higher expectations, but their underwhelming 2019 debuts weren't nearly as inexcusable as Winston's. Winston threw 3 INT's (2 of which were returned for TD's) against a wretched 49ers D that only mustered 2 all of last season without posting the type of gaudy statline (207 total YDS and 1 passing TD) that can make up for the generosity he displayed by repeatedly sharing the ball with the other team. Despite this infuriating, vintage dud from Crab Legs, Bruce Arians' aggressive vertical scheme and an arsenal of receiving weapons that rank among the league's most dangerous will keep him on the QB1 fringe for the time being.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cam Newton (Panthers), Baker Mayfield (Browns), Jared Goff (Rams)
Running Back
MVP: Austin Ekeler (Chargers)
Melvin Gordon's campaign for a big new deal took another massive hit on Sunday afternoon. Ekeler stepped into the Chargers starting RB role seamlessly against the Colts, putting up a very impressive 154 scrimmage YDS (58 rushing, 96 receiving) and 3 TD's on 18 touches (12 carries, 6 receptions). With a proven dual threat skill set and near guarantee of solid weekly volume, Ekeler should be on the RB1 radar until Gordon ends his holdout in mid-to-late October.
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Derrick Henry (Titans), Marlon Mack (Colts)
LVP: Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Boy oh boy did Freeman show some rust in his first NFL game action in nearly a year. The star running back got completely bottled up by the Vikings, picking up only 31 scrimmage YDS (19 rushing, 12 receiving) and losing a fumble on 11 touches. Freeman will face the daunting task of trying to bounce back against a tough Eagles run D on Sunday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Sony Michel (Patriots), Aaron Jones (Packers), David Montgomery (Bears)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Sammy Watkins (Chiefs)
Even before Tyreek Hill left the game with a collarbone injury in the 2nd quarter, Watkins was torching the Jaguars secondary for huge gains and his dominance only became more prevalent once Hill was sidelined. The notoriously erratic 6th year wideout finished the afternoon with an eye-popping 198 YDS and 3 TD's on 9 receptions in a blowout road win for the Chiefs. Watkins will undoubtedly benefit from Hill's indefinite absence, but his inconsistency and questionable durability makes him nothing more than a shaky WR2.
Honorable Mentions: Desean Jackson (Eagles), Marquise Brown (Ravens), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
LVP: Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
A combination of battling an illness and terrible play from Winston made Evans a complete non-factor in Week 1. He was sporadically missing from the lineup throughout the game and ended up with only 2 receptions for 28 yards against a very beatable 49ers secondary. Assuming he can return to health in time, Evans should fare much better against the Panthers on Thursday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Brandin Cooks (Rams), Corey Davis (Titans), Robby Anderson (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: T.J. Hockenson (Lions)
Lamar Jackson wasn't the only one throwing up double birds to a long-running narrative this week. Hockensen told everybody who believed rookie tight ends couldn't make an impact right away to go screw with a sensational performance (6 REC/131 YDS/1 TD) in his NFL debut against the Cardinals. This was a very encouraging start for the widely heralded Iowa product and given the Lions lack of receiver depth behind Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., he has a real chance to develop into a focal point of this passing attack in the coming weeks.
Honorable Mentions: Evan Engram (Giants), Delanie Walker (Titans), Mark Andrews (Ravens)
LVP: O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
The Bucs shameful fantasy week continues with a staggering dud from Howard, who mustered 32 YDS and a crucial lost fumble on just 4 receptions. Howard was on fire (23 REC/343 YDS/4 TD's in his last 6 games) before he went down with foot and ankle injuries last season, so hopefully this is just a hiccup on the road to fantasy greatness instead of the start of a disturbing downward trend.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Eric Ebron (Colts), Jared Cook (Saints)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Vikings
Matt Ryan and co. were not ready for a hungry, aggressive Vikings defense. The Norseman registered 4 sacks, 3 takeaways (2 INT's and a FUM REC), a blocked FG and just 12 points allowed (all in garbage time) in a suffocating 24-12 win over the Falcons. A Packers offense with a questionable o-line and a QB that almost never turns the ball over awaits in Week 2.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Seahawks, Bills
LVP: Browns
Steve Wilks' crew did a pretty good of blowing through a Taylor Lewan-less line (4 sacks) and a pretty crap job in every other area (35 points allowed, 0 takeways) during a shocking blowout home loss to the Titans. They'll look to take advantage of a weak offensive line and gunslinger quarterback when they travel to East Rutherford to take on the Jets next Monday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Eagles, Broncos, Chargers
Showing posts with label week 1 fantasy football winners and losers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label week 1 fantasy football winners and losers. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Week 1 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers (2018 Edition)
Quarterback
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Week 1 was a rude awakening for the Saints, but at least their 39-year old signalcaller reminded fantasy players why he's a perineal MVP candidate. Brees ripped apart the Buccaneers secondary for 439 YDS, 3 TD and a 2-Point conversion in a stunning 48-40 loss for the defending NFC South champs. With an aggressive Browns secondary that got 3 picks in their opener coming into the Superdome on Sunday, Brees should come back down to earth a bit.
