Quarterback
MVP: Andrew Luck (Colts)
After a so-so performance against the Texans in Week 6, Andrew Luck came back in a big way this week. Luck carved up the Titans solid secondary, picking up 353 YDS and 3 TD through the air and an additional 17 yards on the ground. Luck's gunslinger mentality makes him susceptible to crippling stinkers every once in a while, but he's still an elite QB1 option that should be started every week.
Honorable Mentions: Drew Brees (Saints), Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
LVP: Eli Manning (Giants)
Eli Manning's October cold streak followed him across the pond. While Manning played a clean, turnover-free game in London on Sunday, the Rams defense forced to him throw short passes all game, which resulted in pretty middling performance (196 YDS and 0 TD) for the Giants signal-caller. Manning's fortunes seems like they're bound to turn around soon as the Giants face the Bengals, Browns and Bears in 3 of their first 4 games following their Week 8 bye.
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Blake Bortles (Jaguars), Derek Carr (Raiders)
Running Back
MVP: Melvin Gordon (Chargers)
2016's most improbable fantasy success story just wrote his impressive chapter to date. Melvin Gordon was borderline unstoppable in Week 7 as he picked up 121 total yards (68 rushing, 53 receiving) and 3 TD's (2 rushing, 1 receiving) in the Chargers comeback OT win over the Falcons. Gordon has been a regular in the endzone in 2016 (10 TD in 7 games) and given the Chargers general lack of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, there's no reason to believe he won't continue to regularly find paydirt for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), LeGarrette Blount (Patriots), Matt Forte (Jets)
LVP: Terrance West (Ravens)
Marty Mornhinweg's puzzling offensive playcalling and a matchup against a stout Jets run KO'd Terrance West in Week 7. West managed 10 yards on a mere 8 carries in yet another ugly loss for the Ravens, who have now lost 4 straight since their 3-0 start. West is still the top dog in the Ravens crowded backfield committee and he should continue to be a mid-level RB2 as long as he remains the starter.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jordan Howard (Bears), Matt Jones (Redskins), Christine Michael (Seahawks)
Wide Receiver
MVP: A.J. Green (Bengals)
After 2 consecutive so-so to decent outings, A.J. Green delivered his 3rd "holy shit" performance (150+ yards) of the still relatively young 2016 season. Green brought in all 8 balls thrown his way for 169 yards and a TD-an absurd 1-handed leaping grab on a hail mary that will live in infamy for the rest time-against the Browns porous secondary. Green has another plus matchup in Week 8 against a potentially Josh Norman-less Redskins secondary.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Evans (Buccaneers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts), Randall Cobb (Packers)
LVP: Allen Robinson (Jaguars)
Allen Robinson nightmarish 2016 campaign hit a new low in Week 7. Despite facing a Raiders secondary that has gotten repeatedly torched this season, Robinson managed to have just 2 receptions for 9 yards on 8 targets (tied with Marqise Lee for most on the team). The struggles of Blake Bortles paired with his sudden inability to get separation from opposing defensive backs on a regular basis has led to a serious regression from the 3rd-year receiver in 2016. This strong candidate for fantasy bust of the year is currently a risky WR3 play at best.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Raiders), Jordy Nelson (Packers), Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)
Tight End
MVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
In a shocking turn of events, Rob Gronkowski tore shit up in Week 7. The Steelers admittedly did a decent job covering Gronk for most of the game, but unfortunately for them, they still allowed him to pick up 93 YDS and a TD on just 4 receptions. Gronkowski is back in kill mode and the only thing the rest of the NFL can do now is pray.
Honorable Mentions: Delanie Walker (Titans), Jack Doyle (Colts), Julius Thomas (Jaguars)
LVP: Martellus Bennett (Patriots)
On a day where one half of the Patriots dynamic tight end duo was unstoppable, the other one was basically invisible. Martellus Bennett picked up 1 catch for 5 yards on just 2 targets as the Patriots focused on a more of a run-first attack against the Steelers. Bennett's downfield ability and redzone targets make him one of the most intriguing TE's in the league, but his owners should be wary of using him as a weekly starter because of Tom Brady's love for spreading the ball around to different receivers each week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Hunter Henry (Chargers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Dennis Pitta (Ravens)
Defense
MVP: Philadelphia Eagles
A week after earning the top defensive spot through a pair of touchdowns, the Eagles picked up the honor in a more traditional fashion this week. The Eagles terrorized a Vikings offense that hadn't turned the ball all over coming into this game, picking up 6 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, an interception and a kick return TD while only allowing 10 points. The Eagles defense aren't a strong contender to go for the MVP 3peat in Week 8 as they face the turnover/sack-averse Cowboys offense, but should be still played regardless.
Honorable Mentions: Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers
LVP: Buffalo Bills
The Bills recent hot streak came to a crashing halt on Sunday. The Bills got 1 sack, failed to get a takeaway and surrendered 28 points in a surprising loss against the Dolphins, who are suddenly showing life after an ugly 1-4 start. The Bills have a rough matchup against the Tom Brady-led Patriots in Week 8, so I would advise their owners to go to stream a replacement option such as the Jets, Chargers or Raiders this week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
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