Quarterback
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
An underwhelming 2018 for the perennial MVP candidate ended on a triumphant note. Rodgers straight-up destroyed the hapless Jets defense (442 YDS, 2 TD, 32 Rushing YDS, 2 TD and a 2-PT conversion) in a come-from-behind OT win that prevented the Packers from going 0-8 on the road this season. Fantasy owners will hope the 35-year old star QB returns to dominance under a new head coach in 2019.
Honorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
LVP: Phillip Rivers (Chargers)
Rivers burned the dice-rolling souls that rolled him out against a tough Ravens D during championship week. He failed to get anything going through the air (182 YDS, 0 TD) and threw 2 costly picks in an ugly loss that possibly ruined the Chargers dream of clinching the #1 seed in the AFC. This was a truly unfortunate end to Rivers' best season as a pro in at least 4 years, if not ever.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Mitch Trubisky (Bears), Josh Allen (Bills)
Running Back
MVP: Chris Carson (Seahawks)
The Seahawks imposed their will on the Chiefs defense in an impressive primetime win on Sunday and Carson played a big part in that offensive dominance. His hard running helped control the clock and sealed his impressive bellcow performance (27 carries for 116 YDS) with a pair of TD's-including the eventual game-clincher. While his inconsistent pass-catching ability, durability concerns and constant threat of Rashaad Penny vulturing touches will likely prevent him from being selected in the first 2 rounds, Carson should end up being a 3rd-4th round pick next season.
Honorable Mentions: Alvin Kamara (Saints), C.J. Anderson (Rams), Jammal Williams (Packers)
LVP: Josh Adams (Eagles)
Prominent running backs had themselves an almost universally great week, which makes Adams the clear choice for this dreaded title. The undrafted rookie got eviscerated by the Texans tough front, managing just 21 YDS and losing a fumble on 11 carries. Despite this hiccup, Adams has been pretty decent this season and should have a role in the Eagles backfield committee next season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tarik Cohen (Bears), LeSean McCoy (Bills), Kalen Ballage (Dolphins)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
Brown saved his best for last in 2018, delivering a monstrous 14 REC/185 YD/2 TD performance against the Saints that undoubtedly swayed a lot of outcomes during championship week. While his yardage total is a bit lower than usual (1,297), AB's career-best TD total (15) and continued consistency/durability in his age 30 season justified his top 5-7 ADP.
Honorable Mentions: Robert Woods (Rams), Robby Anderson (Jets), Doug Baldwin (Seahawks)
LVP: Amari Cooper (Cowboys)
For a 2nd straight week, the Cowboys top WR all but completely disappeared, managing just 20 YDS on 4 catches against a wretched Bucs defense. Cooper is as erratic as they come and will be a risky WR2 regardless of where he ends up playing next season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Antonio Callaway (Browns), Golden Tate (Eagles), Corey Davis (Titans)
Tight End
MVP: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Unexpected explosions are the greatest fantasy gift of all. Rudolph led the Vikings in receptions (9), receiving YDS (122) and doubled his season TD total with 2 scores to cap off a sensational performance against the Lions on Sunday afternoon. If Big Country returns to the field in 2019, he'll remain a boom-or-bust TE1 option.
Honorable Mentions: Zach Ertz (Eagles), Chris Herndon (Jets), David Njoku (Browns)
LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Gronkowski's disheartening 2018 ended in appropriately heartbreaking fashion with a stinker against the Bills. He failed to catch any of his 3 targets on a day where Tom Brady was as bad as he could possibly be. With lingering health problems starting to take a notable toll on his production, it's entirely conceivable that the nearly 30-year old future Hall-of-Famer steps away from football at the end of the season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Raiders), Cameron Brate (Buccaneers), Blake Jarwin (Cowboys)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Ravens
Phillip Rivers and co. were no match for the Ravens high-flying D. They held the Chargers dynamic offense to just 10 points while also racking up 4 sacks, 2 INT's, a fumble recovery and a TD. This group has been sensational for the bulk of the season and will likely be one of the first 3-5 defenses off the board next year.
Honorable Mentions: Jaguars, Falcons, Cowboys
LVP: Colts
A week after shutting out the Cowboys, the Colts struggled to contain the Odell Beckham Jr.-less Giants in a 28-27 comeback win. If Malik Hooker didn't make a clutch INT to ice the game on the Giants final drive, the Colts would've registered 0 sacks or takeaways on the day. While they've struggled with consistency all season long, there's a lot of young promising talent here that could help this long-suffering franchise build their most legitimate defense since Bob Sanders, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis left town.
Dishonorable Mentions: Broncos, Browns, Eagles
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