Honorable Mentions: Phillip Rivers (Chargers), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
LVP: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
It didn't take long for Road Roethlisberger to rear his ugly head and crush fantasy players souls in 2018. Big Ben's serviceable total yardage (335 passing, 16 rushing) against the Browns was overshadowed by the fact that he turned the ball over a whopping 5 times (3 interceptions, 2 lost fumbles) and only threw 1 TD on the day. Roethlisberger has a good chance of rebounding this week when he returns to the friendly confines of Heinz Field to square off against the Chiefs porous secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (Lions), Deshaun Watson (Texans), Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Running Back
MVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)
Kamara picked up right where he left off at the end of his historic 2017 season. Playing more reps to make up for the absence of co-lead back Mark Ingram didn't hamper the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year's ability to make plays as he carved up the Bucs defense for 141 scrimmage YDS (29 rushing, 112 receiving), 3 TD and a 2-PT conversion on just 17 touches. Kamara is in line for another feast in Week 2 when goes up against a Browns D that just allowed 192 total YDS and a pair of scores to Steelers back James Conner in his 1st career start.
Honorable Mentions: James Conner (Steelers), Joe Mixon (Bengals), Todd Gurley (Rams)
LVP: Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)
The Chiefs offense turned a lot of heads with their 38-point offensive explosion against the Chargers on Sunday afternoon. However, reigning rushing champion Hunt didn't contribute too much to that success. Hunt only picked up 49 YDS on 16 carries and failed to register a catch for the 1st time in his career. The sledding won't get any easier for the bellow back as he faces the Steelers pretty stout front in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Devonta Freeman (Falcons), LeSean McCoy (Bills), Derrick Henry (Titans)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)
Hunt's aforementioned struggles were in large part because Hill was too busy making plays for anyone else to get involved. The 3rd-year speedster posted 169 YDS and 2 TD's on 7 receptions against the Chargers banged-up defense without anything that even resembled resistance. Hill seems to have a special connection with new starting QB Patrick Mahomes and unless his target share takes a sharp, sudden dip in the coming weeks, he should be a top-tier WR1 all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Randall Cobb (Packers), Kenny Stills (Dolphins)
LVP: Chris Hogan (Patriots)
While Tom Brady turned in a good performance on Sunday in a relatively easy Patriots victory over the Texans, Chris Hogan ended up being a complete non-factor in that success. The Pats presumed #1 wideout heading into 2018 only reeled in 1 of his 5 targets for 11 YDS and surprisingly got outshined by notable draft bust Phillip Dorsett (7 REC, 68 YDS, 1 TD)-who only had caught 12 balls during his inaugural season with the Patriots in 2017. Hogan will likely draw A.J Bouye or Jalen Ramsey in Sunday's showdown with the Jaguars, so you at least consider benching him for a higher floor option.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Sammy Watkins (Chiefs), Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Tight End
MVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Any doubt of Rob Gronkowski's commitment to football following an offseason full of retirement rumors were emphatically put to rest on Sunday. Outside of a lost fumble, Gronkowski imposed his will against the Texans lowly secondary for 4 quarters and finished the day an impressive 7 REC/123 YDS/1 TD line. Even when Julian Edelman returns in Week 5, Gronkowski is the clear top target in New England and remains pretty much the only receiver in the league outside of Antonio Brown that is a near-lock to put up monster numbers every single time he steps on the field.
Honorable Mentions: Eric Ebron (Colts), Jordan Reed (Redskins), George Kittle (49ers)
LVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Despite a respectable 6 targets, Kelce struggled to get on the same page as Mahomes and only ended up with 1 reception for 6 YDS on the day. Hill will likely continue to be the favorite target of the big-armed young gunslinger, but it should only be a matter of time before Kelce returns to his role as the productive #2 option in this dangerous passing attack.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Packers), Trey Burton (Bears), Evan Engram (Giants)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Vikings
Last year's top scoring defense got off to an excellent start in 2018 by getting 4 takeaways (3 INT, FUM REC), 3 sacks and a TD in a victory against a 49ers team that was viewed as a dangerous upstart heading into 2018. As long as Aaron Rodgers doesn't stun the world and miss Sunday's game with the knee injury he suffered during last week's comeback win over the Bears, George Edwards' troops will have a tough time putting another performance like this.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Rams, Bears
LVP: Chargers
Apparently Joey Bosa is the glue that holds this defense together. The Chargers D was completely helpless on Sunday as they mustered 0 takeways, just a single sack and allowed the Chiefs to hang 38 points on them. They'll be a strong bounce back candidate, regardless of Bosa's status, this week when they take on the impotent Bills offense that just surrender 6 sacks and 2 INT's to the Ravens in a heinous 47-3 loss.
