Quarterback
MVP: Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
While he may have come out on the wrong side of a riveting shootout with the Dolphins, Murray was able to narrowly outduel Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for the title of Week 9's top fantasy QB. He did ample damage with his arm (283 YDS/3 TD/0 INT) and legs (106 YDS/1 TD) in what was one of the most impressive performances of his young career to-date. Murray has made the leap many people expected from him in his sophomore season and should now be considered a top 5 QB option on a nearly weekly basis.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Allen (Bills), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
LVP: Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
The biggest difference between 43-year old Tom Brady and his prime era is that he actually puts up really notable clunkers in his advanced age. Brady succumbed to the ineptitude of his mortal running mates in Tampa-displaying questionable decisionmaking and horrific touch on the football that resulted in a repulsive statline (206 YDS/0 TD's/ 3 INT's) all-time against a Saints team that needed overtime to beat the quickly sinking Bears last week. A stat sheet-stuffing explosion from Mr. Pliability against the Panthers next week wouldn't be at all surprising.
Dishonorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (Lions), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)
Running Back
MVP: Dalvin Cook (Vikings)
Did the Lions even bother watching film from Cook's monster performance against the Packers? Even if they did, the lessons from that tape study didn't translate to the field on Sunday because the Vikings back somehow managed to IMPROVE upon his earth-shattering Week 8 performance-picking up 252 scrimmage YDS (206 rushing, 46 receiving) and 2 TD's in another easy W for the Vikes. A Bears defense who just stuffed Derrick Henry for 4 quarters have the best possible chance (Translation: Decent, but far from a lock) of putting an end to Cook's absurd run of dominance.
Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), James Robinson (Jaguars), Josh Jacobs (Raiders)
LVP: James Conner (Steelers)
The undefeated Steelers trip to Dallas to take on a struggling Cowboys team that had ex-AFL signalcaller Garrett Gilbert under center was far less pleasant than expected and arguably no player had less fun in their narrow comeback victory than Conner. The 4th year pro was completely bottled up by the lowly Cowboys defense-registering just 20 yards on 11 touches. Despite this unexpected faceplant, Conner's status as a low-end RB1 remains in tact heading into a plus Week 10 matchup with the Bengals.
Dishonorable Mentions: Ronald Jones (Buccaneers), JaMycal Hasty (49ers), David Montgomery (Bears)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)
It was another overwhelmingly pass-happy game for the Chiefs against the Panthers on Sunday, so naturally their top wideout had another strong performance. Hill put up season-highs in both catches (9) and YDS (113) while hauling in 2 TD's for a 2nd consecutive game. Hill has been one of the most consistent top-end fantasy receivers of 2020 thus far and considering the Chiefs enhanced focus on the pass in recent weeks, that status will likely hold up when the Chiefs return to action in Week 11 against the Raiders.
Honorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), D.K. Metcalf (Seahawks), D.J. Chark Jr. (Jaguars)
LVP: DeAndre Hopkins (Cardinals)
It was a stunningly quiet game for Hopkins in a plus matchup with the Dolphins as he was only targeted 3 times- all of which of were caught for a grand total of 30 YDS- while Kyler Murray turned to Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald to lead the charge in the passing game. Hopkins will look to get back on track against the Tre'Davious White-led Bills secondary on Sunday.
Dishonorable Mentions: D.J. Moore (Panthers), Corey Davis (Titans), Adam Thielen (Vikings)
Tight End
MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Only the Chiefs could make having a pair of 100+ YD receivers in the same game feel like business as usual. While Kelce failed to find the endzone, he did lead the team in receptions (10) and YDS (159) for the 2nd consecutive game. Kelce is just ridiculous and with George Kittle sidelined indefinitely, no one at this position can even touch him right now.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Bears), Evan Engram (Giants), T.J. Hockenson (Lions)
LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Buccaneers)
Gronkowski wasn't afforded the same luxury that Mike Evans and Chris Godwin received in the form of getting just enough garbage time yards to avoid the absolute bottom of the fantasy barrel-finishing with just 1 catch for 2 YDS in the Bucs heinous loss to the Saints. This is Gronk's first dud since Week 4 against the Chargers, so he'll continue to be weekly starting option for now at this always fun to manage position.
Dishonorable Mentions: Robert Tonyan (Packers), Jared Cook (Saints), Mark Andrews (Ravens)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Saints
Congrats to every single dice-rolling S.O.B. that started the Saints D this week. This well below average group came out of nowhere to completely terrorize the Bucs upstart offense-picking up 3 sacks and 3 INT's in a 31-3 victory. Feel free to fire them up for their Week 10 tilt with the Nick Mullens-led 49ers that might also be without top playmakers Deebo Samuel, Raheem Mostert and Brandon Aiyuk once again.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Titans, Giants
LVP: Chiefs
The up-and-down Panthers offense gave the Chiefs D more than they bargained for as they surrendered 31 points while only registering 2 sacks and 0 takeaways in a narrow victory on Sunday afternoon. This group will always be trick or treat, but despite the degree of volatility that's attached to them, they'll be worth rostering for a stretch run that includes solid matchups with the Broncos, Falcons and Dolphins.
Dishonorable Mentions: Patriots, Cardinals, 49ers
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