Quarterback
MVP: Kyler Murray (Cardinals)
Performances like this remind everybody why the Cardinals retained Murray to lead their rebuilding efforts. The 2019 1st overall pick was electric with both his arm and his legs versus the Rams on Sunday, throwing for 266 YDS and 3 TD's and rushing for 59 on just 5 attempts. Murray will look to keep rolling against a vulnerable Lions pass defense in Week 3.
Honorable Mentions: Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
LVP: Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Even before an ankle injury knocked Cooper Kupp out of the game right before halftime, it was tough sledding for Stafford against the Cardinals. Negative gamescript forced the Rams to lean on the pass as the Cards were up 21-0 16:30 into the game, but Stafford failed to turn those opportunities into points as he threw for 216 scoreless YDS and lost a fumble in what has to be one of the most deflating losses of the Sean McVay-era in LA. Now that both Kupp and Puka Nacua are on IR, it's going to be hard to justify rostering Stafford in any non-2QB league.
Dishonorable Mentions: Caleb Williams (Bears), Josh Allen (Bills), Jared Goff (Lions)
Running Back
MVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)
The Saints longtime back absolutely shredded the Cowboys defense damn near every time he touched the ball in Week 2, picking up 180 scrimmage YDS and 4 TD's on 22 touches (20 carries, 2 receptions). We'll know before too long whether this was a fluke or an early sign that the 29-year-old has made a surprise return to his vintage fantasy monster form.
Honorable Mentions: James Cook (Bills), De'Von Achane (Dolphins), Breece Hall (Jets)
LVP: Rachaad White (Buccaneers)
More horrid run blocking from the Bucs and a groin ailment causing him to rotate in and out of the lineup for most of the game led to White putting up a complete stinker (10 CAR/18 YDS, 1 REC/5 YDS) against the Lions. With his currently ambiguous injury status, White owners should consider picking up Bucky Irving as insurance.
Dishonorable Mentions: Zamir White (Raiders), Zack Moss (Bengals), D'Andre Swift (Bears)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals)
Harrison Jr. was quiet for the final 3 quarters on Sunday versus the Rams. To be fair, he could afford to be since he turned 4 receptions into 130 YDS and 2 TD's in the opening frame. The rookie appears poised to put together a roller coaster of a season, but the highs like this will keep him on the WR1 periphery most weeks.
Honorable Mentions: DK Metcalf (Seahawks), Malik Nabers (Giants), Nico Collins (Texans)
LVP: Amari Cooper (Browns)
A considerably sharper performance from Deshaun Watson didn't do anything to bring Amari Cooper out of the fantasy dumpster. Cooper has 5 catches for 27 YDS through 2 weeks after a dismal 3 REC/11 YD performance against the Jaguars. Anybody who elects to start him for their Week 3 tilt with the Giants will be playing with fire.
Dishonorable Mentions: Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts), Christian Kirk (Jaguars), Tank Dell (Texans)
Tight End
MVP: George Kittle (49ers)
It wasn't a great day at the office for the 49ers as they suffered an upset loss to the Vikings, but at least Kittle got on track after a pretty quiet Week 1-registering 7 catches for 76 YDS and a TD. With Deebo Samuel projected to be out for multiple weeks with a calf strain and Brandon Aiyuk still shaking the rust off after sitting out for most of camp, Kittle could be in line for an increased role in the passing game over the next several games.
Honorable Mentions: Trey McBride (Cardinals), Brock Bowers (Raiders), Mark Andrews (Ravens)
LVP: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Getting tackled on the goal line and a holding penalty that brought back a 41-YD gain prevented this day from going much better for Kelce, but alas, that's not how it worked out. Instead, Kelce put together a real quiet afternoon-catching 1-of-3 targets for 5 YDS and gaining a yard on a backwards pass that was ruled a rushing attempt in Sunday's win over the Bengals. While Kelce will certainly still shine at times, the reality is that the man is about to turn 35 and his days of being a weekly elite TE1 have passed him by.
Dishonorable Mentions: Sam LaPorta (Lions), Dalton Schultz (Texans), Colby Parkinson (Rams)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Bills
A trip to Miami was just what the Bills defense needed to recover from their Week 1 woes. Buffalo picked up 3 INT's (including a pick 6) and 2 sacks in a commanding 31-10 victory over the Dolphins last Thursday night. They'll do battle with the 0-2 Jaguars in Week 3.
Dishonorable Mentions: Texans, Vikings, Steelers
LVP: Cowboys
After a strong showing against the Browns in Week 1, the Cowboys got absolutely torched by the Saints in Week 2. They looked absolutely overwhelmed by the Saints suddenly explosive offense and every positive thing they did do (1 sack, INT, blocked extra point) was in garbage time of their 44-19 loss. A (likely) highly motivated Ravens offense awaits them next.
Dishonorable Mentions: Eagles, Dolphins, Colts
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