Dishonorable Mentions: Saints, Cardinals, Giants
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Week 1 was a rude awakening for the Saints, but at least their 39-year old signalcaller reminded fantasy players why he's a perineal MVP candidate. Brees ripped apart the Buccaneers secondary for 439 YDS, 3 TD and a 2-Point conversion in a stunning 48-40 loss for the defending NFC South champs. With an aggressive Browns secondary that got 3 picks in their opener coming into the Superdome on Sunday, Brees should come back down to earth a bit.
Honorable Mentions: Phillip Rivers (Chargers), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
LVP: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
It didn't take long for Road Roethlisberger to rear his ugly head and crush fantasy players souls in 2018. Big Ben's serviceable total yardage (335 passing, 16 rushing) against the Browns was overshadowed by the fact that he turned the ball over a whopping 5 times (3 interceptions, 2 lost fumbles) and only threw 1 TD on the day. Roethlisberger has a good chance of rebounding this week when he returns to the friendly confines of Heinz Field to square off against the Chiefs porous secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (Lions), Deshaun Watson (Texans), Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Running Back
MVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)
Kamara picked up right where he left off at the end of his historic 2017 season. Playing more reps to make up for the absence of co-lead back Mark Ingram didn't hamper the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year's ability to make plays as he carved up the Bucs defense for 141 scrimmage YDS (29 rushing, 112 receiving), 3 TD and a 2-PT conversion on just 17 touches. Kamara is in line for another feast in Week 2 when goes up against a Browns D that just allowed 192 total YDS and a pair of scores to Steelers back James Conner in his 1st career start.
Honorable Mentions: James Conner (Steelers), Joe Mixon (Bengals), Todd Gurley (Rams)
LVP: Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)
The Chiefs offense turned a lot of heads with their 38-point offensive explosion against the Chargers on Sunday afternoon. However, reigning rushing champion Hunt didn't contribute too much to that success. Hunt only picked up 49 YDS on 16 carries and failed to register a catch for the 1st time in his career. The sledding won't get any easier for the bellow back as he faces the Steelers pretty stout front in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Devonta Freeman (Falcons), LeSean McCoy (Bills), Derrick Henry (Titans)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)
Hunt's aforementioned struggles were in large part because Hill was too busy making plays for anyone else to get involved. The 3rd-year speedster posted 169 YDS and 2 TD's on 7 receptions against the Chargers banged-up defense without anything that even resembled resistance. Hill seems to have a special connection with new starting QB Patrick Mahomes and unless his target share takes a sharp, sudden dip in the coming weeks, he should be a top-tier WR1 all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Randall Cobb (Packers), Kenny Stills (Dolphins)
LVP: Chris Hogan (Patriots)
While Tom Brady turned in a good performance on Sunday in a relatively easy Patriots victory over the Texans, Chris Hogan ended up being a complete non-factor in that success. The Pats presumed #1 wideout heading into 2018 only reeled in 1 of his 5 targets for 11 YDS and surprisingly got outshined by notable draft bust Phillip Dorsett (7 REC, 68 YDS, 1 TD)-who only had caught 12 balls during his inaugural season with the Patriots in 2017. Hogan will likely draw A.J Bouye or Jalen Ramsey in Sunday's showdown with the Jaguars, so you at least consider benching him for a higher floor option.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Sammy Watkins (Chiefs), Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Tight End
MVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Any doubt of Rob Gronkowski's commitment to football following an offseason full of retirement rumors were emphatically put to rest on Sunday. Outside of a lost fumble, Gronkowski imposed his will against the Texans lowly secondary for 4 quarters and finished the day an impressive 7 REC/123 YDS/1 TD line. Even when Julian Edelman returns in Week 5, Gronkowski is the clear top target in New England and remains pretty much the only receiver in the league outside of Antonio Brown that is a near-lock to put up monster numbers every single time he steps on the field.
