Quarterback
MVP: Andrew Luck (Colts)
Andrew Luck's return to the field after a 1-week absence couldn't have possibly gone any better. Luck carved up the Jets meandering defense for 304 total yards (278 passing, 26 rushing) and 4 TD in one of the most effortlessly dominant performances I've seen all season. Luck has a much rougher matchup on the docket for Week 14 as the Texans 5th-ranked pass defense rolls into Lucas Oil Field.
Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Matthew Stafford (Lions), Andy Dalton (Bengals)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
This failure came as a total shock to every Drew Brees owner out there. Brees chalked-up a rare home stinker against the Lions below-average pass defense, throwing for 326 YDS, 0 TD and 3 INT (!) in an ugly loss for the Saints. Brees has to travel to Florida to take on a suddenly-stingy Buccaneers D that has allowed no 300-yard passers and only 4 TD's over their last 4 games in Week 14.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Cam Newton (Panthers)
Running Back
MVP: Jordan Howard (Bears)
While future Offensive Rookie of the Year/dark horse MVP candidate Ezekiel Elliott has stolen all the headlines, the Bears rookie running back has quietly managed to put together one hell of a 2016 season. Howard had one of his finest performances to-date in a messy, snow-filled game at Solider Field, accumulating 117 YDS and 3 TD's on 32 carries against the 49ers bottom-ranked rush defense. Howard has been one of the few bright spots for an injury-plagued Bears squad this year and should continue to be an mid-tier RB1 for the upcoming playoff run.
Honorable Mentions: David Johnson (Cardinals), Thomas Rawls (Seahawks), Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
LVP: Lamar Miller (Texans)
The Green Bay Packers run D returned to their dominant early-season form just in time to stifle Lamar Miller at a snowy Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. The combination of playing through a rib injury and poor blocking upfront lead to a season-low 18 yards (22 rushing, -4 receiving) on 15 touches for the Texans bellcow back. While Miller hasn't quite lived up to his status as a top-15 fantasy pick, he's still a high-end RB2 that is usually good for at least 10 points a week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Todd Gurley (Rams), Mark Ingram (Saints), Rob Kelley (Redskins)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Golden Tate (Lions)
The roller-coaster season of Golden Tate hit one of its highest points on Sunday against the Saints. Tate served as the focal point of the passing attack, picking up 145 YDS and a TD on 8 receptions in a blowout road win for the NFC North-leading Lions. Tate is as boom-or-bust as they come and will be a risky play in Week 14 against an underrated Bears secondary that has allowed the 17th most fantasy points to WR's this season.
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Jordy Nelson (Packers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts)
LVP: Sammy Watkins (Bills)
The return of Sammy Watkins to the Bills lineup hit a bit of a snag in Week 13. A combination of constant bracket-coverage from the Raiders secondary and being out-of-sync with Tyrod Taylor for most of the game led to a very pedestrian statline (3 REC, 38 YDS) for the star wideout. Despite this underwhelming performance, Watkins has no shown no ill-effects from the foot injury that sidelined him for 8 games over the past 2 weeks and is worth playing as a WR2/3 in most leagues.
Dishonorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Brandon Marshall (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Dwayne Allen (Colts)
Despite T.Y. Hilton leading the team in receiving with 146 yards, Dwayne Allen was the primary fantasy beneficiary of Andrew Luck's huge night. Allen scooped up 72 YDS and 3 TD's on just 4 receptions against a Jets D that looked like they had checked out before the game even started. Allen is nowhere near consistent and almost all of his value is tied to his ability to get in the endzone, but he's a decent streaming option if you're a fan of gambling.
Honorable Mentions: Dennis Pitta (Ravens), Cameron Brate (Buccaneers), Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
LVP: Jason Witten (Cowboys)
Oh how the mighty have fallen. A rough night for Dak Prescott and a season-low time of possession phased Witten completely out of the game plan as he wasn't targeted at all in the Cowboys tight win over the Vikings. Witten's age has shown more than ever this season and I wouldn't recommend starting him against any defense that isn't highly susceptible to giving up receptions to TE's.
Dishonorable Mentions: Greg Olsen (Panthers), Eric Ebron (Lions), Antonio Gates (Chargers)
Defense
MVP: Denver Broncos
The Broncos D returned to their familiar spot atop the fantasy D rankings in Week 13. The defending Super Bowl champs ripped up Blake Bortles and the Jaguars 22nd-ranked offense, finishing the afternoon with 2 INT, a fumble recovery and a sack in their 20-10 victory. The Broncos will be a must-start against a Titans offense that has struggled against top-ranked defenses this season.
Honorable Mentions: Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs
LVP: Miami Dolphins
The recently-resurgent Dolphins D backtracked in a huge way in Week 13. Despite picking up a pair of takeaways (an INT and a fumble recovery), they allowed 38 points to a Ravens offense that has was firing on all cylinders out of the game. The Dolphins have a prime trap game matchup in Week 14 against an erratic Cardinals offense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opponents this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets
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