Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
While the raw numbers make Jackson's performance against the Rams look far more dominant than it actually was, context doesn't matter in fantasy football and his owners had to be thrilled that he delivered one of his best lines of the year (316 YDS/3 TD's/INT/11 CAR/70 YDS/1 2-PT CNV) in this huge late season spot. Jackson has another tantalizing matchup in Week 15 against a Jaguars secondary that has surrendered 295+ passing YDS in 4 of their last 5 games.
Honorable Mentions: Justin Fields (Bears), Matthew Stafford (Rams), Brock Purdy (49ers)
LVP: Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
It was an ugly all-around performance for the Eagles on Sunday night against the Cowboys and Hurts wasn't immune from their collective failure, tossing a pedestrian 197 YDS and rushing for only 30 while also losing a key redzone fumble early in the game and failing to score a TD for the 1st time all season. The good news for Hurts and co. is that they're playing a Seahawks team this week that has gotten absolutely lit up by the Cowboys and 49ers offense over the past 3 weeks.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Jared Goff (Lions), Jordan Love (Packers)
Running Back
MVP: Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots)
Injuries to Rhamondre Stevenson, Demario Douglas and DeVante Parker forced Elliott to handle the brunt of the Patriots offensive load versus the Steelers last Thursday night and he delivered big time. Zeke put together the kind of dual-threat explosion that we haven't seen a whole lot of from him of late, compiling 29 touches (22 carries, 7 receptions), 140 scrimmage YDS and a TD grab as the Pats pulled off an upset victory that no one in their fanbase expected (or quite frankly, wanted given their desire to tank for draft position during this lost season). Elliott appears set to remain the Patriots top offensive option for this week's contest with the Chiefs, so keep firing him up in your lineups.
Honorable Mentions: Breece Hall (Jets), James Cook (Bills), Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)
LVP: D'Andre Swift (Eagles)
Negative gamescript clipped Swift's wings before he got a chance to fly on Sunday against the Cowboys, which led to a very underwhelming 11 carry/39 YD-performance that likely flipped a lot of outcomes in this week where most starting RB's put up at least solid numbers. Swift will look to return to his reliable RB2 status versus the Seahawks awful run D in Week 15.
Dishonorable Mentions: Najee Harris (Steelers), Jaylen Warren (Steelers), Gus Edwards (Ravens)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Deebo Samuel (49ers)
CMC, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle all had their moments to shine in the 49ers decisive Week 14 victory over the Seahawks, but Samuel ultimately emerged as the top star-hauling in 7 passes for 149 YDS and a score and topping the day off with a 1-YD rushing score. Samuel will look to extend his streak of multi-TD games to 3 against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions: D.J. Moore (Bears), Drake London (Falcons), DeAndre Hopkins (Titans)
LVP: Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
Water found its level this week as Evans didn't find a way to have another monster day amidst Baker Mayfield's struggles, catching just 1-of-6 targets for 8 YDS in a game versus the Falcons that the Bucs were somehow able to win. Evans is in a potentially rough spot in Week 15 as the Bucs have to travel to the frozen hell of Green Bay to take on a Packers squad that has defended the pass pretty well this season, so he might be worth considering benching this week if you have a better WR/RB option to start in his place.
Dishonorable Mentions: Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions), Stefon Diggs (Bills), Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals)
Tight End
MVP: Evan Engram (Jaguars)
Engram was the visibly-hobbled Trevor Lawrence's favorite target by a mile against the Browns this past week as he caught an absurd 11-of-12 targets for 95 YDS and 2 TD's. As long as Lawrence's ankle remains a problem , Engram should be an elite fantasy TE that challenges for this very title every single week.
Honorable Mentions: David Njoku (Browns), Isaiah Likely (Ravens), George Kittle (49ers)
LVP: Sam LaPorta (Lions)
For 2023 at least, the Bears have proven to be the LaPorta killers. The budding star rookie TE managed just 2 catches for 23 YDS and a 4-YD rush against Matt Eberflus' group in a demoralizing blowout road loss for the 9-4 Lions. LaPorta will likely return to his reliable self this week against a Broncos defense that has continued to get torched by TE's even as they've gotten much better on the whole over the past 7 or 8 games.
Dishonorable Mentions: Dalton Kincaid (Bills), Dallas Goedert (Eagles), Pat Friermuth (Steelers)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Saints
Naturally, the Saints D's return to fantasy relevancy after a month-or-so hiatus was made possible by the 1-win Panthers and their painfully inept offense. Carolina surrendered 4 sacks and lost 2 fumbles (1 of which was returned for a TD) as they got smacked around yet again in a 28-6 loss. The Saints D/ST will be an appealing but undeniably risky play when they host the Giants in Week 15.
Honorable Mentions: Browns, Jets, Dolphins
LVP: Steelers
Part of the fun of playing the Steelers defense is never knowing when they're going to shit the bed. A Thursday Night Contest against the Bailey Zappe-led Patriots seemed like one of the least likely spots for it to occur, so of course it did. They picked up a couple of sacks and an INT late to salvage their line a bit, but the damage was already done as they allowed 21 points to a group that had scored just 13 combined in their previous 3 games and only cleared 17 twice all season coming into this meeting. They'll get a chance to restore honor to their name on Saturday against the trick-or-treat Colts offense that is coming off a horrid outing against the Bengals.
Dishonorable Mentions: Packers, Texans, Lions
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