Honorable Mentions: Eric Ebron (Colts), Jordan Reed (Redskins), George Kittle (49ers)
LVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Despite a respectable 6 targets, Kelce struggled to get on the same page as Mahomes and only ended up with 1 reception for 6 YDS on the day. Hill will likely continue to be the favorite target of the big-armed young gunslinger, but it should only be a matter of time before Kelce returns to his role as the productive #2 option in this dangerous passing attack.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Packers), Trey Burton (Bears), Evan Engram (Giants)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Vikings
Last year's top scoring defense got off to an excellent start in 2018 by getting 4 takeaways (3 INT, FUM REC), 3 sacks and a TD in a victory against a 49ers team that was viewed as a dangerous upstart heading into 2018. As long as Aaron Rodgers doesn't stun the world and miss Sunday's game with the knee injury he suffered during last week's comeback win over the Bears, George Edwards' troops will have a tough time putting another performance like this.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Rams, Bears
LVP: Chargers
Apparently Joey Bosa is the glue that holds this defense together. The Chargers D was completely helpless on Sunday as they mustered 0 takeways, just a single sack and allowed the Chiefs to hang 38 points on them. They'll be a strong bounce back candidate, regardless of Bosa's status, this week when they take on the impotent Bills offense that just surrender 6 sacks and 2 INT's to the Ravens in a heinous 47-3 loss.
Dishonorable Mentions: Saints, Cardinals, Giants
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Week 1 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback:
MVP: Matthew Stafford (Lions)
In a wonky week where little-owned guys topped the fantasy leaderboards (Alex Smith, Jared Goff, Sam Bradford), Matthew Stafford was the only longtime fixture of this beautiful fake game to deliver a stellar performance. The 29-year old justified the record-breaking $135 mil contract extension he received last month by shredding the Cardinals defense for 306 total YDS (292 passing, 14 rushing) and 4 TD's on Sunday afternoon. Even with his well-documented history of struggling against teams with winning records, Stafford should be a viable fantasy play most weeks.
Honorable Mentions: Carson Wentz (Eagles), Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Marcus Mariota (Titans)
LVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
Despite looking healthy for the 1st time in nearly a year, Russell Wilson put together a thoroughly underwhelming performance during the NFL's kickoff weekend. A combination of horrific offensive line play and a surprisingly effective Packers secondary that prevented the Seahawks WR's from getting separation for most of the day led to Wilson having a very quiet afternoon (208 total yards, 0 TD's and a lost fumble) at Lambeau Field. The Seahawks signal-caller has a decent shot of rebounding against the lowly 49ers in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Eli Manning (Giants), Tom Brady (Patriots), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
Running Back:
MVP: Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)
Ladies and gentleman, the league's next headline-grabbing star might've been born in Week 1. The rookie recovered from a brutal fumble on his 1st-ever NFL carry in triumphant fashion by putting together a record-setting performance (246 total YDS and 3 TD on 22 touches) that helped the Chiefs pull off a massive upset victory over the Patriots last Thursday night. While he clearly won't put up insane numbers like this every week, Hunt should be a key cog in the Chiefs offense and a legit RB1 option all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Gillislee (Patriots), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), LeSean McCoy (Bills)
LVP: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)
Le'Veon Bell's performance on Sunday should serve as a poignant cautionary tale for any player that's thinking about holding out of training camp for a new contract in the future. The Steelers star back looked sluggish and aloof as he mustered a sad 48 total yards (32 rushing, 16 receiving) on 13 touches against the Browns on Sunday. With the Vikings stalwart D traveling to Heinz Field this weekend, I wouldn't bank on Bell suddenly returning to form.
Dishonorable Mentions: Joe Mixon (Bengals), Paul Perkins (Giants), Ameer Abdullah (Lions)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Stefon Diggs (Vikings)
Stefon Diggs had the distinct pleasure of being the 1st receiver to steamroll the Saints hilariously inept secondary in 2017. The Vikings top WR picked up 93 YDS and 2 TD on 7 receptions in the Norsemen's impressive victory on Monday night. Diggs will be in the low-end WR2/high-end WR3 mix against the Steelers on the road in Week 2.
