Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Jackson's MVP campaign received another huge boost this weekend as he absolutely eviscerated the Bengals sad defense for 223 YDS and 3 TD's through the air and another 65 YDS and a TD on the ground. A potentially incredible young QB duel with fellow MVP candidate Deshaun Watson is up next for the Ravens electric playmaker.
Honorable Mentions: Daniel Jones (Giants), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Brees put together an inexplicably pedestrian game (287 YDS/0 TD/0 turnovers) against the Falcons dumpster fire of a defense as the Saints somehow managed to get smoked at home to a team that hadn't won since Week 2. He'll look to redeem himself this Sunday against a similarly terrible Bucs pass D.
Dishonorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jared Goff (Rams), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
Running Back
MVP: Derrick Henry (Titans)
By bullying the Chiefs soft run D for 188 YDS and 2 TD's on 23 carries, Mr. Henry played a key part in allowing the Titans to pull off a huge upset win. Henry has managed to be a top 5 fantasy running back despite his general lack of contributions in the passing game, which is a truly remarkable feat in the modern NFL where throwback bellcows typically only serve as respectable RB2 options at best. He'll look to finish strong against a pretty tough slate (Saints, Jaguars, Texans, Raiders, Colts) once the Titans return from bye in Week 12.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Dalvin Cook (Vikings), Christian McCaffery (Panthers)
LVP: Saquon Barkley (Giants)
Pat Shurmur confirmed the obvious postgame: Barkley was playing hurt against the Jets on Sunday. The sophomore back looked stiff and slow all afternoon as he racked up a paltry 31 YDS (1 rushing, 30 receiving) on 18 touches. With the Giants season all but officially over as they enter their Week 11 bye at 2-8, there's a distinct possibility that they end up shutting him down for the year.
Dishonorable Mentions: David Johnson (Cardinals), Devin Singletary (Bills), Jaylen Samuels (Steelers)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Christian Kirk (Cardinals)
Leave it to the Buccaneers secondary to remind fantasy players of Kirk's ridiculous potential. The Texas A&M speedster was making huge plays all over Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, registering 138 YDS and 3 TD's on just 6 receptions. He'll likely come back down to earth when the Cardinals square off against the 49ers tough secondary for the 2nd time in 3 weeks, but he'll be an intriguing WR3/FLEX play during the stretch run.
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Amari Cooper (Cowboys), Golden Tate (Giants)
LVP: Cooper Kupp (Rams)
Kupp was due to stumble at some point after such an unbelievable 1st half of the season. However, putting up a donut in a game where Brandin Cooks was inactive is a true shock. While I'm still legitimately baffled by how the hell this happened, I think Kupp will mimic Mike Evans and make up for this unexpected disappearing act with a fireworks show against the Bears this Sunday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Tyrell Williams (Raiders), Robby Anderson (Jets)
Tight End
MVP: Mark Andrews (Ravens)
There are few better "get right" spots as a skill position player than a matchup with the Bengals and Andrews took advantage of that golden opportunity to bust his mini-slump by hanging 53 YDS and 2 TD's on the league's last remaining winless team. Andrews has another plus matchup against the Texans below average passing defense in Week 11.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
LVP: Vance McDonald (Steelers)
Despite Mason Rudolph putting together a respectable performance against a tough Rams defense, McDonald struggled to contribute-managing just 3 receptions for 11 YDS and 1 carry for 2 YDS on the day. McDonald will remain a volatile play with a game manager like Rudolph under center, but his decent weekly ceiling makes him worth rostering, if not starting in deeper leagues.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Jonnu Smith (Titans)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Steelers
The hype the Patriots and 49ers defenses have generated has unfairly forced the Steelers dominance to fly under the radar. Their latest excellent performance, which helped them earn their 4th straight victory and move into the #6 seed in the AFC, against the Rams (4 points allowed, 4 sacks, 3 INT, FUM REC, TD) might've been their most impressive performance to date as they made life miserable for Jared Goff and co. on just about every snap. They have another appetizing matchup against the Browns turnover-prone offense in Week 11.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Rams, 49ers
LVP: Saints
Very little of the strong, explosive play that had defined the Saints D since Week 3 was on display last Sunday as they racked up just 1 sack and an INT in a 26-9 loss against the Falcons. While they're not likely to post back-to-back duds, I'm a lot leerier about their chances of crushing the Bucs than I'd normally be.
Dishonorable Mentions: Browns, Giants, Bills
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