Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Week 14 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2020 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)

The visiting locker room toilets wasn't the only thing Jackson took a violent dump on last night. The Browns let Jackson crap all over them (163 YDS/1 TD through the air, 124 YDS/2 TD on the ground) in what was arguably the wildest game of 2020 thus far. Jackson will look to remain on the throne against the lowly Jaguars in Week 15.     

Honorable Mentions: Baker Mayfield (Browns), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Russell Wilson (Seahawks)

LVP: Matt Ryan (Falcons)

Ryan's struggles when Julio Jones is sidelined continued on Sunday. His very sloppy performance (224 YDS/1 TD/3 INT) against a very beatable Chargers defense ultimately cost the Falcons a game that Anthony Lynn was actively trying to give away throughout. If Julio is inactive again for this week's contest with the Bucs, Ryan should be left out of all fantasy lineups.

Dishonorable Mentions: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Tom Brady (Buccaneers), Ryan Tannehill (Titans)

Running Back

MVP: Derrick Henry (Titans)

Henry's relatively quiet performance (25 CAR/84 YDS/0 TD's) against the Jaguars back in Week 2 was a shock considering the complete domination he's displayed against them in the past. Well, Henry made up for that early season disappointment and then some by completely dismantling the Jags (26 CAR, 215 YDS, 2 TD) in their second meeting. With matchups against the putrid Lions and Packers rush D's on deck, Henry is in a position to win a lot of people fantasy titles and even potentially make a run at a historic 2,000 YD season. 

Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Miles Sanders (Eagles), Kareem Hunt (Browns)

LVP: James Conner (Steelers)

Conner's return from the COVID list really couldn't have gone much worse. The Steelers bellcow back couldn't get anything going against a soft Bills front, turning 10 carries into just 18 YDS. Frustratingly up-and-down all season long, Conner will be a shaky RB2/FLEX play against the reeling Bengals this week.

Dishonorable Mentions: Todd Gurley (Falcons), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys), Aaron Jones (Packers)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)

Hill's splash play ability was on full display in South Beach on Sunday. The Chiefs speedster turned just 4 touches (3 REC, 1 carry) into 111 YDS and 2 TD's against a feisty Dolphins defense. A  date with a redhot Saints defense would be a difficult matchup for just about any other receiver, but Hill will probably find the endzone at least once.   

Honorable Mentions: Stefon Diggs (Bills), T.Y. Hilton (Colts), Allen Robinson (Bears)

LVP: Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)

Outside of a 2nd quarter bomb TD pass to Scotty Miller, it was a quiet afternoon for the Bucs passing game against the Vikings and that uneventful outing was particularly evident in Godwin's statline (2 REC/23 YDS). While maintaining a higher floor than running mate Mike Evans and respectable target share in a crowded receiving corps (at least 6 in every game before this one-where he only got 3), Godwin just hasn't popped like expected (51 REC/587 YDS/3 TD's in 8 games) in this Tom Brady-led offense and it's made him a terrible value for owners that spent a top 24-32 pick on him. He'll be a WR2 for the Bucs creampuff Week 15 matchup with the Falcons.    

Dishonorable Mentions: Terry McLaurin (Washington Football Team). Chase Claypool (Steelers), Corey Davis (Titans)

Tight End

MVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

Even a strong passing defense like the Dolphins can't keep Kelce in check. The star tight end once again led the Chiefs in receiving (8 REC/136 YDS/TD) in an ugly yet hard-fought road win over a quality opponent. With just 2 weeks left to go in the fantasy campaign, Kelce-who currently leads the NFL in receiving YDS-is in the thick of the MVP hunt. 

Honorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), T.J. Hockenson (Lions), Robert Tonyan (Packers)

LVP: Evan Engram (Giants)

Feast-or-famine Engram was at it again against the Cardinals, securing just 2 catches for 18 YDS in a horrid performance by a seemingly still injured Daniel Jones. He'll return to his boom-or-bust post for a Week 15 showdown with a terrible Browns pass defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

Dishonorable Mentions: Hayden Hurst (Falcons), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Jordan Reed (49ers)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Washington Football Team

Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio's vicious defense powered the Washington Football team to a 4th straight win against the 49ers. This group completely ruined Nick Mullins's day, picking up 4 sacks, 3 takeaways (2 FUM REC's, 1 INT) and 2 TD's in a 23-15 victory. Considering the heater they're on right now and Russell Wilson's uncharacteristic turnover problems of late, the Football Team should crack starting lineups once again this week.  

Honorable Mentions: Rams, Cowboys, Bears

LVP: Ravens

Despite a season-saving victory over the Browns last night, Don Martindale's vaunted defense took an absolute beating. The Browns attacked their barrage of blitzes with a creative, unpredictable balanced attack that ended up putting 42 points on the board and the Ravens D countering with just 1 sack and an INT. Fortunately for Martindale and his players, redemption seems likely as the 1-11 Jaguars who average just 21.3 points per game (28th in the league) await them next.

Dishonorable Mentions: Saints, Panthers, Texans 

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