Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Week 8 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2020 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

After taking a backseat the past 2 weeks, Mahomes stepped back into the spotlight with his best game of 2020 thus far. He took full advantage of a pass-happy gameplan and shredded the hopeless Jets for 416 YDS and 5 TD's. A stinger than expected Panthers defense awaits Mahomes in Week 9.

Honorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Matthew Stafford (Lions)

LVP: Josh Allen (Bills)

The Bills may have shook off the Patriots boogeyman for the 1st time in what seem like an eternity, but Allen did very little to contribute to this prideful W-finishing the day with only 177 scrimmage YDS, an INT and a rushing TD.  Allen has reverted back to his vintage frantic self over the past month after a fantastic start to the year and will more than likely remain a volatile starting option even in the best possible matchups like the one he has on deck against the abysmal Seahawks secondary. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Carson Wentz (Eagles), Jared Goff (Rams), Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers)

Running Back

MVP: Dalvin Cook (Vikings)

Mike Zimmer probably needed to change his pants after Sunday's victory over the Packers. The Vikings essentially just handed Cook the ball for 4 quarters and let him work his magic against one of the league's most anemic run defenses-which resulted in him finishing the afternoon with 30 CAR/163 YDS/3 TD's. Another 50-YD score on a screen pass served as the cherry on top of this emphatic statement game. Cook has been incredible over the last 4 games he's been healthy and he should continue to eat as the Vikings look to claw their way back into the NFC playoff picture after a brutal 1-5 start to the year. 

Honorable Mentions: Giovani Bernard (Bengals), Zack Moss (Bills), Derrick Henry (Titans)

LVP: Ronald Jones (Buccaneers)

Just when it appears like Jones has solidified himself as a productive workhorse back in a powerhouse offense, the volatility that has plagued the early stages of his career creeps back into the picture. He was borderline terrible against a poor Giants defense-managing just 46 scrimmage yards (23 rushing, 23 receiving) and a lost fumble on 11 touches in a narrow win for the Buccaneers. Despite this dud, Jones has soundly outplayed Leonard Fournette all season long and will be an RB2 for their week 9 matchup with the Saints.   

Dishonorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs), D'Andre Swift (Lions)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: DK Metcalf (Seahawks)

Metcalf seemed to take his quiet Week 7 performance against the Cardinals personally and responded by scorching the 49ers for 4 quarters (12 REC/161 YDS/2 TD). The 2nd year wideout has emerged as an early fantasy MVP in 2020 and will look to keep up his absurd level of play against an ailing Bills secondary this Sunday.

Honorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Robert Woods (Rams)

LVP: Amari Cooper (Cowboys) 

Playing with a faceless jabroni otherwise known as Ben DiNucci at quarterback muddied up the prospects for all of the Cowboys receivers this week, but Cooper in particular felt the effects of having an overmatched stiff lineup under center as he secured just a single reception for 5 YDS on the night. Even with Andy Dalton presumably returning to the fold in Week 9, Cooper won't be a recommended play against a fierce Steelers defense.

Dishonorable Mentions: Dionate Johnson (Steelers), Adam Thielen (Vikings), Justin Jefferson (Vikings)

Tight End

MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

An explosive performance from Mahomes meant that all of his top targets got their opportunity to feast on those poor poor Jets. While Tyreek Hill was the lead dog in the TD department, Kelce led the pack in both receptions (8) and YDS (109) while also securing his own trip to the endzone. With George Kittle potentially missing the rest of the year with a foot injury, the overall TE1 belt now looks like it's going to be Kelce's to lose.

Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Saints), Eric Ebron (Steelers), Rob Gronkowski (Buccaneers) 

LVP: Jimmy Graham (Bears)

So much for a big revenge game for Graham. He was sluggish and unfocused against his former employers in New Orleans-managing just 2 catches for 13 YDS despite several efforts from Nick Foles to get him involved in the offense. Despite performing better than expected given his age and supporting role in a horrid offense, Graham can be comfortably left on benches most weeks. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Mark Andrews (Ravens)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Eagles

As expected, Jim Schwartz had this group teeing off on sacrificial lamb Ben DiNucci-securing 4 sacks, 2 FUM REC's, a safety and an absolutely bogus defensive score off one of those fumbles in a hilarious 23-9 victory over the floundering Cowboys. This mediocre group could be in line for another big performance when they return to action in Week 10 against a pass protection-challenged, turnover-prone Giants offense.

Honorable Mentions: Steelers, Colts, Chiefs

LVP: Titans

The Titans defense quite frankly sucks and their no show against the Bengals is just the latest display of the full scope of the stench they give off on this side of the ball. Not only did they not get any takeaways, but they failed to register a sack against one of the worst offensive lines in football in this 31-20 upset loss. Even with the poor Bears offense rolling into Nashville next week, they won't be a strong play.

Dishonorable Mentions: 49ers, Bears, Packers 

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