Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Week 4 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2021 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

Well, it sure didn't take long for Mahomes to get back on track after a rough showing against the Chargers last week... Mahomes feasted on an overmatched Eagles secondary-throwing for 278 YDS and 5 TD's and rushing for an additional 26 YDS. His ceiling will remain sky high for a potential shootout against the Bills this Sunday night.

Honorable Mentions: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Sam Darnold (Panthers), Dak Prescott (Cowboys)

LVP: Tom Brady (Buccaneers)

As much as he tried to publicly downplay it throughout the week, emotions got the best of Brady during his widely anticipated return to Foxboro. Brady was visibly rattled and routinely whiffing easy throws he can usually make in his sleep, which led to him posting a pretty unremarkable statline (269 scoreless passing YDS) in a narrow 19-17 victory for the Bucs over a feistier than expected Patriots team. TB12 should have a much better outing when he returns to Florida this week to take on a reeling Dolphins team.

Dishonorable Mentions: Kirk Cousins (Vikings), Derek Carr (Raiders), Matthew Stafford (Rams)

Running Back

MVP: Austin Ekeler (Chargers)

After weeks of putting up solid, but not crazy numbers, Ekeler finally put together a monster performance. The Chargers RB was the focal point of the offense during the Bolts impressive 28-14 victory over the Raiders last night-turning his 18 touches (15 carries, 3 receptions) into 145 YDS and 3 scores. While durability remains a huge concern with him, Ekeler has proven skeptics like myself wrong with his strong play in the early stages of this season, As long as he's active, he should continue to be a solid RB1.

Honorable Mentions: Cordarrelle Patterson (Falcons), Saquon Barkley (Giants), Derrick Henry (Titans)

LVP: Myles Gaskin (Dolphins)

With zero warning at all following a strong showing against the Raiders last week, Gaskin found himself getting phased out of the Dolphins backfield committee. The 3rd year pro only handled 2 carries for 3 YDS in the 'Phins demoralizing home loss to the Colts. While owners in 12-team leagues should continue to roster Gaskin for the time being, he shouldn't return to starting lineups until some clarity surrounding his role is provided. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Chris Carson (Seahawks), D'Andre Swift (Lions), Miles Sanders (Eagles)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)

Just like Mahomes, Hill came roaring back to life this week against the Eagles with a ridiculous 11 REC/186 YDS/3 TD line. Hill has been incredible in the 2 Chiefs wins this season and very flat in their 2 losses, so you could argue that his play could prove to be a determining factor in their crucial Week 5 showdown with the Bills.

Honorable Mentions: Deebo Samuel (49ers), Terry McLaurin (Football Team), DJ Moore (Panthers)

LVP: CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)

Unlike last week where Lamb did some damage (66 YDS) with a low target share (3), Lamb was extremely quiet in the Cowboys blowout victory over the Panthers catching only 2 of the 5 passes that headed his way for a paltry 13 YDS. This marks Lamb's 1st true dud of the season, so there's no reason to panic about the promising 2nd year wideout just yet.

Dishonorable Mentions: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Mike Williams (Chargers)

Tight End

MVP: Dawson Knox (Bills)

Knox extended his scoring streak to 3 games with a classic middling TE line (5 REC/37 YDS/2 TD's) in the Bills dominant 40-0 victory over the bumbling Texans on Sunday afternoon. Whether or Knox can sustain his fantasy relevancy in a pass-happy offense remains to be seen, but for now, he should definitely be rostered and started in most leagues. 

Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Chargers), Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Dallas Goedert (Eagles)

LVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs) 

Kelce was uncharacteristically quiet in a game where Tyreek Hill dominated both the targets and pass-catching productivity, securing just 4 catches for 23 YDS in a plus matchup against the Eagles. A Bills defense that hasn't allowed more than 42 YDS to a TE so far this season awaits Kelce next. 

Dishonorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), T.J. Hockenson (Lions), Robert Tonyan (Packers)

Defensive/Special Teams

MVP: Bills

The Bills D followed up their dominant shutout performance against the Dolphins with a dominant shutout performance against the Texans. Leslie Frazier's troops added 3 sacks, 4 INT's and a FUM REC on top of that big donut on the scoreboard. Their charmed 2 week run atop the leaderboards will certainly end this week when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.  

Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Buccaneers, Browns

LVP: Bengals

In a development that shouldn't shock a soul, the Bengals early run of productive defensive outings (multiple sacks and at least 1 takeaway in 3 straight games) came to an end against a Jaguars offense that had been giving fantasy points away left and right prior to this game. Cincy only posted a single sack (which they got on the opening drive of the game) and 0 takeaways in a very dismal 24-21 victory over a team that appears to be on the brink of having a full on meltdown at the moment. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Saints, Panthers, Football Team

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