MVP: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
Patrick Mahomes' 6-TD performance in a 42-37 Chiefs victory grabbed all the real-world headlines out of Pittsburgh on Sunday, but Roethlisberger edged out the promising young signalcaller for the honor of top fantasy QB of the week. Thanks to an early 21-0 deficit that forced the offense to air it out pretty much right away, Roethlisberger put up a monster statline (461 YDS, 4 total TD and a 2-point conversion) that was enough for the Steelers to make an impressive rally and turn this game into a true shootout before the Chiefs pulled away again late in the 4th quarter. Even against a decimated Buccaneers secondary that has allowed back-to-back 300+ yard passers, Big Ben will be a relatively risky start on the road in Week 3.
Honorable Mentions: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Kirk Cousins (Vikings), Matt Ryan (Falcons)
LVP: Alex Smith (Redskins)
For better or worse, Smith posted a vintage statline in Week 2. The notoriously conservative veteran didn't turn the ball over and cleared 300 total YDS (292 passing, 14 rushing) on the day, but failed to throw a TD against the Colts questionable defense in his home debut as the Redskins QB. Mr. High Floor/Low Ceiling takes on the Packers mediocre secondary in Week 3.
Dishonorable Mentions: Andrew Luck (Colts), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
Running Back
MVP: Todd Gurley (Rams)
Gurley is such a special player that he even delivers for his fantasy owners on his off-days. The Cardinals stout front kept him relatively in check (73 YDS from scrimmage on 22 touches), but Gurley still managed to score 3 TD's on the ground and cross the plain on a pair of 2-point conversions. If you had the opportunity to draft him at the top of 1st round, you're probably doing pretty alright right now.
Honorable Mentions: Melvin Gordon (Chargers), Matt Brieda (49ers), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
LVP: David Johnson (Cardinals)
This total rebuild the Cardinals are currently going through has not been kind to David Johnson. The star back was limited to just 14 touches for 51 YDS on Sunday in an ugly 34-0 loss against the Rams. As long as the brittle, bumbling jabroni otherwise known as Sam Bradford is under center, Johnson will be relegated to high-end RB2 status.
Dishonorable Mentions: Adrian Peterson (Redskins), Isaiah Crowell (Jets), Peyton Barber (Buccaneers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Stefon Diggs (Vikings)
September has proven to be primetime for Diggs. The 4th-year wideout posted a ridiculous 9 REC/128 TD/2 TD/1 2-PT CNV day against a largely young Packers secondary that struggled to slow down the Vikings passing attack for the majority of the game. He'll be in the mix for another MVP honor this week as the Vikings take on the helpless Bills at home.
Honorable Mentions: A.J. Green (Bengals), Adam Thielen (Vikings), Michael Thomas (Saints)
LVP: Robby Anderson (Jets)
2017's surprise fantasy darling underwhelming start to 2018 continued in Week 2. Anderson caught 3-of-5 targets for 27 YDS and lost a fumble in a surprisingly lopsided 20-12 Jets loss to the Dolphins. His lack of chemistry with Sam Darnold paired with strong early play from Quincy Enunwa, who missed all of last season with a neck injury, make Anderson a very shaky WR3 play until further notice.
Dishonorable Mentions: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos), Jamison Crowder (Redskins), Kenny Stills (Dolphins)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Last week I said it that was only a matter of time before Kelce redeemed himself following his underwhelming 1 catch performance in the opener. Turns out that this week was that time. Kelce was the focal point of this lethal-looking Chiefs offense against the Steelers, posting 109 YDS and 2 TD's on 7 receptions. The spread-the-wealth offense Andy Reid runs will result in the occasional stinker, but Kelce remains locked in as one of the few truly elite fantasy options at the tight end position.
Last week I said it that was only a matter of time before Kelce redeemed himself following his underwhelming 1 catch performance in the opener. Turns out that this week was that time. Kelce was the focal point of this lethal-looking Chiefs offense against the Steelers, posting 109 YDS and 2 TD's on 7 receptions. The spread-the-wealth offense Andy Reid runs will result in the occasional stinker, but Kelce remains locked in as one of the few truly elite fantasy options at the tight end position.
Honorable Mentions: O.J. Howard (Buccaneers), Evan Engram (Giants), Jimmy Graham (Packers)
LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Gronk ended up playing a very minimal role (2 REC for 15 YDS on 4 TGTS) in a game where the Patriots primarily attacked the Jaguars excellent defense via the run and short-passes. Look for his workload to return to normal against a banged-up Lions defense that is run by former Belichick underling Matt Patricia.
Gronk ended up playing a very minimal role (2 REC for 15 YDS on 4 TGTS) in a game where the Patriots primarily attacked the Jaguars excellent defense via the run and short-passes. Look for his workload to return to normal against a banged-up Lions defense that is run by former Belichick underling Matt Patricia.
Dishonorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Jack Doyle (Colts), David Njoku (Browns)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Bears
Are the Monsters of the Midway back? While it's clearly too early to definitively answer that question, the 2018 Bears are definitely off to a hell of a start on the defensive side of the ball. Vic Fangio's troops absolutely feasted on a suspect Seahawks offense, registering 6 sacks, a fumble recovery and game-clinching pick 6 in a 24-17 win over the former NFC powerhouse. Chicago will look to stay hot this week in a showdown with the Cardinals anemic albeit turnover-averse offense.
Are the Monsters of the Midway back? While it's clearly too early to definitively answer that question, the 2018 Bears are definitely off to a hell of a start on the defensive side of the ball. Vic Fangio's troops absolutely feasted on a suspect Seahawks offense, registering 6 sacks, a fumble recovery and game-clinching pick 6 in a 24-17 win over the former NFC powerhouse. Chicago will look to stay hot this week in a showdown with the Cardinals anemic albeit turnover-averse offense.
Honorable Mentions: Rams, Chargers, Jets
LVP: Ravens
A week after absolutely dominating the Bills, the Ravens put forth a truly sad effort in front of a national audience. Andy Dalton, who arguably has the worst track record in primetime games of any veteran starting QB in the league right now, dominated this group for 60 minutes (265 YDS, 4 TD, 0 sacks or giveaways) in route to a 34-23 win last Thursday night. This talented group will look to prove this performance was a fluke when they take on a Broncos offense that has struggled with turning the ball over in the early going (Case Keenum has already tossed 4 INT's, which is tied for most in the league) this Sunday afternoon.
A week after absolutely dominating the Bills, the Ravens put forth a truly sad effort in front of a national audience. Andy Dalton, who arguably has the worst track record in primetime games of any veteran starting QB in the league right now, dominated this group for 60 minutes (265 YDS, 4 TD, 0 sacks or giveaways) in route to a 34-23 win last Thursday night. This talented group will look to prove this performance was a fluke when they take on a Broncos offense that has struggled with turning the ball over in the early going (Case Keenum has already tossed 4 INT's, which is tied for most in the league) this Sunday afternoon.
Dishonorable Mentions: Texans, Broncos, Vikings
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