Quarterback
MVP: Russell Wilson (Broncos)
Victory may have painfully alluded the Broncos on Sunday in Vegas, but Wilson's fantasy owners finally got a vintage performance out of Mr. Unlimited as he logged 237 YDS and 2 TD's through the air and 29 YDS and a TD with his legs. PPR/Half PPR league players got an additional boost from his 1-YD reception on a trick play. Wilson should be able to put up at least somewhat decent numbers again when the below average Colts defense roll into Mile High on Thursday night.
Honorable Mentions: Jared Goff (Lions), Josh Allen (Bills), Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
LVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Given the heater Jackson was on to start the year, he was bound to come back down to Earth eventually. It was however a bit shocking to see him put together a clunker like this. Rainy conditions at M&T Bank Stadium along with a relentless Bills front that feasted on his banged-up offensive line kept Jackson pretty completely in check all game long as he managed just 188 scrimmage YDS (144 passing, 44 rushing) and 1 passing TD on the afternoon. A pair of costly picks including the game-sealer by Jordan Poyer were just the rotten cherry on top of a miserable afternoon for 2022's top fantasy QB thus far. Jackson has a good chance to get right on Sunday night against the Bengals.
Dishonorable Mentions: Kirk Cousins (Vikings), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Running Back
MVP: Josh Jacobs (Raiders)
With every receiver outside of Davante Adams not chipping in much and Derek Carr struggling to make plays in the redzone, the Raiders turned to Jacobs to be their offensive catalyst versus the Broncos and he delivered in a big way by turning his 33 touches (28 carries, 5 receptions) into 175 scrimmage YDS and a pair of scores on the ground. The fears about Jacobs entering a committee under Josh McDaniels haven't been realized to date as he's handled about 3/4 of the total touches out of the backfield and given that he's looked pretty good in all 4 games, there's no reason to think that will change as long as the 4th-year pro stays healthy.
Honorable Mentions: Austin Ekeler (Chargers), Miles Sanders (Eagles), Rashaad Penny (Seahawks)
LVP: Jonathan Taylor (Colts)
Taylor owners were in a tremendous amount of pain this week as the consensus #1 overall fantasy pick put together 43 total YDS and a lost fumble against the middling Titans. Making matters worse, Taylor suffered an ankle sprain at the end of the game and might not be able to go on Thursday night against the Broncos. Just a real fun time to have the 2021 rushing champion on your team.
Dishonorable Mentions: James Robinson (Jaguars), Tony Pollard (Cowboys), Travis Ettiene (Jaguars)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
Being the only healthy, non-geriatric receiver in a game with a comically pass-heavy game script has its perks. Evans hauled in 8 catches for 103 YDS and 2 TD's as the Bucs got dusted by the visiting Chiefs. As ugly as this offense has looked on nearly every drive this season, Evans has been able to produce and considering there's no way this group will continue to be this bad as the season progresses, he should have no problem being at least a top 20 overall receiver.
Honorable Mentions: Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Tee Higgins (Bengals), Deebo Samuel (49ers)
LVP: Gabe Davis (Bills)
Despite him downplaying the re-aggravation of his ankle injury at Thursday's practice; Davis was clearly hobbled on Sunday. He struggled to get open even with the Ravens focusing much of their attention on Stefon Diggs and ended up with just a lone catch for 13 YDS in the Bills comeback win. Davis will be a very shaky start in Week 5 when the Bills return to Buffalo to take on the Steelers.
Dishonorable Mentions: Terry McLaurin (Commanders), Dionate Johnson (Steelers), Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts)
Tight End
MVP: T.J. Hockenson (Lions)
Without Amron-Ra St. Brown, D'Andre Swift or D.J. Chark in the lineup, Hockenson got to really spread his wings and fly this week. The University of Iowa product made the type of monster impact many believed he was going to regularly make when the Lions drafted him 8th overall in 2019 by erupting for a career-high 179 YDS and 2 TD's on 8 receptions against the Seahawks porous secondary. Hockenson will look to keep rolling on Sunday when he squares off against a Patriots defense that has allowed at least 1 TD to a TE in 3 straight games.
Honorable Mentions: Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Gerald Everett (Chargers), Zach Ertz (Cardinals)
LVP: Dalton Schultz (Cowboys)
Schutlz's quicker-than-expected return to action after suffering a PCL sprain 2 weeks prior proved to be a very quiet one as he failed to catch any of his 3 targets as the team leaned on CeeDee Lamb, Noah Brown and Michael Gallup-who scored a TD in his season debut- in their easy win over the Commanders. If Schultz plays on Sunday versus the Rams, he won't be worth starting.
Dishonorable Mentions: Mark Andrews (Ravens), Kyle Pitts (Falcons), George Kittle (49ers)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: 49ers
DeMeco Ryans went against his usual tendencies and blitzed like crazy against the Rams poor, depleted offensive line and it paid off beautifully as his group registered 9 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pick 6 while only allowing 9 points. The 49ers have a dream matchup against the limp Panthers offense on Sunday, so it wouldn't be a shock if they're right back in this space next week.
Honorable Mentions: Eagles, Giants, Cowboys
LVP: Rams
In fairness to the Rams, they looked perfectly fine for most of the night outside of the 2 long TD's they allowed to Jeff Wilson Jr. and Deebo Samuel as they only allowed 18 points to a pretty good 49ers offense. Those miscues along with their inability to net a sack or takeaway were however enough to banish them to the bottom of the fantasy leaderboards. While they likely won't get blanked in the sack department for a 2nd straight week, the stingy Cowboys offense-who rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses-don't provide them with a good bounceback opportunity.
Dishonorable Mentions: Broncos, Buccaneers, Colts
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