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Adam Thielen (Vikings)
LVP: Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Jamison Crowder's bid to become a breakout star in 2017 hit a bit of a snag in Week 1. Pierre Garcon's projected replacement as the Redskins go-to underneath receiver was nothing short of abysmal against the Eagles, picking up 14 YDS and losing a fumble on just 3 receptions. Crowder and his cohorts on the Redskins offense will look to wash away their miserable home opener in a road bout with a thoroughly unpredictable Rams squad.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers), Martavis Bryant (Steelers), Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos)
Tight End:
MVP: Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Austin Hooper made the most of his 2 receptions against the Bears on Sunday, posting 128 YDS and scoring what proved to be the game-winning 88-yard TD early in the 4th quarter. Even with this impressive line, Hooper still strikes me as a huge boom-or-bust play this season in the Falcons high-powered aerial attack.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Coby Fleener (Saints), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
You know shit was ugly at the TE position when Greg Olsen's 18-yard performance against the 49ers' god awful defense wasn't the biggest dud of the week. The debut of the new leaner, quicker version of Jimmy Graham was a complete disaster as the 30-year old Pro Bowler mustered an alarming 8 YDS on 3 receptions against the Packers shockingly stout passing defense. Like the rest of his offensive counterparts, Graham has a nice chance to redeem himself against the 49ers in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Greg Olsen (Panthers), Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Jordan Reed (Redskins)
Defense/Special Teams:
MVP: Los Angeles Rams
The Wade Phillips-era in LA got off to one hell of a start as his group feasted on the Scott Tolzien-led Colts, picking up 4 sacks, 3 takeaways (2 INT's, 1 FUM REC), a safety and a pair of defensive scores in their huge 44-9 win on Sunday afternoon. We should get a more accurate gauge of what this defense is capable of when they take on Kirk Cousins and the Redskins, who are coming off a 4-turnover performance against the Eagles, in Week 2.
Honorable Mentions: Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers
LVP: Houston Texans
In a week that was stuffed to the brim with notable underperformers, the Texans D registering no sacks or takeaways against a Blake Bortles-led offense might've been the most stunning. This heavily-lauded group looked collectively flat in their home opener as they allowed 23 of the 29 total points the Jaguars scored in this shocking upset. There's too much talent spread throughout this group to write them off completely, but this is definitely not a good sign for their prospects in 2017.
Dishonorable Mentions: New England Patriots, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings
MVP: Matthew Stafford (Lions)
In a wonky week where little-owned guys topped the fantasy leaderboards (Alex Smith, Jared Goff, Sam Bradford), Matthew Stafford was the only longtime fixture of this beautiful fake game to deliver a stellar performance. The 29-year old justified the record-breaking $135 mil contract extension he received last month by shredding the Cardinals defense for 306 total YDS (292 passing, 14 rushing) and 4 TD's on Sunday afternoon. Even with his well-documented history of struggling against teams with winning records, Stafford should be a viable fantasy play most weeks.
Honorable Mentions: Carson Wentz (Eagles), Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Marcus Mariota (Titans)
LVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
Despite looking healthy for the 1st time in nearly a year, Russell Wilson put together a thoroughly underwhelming performance during the NFL's kickoff weekend. A combination of horrific offensive line play and a surprisingly effective Packers secondary that prevented the Seahawks WR's from getting separation for most of the day led to Wilson having a very quiet afternoon (208 total yards, 0 TD's and a lost fumble) at Lambeau Field. The Seahawks signal-caller has a decent shot of rebounding against the lowly 49ers in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Eli Manning (Giants), Tom Brady (Patriots), Kirk Cousins (Redskins)
Running Back:
MVP: Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)
Ladies and gentleman, the league's next headline-grabbing star might've been born in Week 1. The rookie recovered from a brutal fumble on his 1st-ever NFL carry in triumphant fashion by putting together a record-setting performance (246 total YDS and 3 TD on 22 touches) that helped the Chiefs pull off a massive upset victory over the Patriots last Thursday night. While he clearly won't put up insane numbers like this every week, Hunt should be a key cog in the Chiefs offense and a legit RB1 option all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Gillislee (Patriots), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), LeSean McCoy (Bills)
LVP: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)
Le'Veon Bell's performance on Sunday should serve as a poignant cautionary tale for any player that's thinking about holding out of training camp for a new contract in the future. The Steelers star back looked sluggish and aloof as he mustered a sad 48 total yards (32 rushing, 16 receiving) on 13 touches against the Browns on Sunday. With the Vikings stalwart D traveling to Heinz Field this weekend, I wouldn't bank on Bell suddenly returning to form.
Dishonorable Mentions: Joe Mixon (Bengals), Paul Perkins (Giants), Ameer Abdullah (Lions)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Stefon Diggs (Vikings)
Stefon Diggs had the distinct pleasure of being the 1st receiver to steamroll the Saints hilariously inept secondary in 2017. The Vikings top WR picked up 93 YDS and 2 TD on 7 receptions in the Norsemen's impressive victory on Monday night. Diggs will be in the low-end WR2/high-end WR3 mix against the Steelers on the road in Week 2.
