Quarterback
MVP: C.J. Stroud (Texans)
Stroud has played well most weeks, but Sunday against the Bucs was his first true "holy shit" performance in the pros. The rookie QB was nothing short of magnificent as he carved up the Bucs defense for 470 YDS, 5 TDS and a 2 PT CNV in an insane comeback win for the Texans. If he wasn't on your QB1 radar already, he sure as hell deserves to be now.
Honorable Mentions: Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Josh Allen (Bills)
LVP: Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Herbert was relegated to game manager status (136 YDS, 0 TD's or turnovers, 17 Rushing YDS) as his defense, special teams and Austin Ekeler got all the glory in a big win over the Jets last night. He'll look to contribute more in the passing game against the Lions this Sunday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Geno Smith (Seahawks)
Running Back
MVP: Rachaad White (Buccaneers)
White was the star of the Bucs offense in their tough loss to the Texans, turning his 24 touches (20 carries, 4 receptions) into 119 scrimmage YDS and 2 TD's on the ground. While his yardage totals will fluctuate due to how poor the Bucs run blocking is, his pass-catching prowess and status as the uncontested starting RB in Tampa have made him a high-floor RB2 option over the past few weeks. That being said, he could have a tough time meaningfully contributing this week versus the Titans tough front 7.
Honorable Mentions: Josh Jacobs (Raiders), Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), Austin Ekeler (Chargers)
LVP: Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks)
The Ravens blowing the f'n doors off the Seahawks and completely shutting down the run game grounded Walker in a big way as he only picked up 17 total YDS (16 rushing, 1 receiving) on 10 touches. Walker will look to get back to his reliable RB1 ways against the Commanders in Week 10.
Dishonorable Mentions: Bijan Robinson (Falcons), Zack Moss (Colts), James Cook (Bills)
Wide Receiver
MVP: CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)
Outside of a hilarious, unfortunate fumble on the Cowboys ill-conceived Hail Mary-esque play on the final play from scrimmage, Lamb was unstoppable against the Eagles. No matter what coverage they threw at him, Lamb blew through it as he picked up 11 receptions for a career-high 191 YDS. Lamb gets another plus divisional matchup in Week 10 when the reeling Giants head to AT&T Stadium.
Honorable Mentions: Amari Cooper (Browns), Stefon Diggs (Bills), Diontae Johnson (Steelers)
LVP: George Pickens (Steelers)
Nobody outside of Diontae Johnson had a good night for the Steelers offense last Thursday night versus the Titans, but nobody went home sadder or madder than Pickens. The 2nd year wideout hauled in just 2 catches and ended the night with a depressing -1 YDS. The recent inability to get Pickens the ball has been alarming and something Matt Canada and Kenny Pickett need to rectify heading into this week's contest with the Packers.
Dishonorable Mentions: Zay Flowers (Ravens), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers), Michael Thomas (Saints)
Tight End
MVP: Dalton Schultz (Texans)
Schultz posted a 10 REC/130 YD/TD line (on the downside, he also lost a fumble) and wasn't even the biggest beneficiary of C.J. Stroud's explosion against the Bucs as Noah Brown somehow managed to outgain him while also finding the endzone and Tank Dell caught a pair of scores. Outside of his Week 8 dud against the Panthers, Schultz has been cooking lately and deserves to be a weekly TE1 start for anybody that doesn't have Kelce, Andrews, Kittle or Hockenson on their rosters.
Honorable Mentions: Cole Kmet (Bears), Taysom Hill (Saints), Jake Ferguson (Cowboys)
LVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
The engine of the Chiefs passing attack didn't factor into their win at all on Sunday. Kelce caught just 3 short passes for 14 YDS and managed only 1 other target as the Dolphins forced Patrick Mahomes to find other options in the passing game-which he largely struggled to do outside of their pair of TD drives. While Kelce hasn't quite lived up to his top 10 draft pick status, he's still the best fantasy tight end around and his post-Bye slate starting with the Eagles in Week 11 is soft enough that his managers should expect big things from him during the stretch run.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Higbee (Rams), Trey McBride (Cardinals), Gerald Everett (Chargers)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Chargers
In a winnable primetime spot where the Chargers are liable to implode, their D/ST showed up in a big way and prevented disaster from striking. They picked up a ridiculous 8 sacks, forced 3 fumbles and kicked the game off with a huge punt return TD from Derius Davis in an easy 27-6 win on MNF. The Bolts D/ST will go right back to being unusable in fantasy for their Week 10 tilt with the turnover-averse Lions offense and their terrific offensive line.
Honorable Mentions: Browns, Raiders, Ravens
LVP: Bills
The Bills big return to Cincinnati didn't go as well as they had hoped. Their defense allowed 24 points, got just 1 sack and forced zero turnovers as the Bengals gave them the business on Sunday Night Football. A visit from the Broncos in Week 10 could be just what they need to get their morale (and fantasy numbers) back up.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cowboys, Seahawks, Commanders
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