Quarterback
MVP: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)
While the notoriously erratic signalcaller was due for an explosion after a so-so start to 2019, I don't think too many people expected a contest against the defending NFC champs to be the game where Winston finally went off. Outside of a late pick 6 to Marcus Peters, Winston was terrific against the Rams-throwing for 385 YDS and 4 TD in an impressive road win for the Bucs. Ol' Crab Legs will likely come back to earth in Week 5 when he goes against a Saints defense that has been sensational in non-garbage time situations over the past 2 weeks.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jared Goff (Rams)
LVP: Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
For the 1st time under new OC Kellen Moore, Prescott appeared mortal. The Saints took away the deep passing lanes and forced Prescott to revert to the checkdown-heavy attack that had defined this offense under former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, which generated predictably lackluster results (223 YDS/0 TD/1 INT). Prescott could make it back-to-back duds this week when he goes up against a tough Packers secondary that's held all 4 quarterbacks they've played so far to 230 YDS or less.
Dishonorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Tom Brady (Patriots), Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
Running Back
MVP: Nick Chubb (Browns)
The Browns offense finally turned a corner against the Ravens this week and Chubb deserves a lot of the credit for their long-awaited breakthrough. Chubb's monster performance (183 scrimmage YDS, 3 rushing TDS on 23 touches) made this group much more balanced and allowed 2nd year quarterback Baker Mayfield to play with a level of ease that he hadn't displayed in the prior 3 games. If Chubb can keep this level of play up, he'll ascend to the weekly RB1 ranks very quickly.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Howard (Eagles), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Austin Ekeler (Chargers)
LVP: Marlon Mack (Colts)
A combination of game script and merely average production on the carries he did receive (11 for 39 YDS) made Mack a non-factor during an unexpected blowout home loss against the Raiders. Mack will look to break the up-and-down cycle he's been stuck in all season this week against a Chiefs D that currently ranks 31st against the run.
Dishonorable Mentions: Adrian Peterson (Redskins), Philip Lindsay (Broncos), Joe Mixon (Bengals)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
The hip ailment that kept Godwin out of practice for most of last week clearly wasn't too serious. He ended up serving as the catalyst for the Bucs staggering offensive performance against a previously vaunted Rams defense, registering a mammoth 12 receptions for 172 YDS and 2 TD's. Godwin will look to keep rolling against a talented, but beatable Saints secondary on Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions: Kenny Golladay (Lions), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers)
LVP: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns)
On a day where the Browns offense came alive, OBJ was left out of the fun. Beckham Jr., who reeled in just 2 catches for 20 yards, was pretty much completely shutdown by the Ravens top corner Marlon Humphery while teammates Jarvis Landry (8 REC/167 YDS) and Ricky Seals-Jones (3 REC/82 YDS/1 TD) put together career-best performances. The chemistry with Baker Mayfield hasn't really been there so far, but OBJ remains too dynamic to not be considered a top 5-10 fantasy WR moving forward.
Dishonorable Mentions: Adam Thielen (Vikings), JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers), Tyler Boyd (Bengals)
Tight End
MVP: Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Hooper easily led the way in receiving (9 REC/130 YDS) on a mostly miserable afternoon for the reeling Falcons against the Titans. A Texans D that has done a terrific job slowing down TE's thus far (2nd least fantasy points allowed) awaits Hooper next.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Packers), Will Dissly (Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Colts)
LVP: Greg Olsen (Panthers)
Olsen fell back to earth in a major way against the Texans after back-to-back dominant performances. The veteran tight end mustered just 2 catches for 5 YDS on a day where Kyle Allen was in sync with no one outside of Christian McCaffery. He'll remain a TE1 option for a Week 5 showdown with the potentially Jalen Ramsey-less Jaguars.
Dishonorable Mentions: Delanie Walker (Titans), Vernon Davis (Redskins), O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Patriots
After a week away, the Patriots have returned to their MVP throne in Week 4. Comically sloppy QB play, a key blocked punt/return TD and just good old fashioned aggressiveness helped the Pats D put together another sensational showing (5 sacks/4 INT) that powered them to a 16-10 victory in a tight defensive struggle against the Bills. While they've certainly benefited from kicking off the season playing 4 of the league's most inept offenses, the Patriots defense is a tough, deep group with no serious weaknesses that has an excellent chance of being the top fantasy defense all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Steelers, Bears, Seahawks
LVP: Ravens
Something is wrong with the Ravens defense right now. A week after allowing 33 points to the Chiefs, they managed to be even worse against the Browns-giving up 40 points while doing next to nothing (1 sack, 1 INT) to offset the damage done by their inability to keep Freddie Kitchens' crew from scoring. They'll look to put this cold streak behind them when they square off against the ultraconservative Mason Rudolph-led Steelers in Week 5.
Dishonorable Mentions: Packers, Jaguars, Vikings
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