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Adam Thielen (Vikings)
LVP: Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
Jamison Crowder's bid to become a breakout star in 2017 hit a bit of a snag in Week 1. Pierre Garcon's projected replacement as the Redskins go-to underneath receiver was nothing short of abysmal against the Eagles, picking up 14 YDS and losing a fumble on just 3 receptions. Crowder and his cohorts on the Redskins offense will look to wash away their miserable home opener in a road bout with a thoroughly unpredictable Rams squad.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers), Martavis Bryant (Steelers), Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos)
Tight End:
MVP: Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Austin Hooper made the most of his 2 receptions against the Bears on Sunday, posting 128 YDS and scoring what proved to be the game-winning 88-yard TD early in the 4th quarter. Even with this impressive line, Hooper still strikes me as a huge boom-or-bust play this season in the Falcons high-powered aerial attack.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Coby Fleener (Saints), Zach Ertz (Eagles)
LVP: Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
You know shit was ugly at the TE position when Greg Olsen's 18-yard performance against the 49ers' god awful defense wasn't the biggest dud of the week. The debut of the new leaner, quicker version of Jimmy Graham was a complete disaster as the 30-year old Pro Bowler mustered an alarming 8 YDS on 3 receptions against the Packers shockingly stout passing defense. Like the rest of his offensive counterparts, Graham has a nice chance to redeem himself against the 49ers in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Greg Olsen (Panthers), Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Jordan Reed (Redskins)
Defense/Special Teams:
MVP: Los Angeles Rams
The Wade Phillips-era in LA got off to one hell of a start as his group feasted on the Scott Tolzien-led Colts, picking up 4 sacks, 3 takeaways (2 INT's, 1 FUM REC), a safety and a pair of defensive scores in their huge 44-9 win on Sunday afternoon. We should get a more accurate gauge of what this defense is capable of when they take on Kirk Cousins and the Redskins, who are coming off a 4-turnover performance against the Eagles, in Week 2.
Honorable Mentions: Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers
LVP: Houston Texans
In a week that was stuffed to the brim with notable underperformers, the Texans D registering no sacks or takeaways against a Blake Bortles-led offense might've been the most stunning. This heavily-lauded group looked collectively flat in their home opener as they allowed 23 of the 29 total points the Jaguars scored in this shocking upset. There's too much talent spread throughout this group to write them off completely, but this is definitely not a good sign for their prospects in 2017.
Dishonorable Mentions: New England Patriots, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Week 1 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback:
MVP:Andrew Luck (Colts)
The Andrew Luck that fantasy players know and love appears appears to be back. The Colts franchise quarterback showed no signs of the injuries or inefficiency that plagued his 2015 campaign as he shredded the Lions defense for 406 total yards (385 passing, 21 rushing), 4 TD and a successful 2-point conversion on Sunday afternoon. Luck's true level of effectiveness will be tested in week 2 as the Colts take on the stalwart Broncos defense.
Honorable Mentions: Drew Brees (Saints), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Matthew Stafford (Lions)
LVP: Tyrod Taylor (Bills)
Tyrod Taylor was a popular option for fantasy players who waited until the late rounds to select a quarterback, but he did nothing to justify that buzz in Week 1 against the Ravens. Taylor was ultra-conservative and largely ineffective as the dual-threat quarterback mustered just 122 total yards (111 passing, 11 rushing) in a failed revenge matchup against his former team. Taylor has a rough matchup in Week 2 against the Jets D (they picked up 7 sacks against the Bengals strong offensive line in Week 1), so his owners might want to consider playing their backup or heading to the wavier wire to pick up a streaming option with a softer matchup (Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemain, Jimmy Garoppolo).
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Kirk Cousins (Redskins), Phillip Rivers (Chargers)
Running Back:
MVP: DeAngelo Williams (Steelers)
DeAngelo Williams picked up right where he left off in 2015 with an eye-popping performance in the season opener. The league's oldest active running back at 33 looked like a 25-year old entering his prime as he annihilated the Redskins defense for 171 total yards (143 Rushing, 28 receiving) and a pair of scores on 32 touches. His value is going to inevitably go down when starter Le'Veon Bell returns from suspension in Week 4, but in the interim, he's an excellent low-end RB1/high-end RB2 play.
Honorable Mentions: Spencer Ware (Chiefs), C.J. Anderson (Broncos), Carlos Hyde (49ers)
LVP: Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
For a 2nd consecutive year, Adrian Peterson opened up the season on a disastrous note. The 31-year old perennial Pro Bowler looked sluggish and had no answer for the Titans stacked boxes, finishing with a paltry 31 yards on 19 carries. Peterson's chances of bouncing back in Week 2 are far from guaranteed as he faces the Packers stout run defense that held the Jaguars to 48 total rushing yards this past week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Devonta Freeman (Falcons), Todd Gurley (Rams), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Brandin Cooks (Saints)
It was an absurd week for wide receivers as 16 players finished with at least 90 yards. Amidst all the stacked stat lines, Brandin Cooks ended up emerging as the top dog in the realm of fantasy football. Cooks, aided by a franchise-record 98-yard-touchdown, scooped up 143 receiving yards, 2 TD's and an 11-yard rush on a jet sweep in the Saints shootout with the Raiders on Sunday afternoon. Despite the greater reception and yardage total from Willie Snead in Week 1, Cooks is still the undisputed top wideout in New Orleans and has serious top 10 fantasy receiver potential for this season.
Honorable Mentions: Antonio Brown (Steelers), A.J. Green (Bengals), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
LVP: Dez Bryant (Cowboys)
The return of a fully-healthy Dez Bryant for the 1st time since last year's season opener was not the triumph fantasy owners who spent a high draft-pick on him had hoped for. Bryant was a bizarrely small part of the Cowboys game plan as he was targeted just 5 times and reeled in only 1 reception for 8 yards on the game. It would be a shock if offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and rookie quarterback Dak Prescott didn't try to get Bryant more involved in the offense when they square off against the Redskins, who just got flat-out torched by Antonio Brown, in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Golden Tate (Lions), Brandon Marshall (Jets), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
Tight End
MVP: Dwayne Allen (Colts)
With Rob Gronkowski out with a hamstring injury and Jimmy Graham playing at less than 100%, Week 1 ended up being a pretty anti-climatic week for tight end's across the league. Colts starter Dwayne Allen ended up being the week's top scorer with a pretty average 53 YD/1 TD/1 2-Pt conversion statline in the Colts offense-heavy battle with the Lions. While Allen's numbers weren't earth-shattering, he should end up being a solid, low-end TE1 option if he can stay healthy all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Julius Thomas (Jaguars), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Greg Olsen (Panthers)
LVP: Coby Fleener (Saints)
The Saints 400+yard passing party on Sunday didn't include Coby Fleener. The team's highly-touted free-agent pickup was pretty much invisible, registering a single catch for 6 yards on only 4 targets . It's far too early to write off Fleener completely, but his lack of production on such a huge day for Drew Brees and the passing attack is a very bad early sign for his productivity in 2016.
Dishonorable Mentions: Gary Barnidge (Browns), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Martellus Bennett (Patriots)
Defense
MVP: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings defense were called upon to step up their game with journeyman Shaun Hill under center and star running back Adrian Peterson slumping and holy hell, did they deliver. The Vikes D shook off early struggles and ended being the catalyst for the Vikings 25-16 come-from-behind victory against the Titans, picking up 2 fumble recoveries, 2 sacks, an interception and a pair of defensive touchdowns on the day. If for some reason the Vikings defense is on the wavier wire in your league, put in a claim for them immediately and cross your fingers that you land them.
Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills
LVP: Los Angeles Rams
Week 1 was not kind to the recently-relocated Rams and their projected top-5 fantasy defense. The Rams were uncharacteristically sloppy and silent in the season opener, as they allowed 28 points and failed to registered a sack against a 49ers offense that was widely projected to be one of the worst in the league heading into 2016. The Rams have a bad habit of phoning it in against lower-level competition and playing poorly at the start of the season, so there's no reason to hit the panic switch yet.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders
MVP:Andrew Luck (Colts)
The Andrew Luck that fantasy players know and love appears appears to be back. The Colts franchise quarterback showed no signs of the injuries or inefficiency that plagued his 2015 campaign as he shredded the Lions defense for 406 total yards (385 passing, 21 rushing), 4 TD and a successful 2-point conversion on Sunday afternoon. Luck's true level of effectiveness will be tested in week 2 as the Colts take on the stalwart Broncos defense.
Honorable Mentions: Drew Brees (Saints), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Matthew Stafford (Lions)
LVP: Tyrod Taylor (Bills)
Tyrod Taylor was a popular option for fantasy players who waited until the late rounds to select a quarterback, but he did nothing to justify that buzz in Week 1 against the Ravens. Taylor was ultra-conservative and largely ineffective as the dual-threat quarterback mustered just 122 total yards (111 passing, 11 rushing) in a failed revenge matchup against his former team. Taylor has a rough matchup in Week 2 against the Jets D (they picked up 7 sacks against the Bengals strong offensive line in Week 1), so his owners might want to consider playing their backup or heading to the wavier wire to pick up a streaming option with a softer matchup (Joe Flacco, Trevor Siemain, Jimmy Garoppolo).
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Kirk Cousins (Redskins), Phillip Rivers (Chargers)
Running Back:
MVP: DeAngelo Williams (Steelers)
DeAngelo Williams picked up right where he left off in 2015 with an eye-popping performance in the season opener. The league's oldest active running back at 33 looked like a 25-year old entering his prime as he annihilated the Redskins defense for 171 total yards (143 Rushing, 28 receiving) and a pair of scores on 32 touches. His value is going to inevitably go down when starter Le'Veon Bell returns from suspension in Week 4, but in the interim, he's an excellent low-end RB1/high-end RB2 play.
Honorable Mentions: Spencer Ware (Chiefs), C.J. Anderson (Broncos), Carlos Hyde (49ers)
LVP: Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
For a 2nd consecutive year, Adrian Peterson opened up the season on a disastrous note. The 31-year old perennial Pro Bowler looked sluggish and had no answer for the Titans stacked boxes, finishing with a paltry 31 yards on 19 carries. Peterson's chances of bouncing back in Week 2 are far from guaranteed as he faces the Packers stout run defense that held the Jaguars to 48 total rushing yards this past week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Devonta Freeman (Falcons), Todd Gurley (Rams), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Brandin Cooks (Saints)
It was an absurd week for wide receivers as 16 players finished with at least 90 yards. Amidst all the stacked stat lines, Brandin Cooks ended up emerging as the top dog in the realm of fantasy football. Cooks, aided by a franchise-record 98-yard-touchdown, scooped up 143 receiving yards, 2 TD's and an 11-yard rush on a jet sweep in the Saints shootout with the Raiders on Sunday afternoon. Despite the greater reception and yardage total from Willie Snead in Week 1, Cooks is still the undisputed top wideout in New Orleans and has serious top 10 fantasy receiver potential for this season.
Honorable Mentions: Antonio Brown (Steelers), A.J. Green (Bengals), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
LVP: Dez Bryant (Cowboys)
The return of a fully-healthy Dez Bryant for the 1st time since last year's season opener was not the triumph fantasy owners who spent a high draft-pick on him had hoped for. Bryant was a bizarrely small part of the Cowboys game plan as he was targeted just 5 times and reeled in only 1 reception for 8 yards on the game. It would be a shock if offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and rookie quarterback Dak Prescott didn't try to get Bryant more involved in the offense when they square off against the Redskins, who just got flat-out torched by Antonio Brown, in Week 2.
Dishonorable Mentions: Golden Tate (Lions), Brandon Marshall (Jets), Sammy Watkins (Bills)
Tight End
MVP: Dwayne Allen (Colts)
With Rob Gronkowski out with a hamstring injury and Jimmy Graham playing at less than 100%, Week 1 ended up being a pretty anti-climatic week for tight end's across the league. Colts starter Dwayne Allen ended up being the week's top scorer with a pretty average 53 YD/1 TD/1 2-Pt conversion statline in the Colts offense-heavy battle with the Lions. While Allen's numbers weren't earth-shattering, he should end up being a solid, low-end TE1 option if he can stay healthy all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Julius Thomas (Jaguars), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Greg Olsen (Panthers)
LVP: Coby Fleener (Saints)
The Saints 400+yard passing party on Sunday didn't include Coby Fleener. The team's highly-touted free-agent pickup was pretty much invisible, registering a single catch for 6 yards on only 4 targets . It's far too early to write off Fleener completely, but his lack of production on such a huge day for Drew Brees and the passing attack is a very bad early sign for his productivity in 2016.
Dishonorable Mentions: Gary Barnidge (Browns), Antonio Gates (Chargers), Martellus Bennett (Patriots)
Defense
MVP: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings defense were called upon to step up their game with journeyman Shaun Hill under center and star running back Adrian Peterson slumping and holy hell, did they deliver. The Vikes D shook off early struggles and ended being the catalyst for the Vikings 25-16 come-from-behind victory against the Titans, picking up 2 fumble recoveries, 2 sacks, an interception and a pair of defensive touchdowns on the day. If for some reason the Vikings defense is on the wavier wire in your league, put in a claim for them immediately and cross your fingers that you land them.
Honorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills
LVP: Los Angeles Rams
Week 1 was not kind to the recently-relocated Rams and their projected top-5 fantasy defense. The Rams were uncharacteristically sloppy and silent in the season opener, as they allowed 28 points and failed to registered a sack against a 49ers offense that was widely projected to be one of the worst in the league heading into 2016. The Rams have a bad habit of phoning it in against lower-level competition and playing poorly at the start of the season, so there's no reason to hit the panic switch yet.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders
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