Quarterback
MVP: Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
During the Eagles 10-game winning streak, no quarterback had really been able to crack their top-ranked defense. That changed on Sunday with Daniels (258 YDS, 5 TD's, 9 CAR, 81 YDS) and surprise surprise, the Eagles win streak has now come to an end. While the rookie made some costly mistakes (namely a pair of horrendous picks) and had periods where he wasn't sharp as a passer, he stepped up when his team needed him most and was the main reason the Commanders were able to pull off such a crazy comeback on a day where their offense turned the ball over 5 times. Daniels will square off against the Falcons pretty shaky defense in Week 17.
Honorable Mentions: Jared Goff (Lions, Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Baker Mayfield (Buccanners)
LVP: Josh Allen (Bills)
What a gut punch for Allen owners after the magic of the past 2 weeks. The presumptive MVP wasn't even close to elite form for all 4 quarters against the lowly Patriots, throwing for 154 YDS, a TD and an INT while adding just 30 YDS on the ground. He'll face the Jets in this week's fantasy finale.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jordan Love (Packers), Matthew Stafford (Rams), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
Running Back
MVP: Jonathan Taylor (Colts)
Was this a classic case of a dominant performance coming too late in the season? No question. Did Taylor's fantasy owners-who've spent all year cursing him out for his underperformance after selecting him in the 1st or 2nd round-still really appreciate his monster effort (29 carries for 218 YDS and 3 TD's) against the Titans even if it was long overdue? Of course. The Colts bellcow back will look to become MVP of the consolation bracket on Sunday when he takes on the completely checked-out Giants.
Honorable Mentions: Chuba Hubbard (Panthers), Saquon Barkley (Eagles), De'Von Achane (Dolphins)
LVP: Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders)
While Daniels was basking in glory on Sunday, Robinson Jr. was on the verge of having to enter witness protection. The Commanders starting back lost his first 2 fumbles of the year and saw his playing time reduced considerably as a result, finishing the day with 41 YDS on 12 touches (10 carries, 2 receptions). Unless there's residual effects from this dismal performance, Robinson Jr. should return to being a solid RB2/FLEX play for their Week 17 contest with the Falcons.
Dishonorable Mentions: Najee Harris (Steelers), Travis Etienne (Jaguars), Tony Pollard (Titans)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
Jefferson's December tear continued with his finest performance of the season (10/144/2) in a big road victory over the Seahawks. He'll look to close out the month strong against a tough Packers secondary on Sunday.
Honorable Mentions: Keenan Allen (Bears), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), Jameson Williams (Lions)
LVP: Jerry Jeudy (Browns)
Benching Jameis Winston immediately took the wind out of Jeudy's sails as he caught just 2 balls for 20 YDS against a Bengals defense that has been getting straight-up gashed by their opponent's top wideout over the past month or so. Kevin Stefanski has yet to name a starter for this week's game with the Dolphins but if it ends up being Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Bailey Zappe, benching Jeudy is something that his owners should seriously consider.
Dishonorable Mentions: Khalil Shakir (Bills), Amari Cooper (Bills), Cooper Kupp (Rams)
Tight End
MVP: Brock Bowers (Raiders)
Bowers shrugged off his quiet last couple of games in a big way as he returned to his normal role of being the focal point of the Raiders low wattage offense by catching 11 balls for 99 YDS in their potentially franchise-damaging win over the Jaguars. He'll close out his tremendous inaugural fantasy campaign against a Saints defense that has been pretty tough against tight ends this season.
Honorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Dalton Schultz (Texans), Sam LaPorta (Lions)
LVP: Trey McBride (Cardinals)
A contest with the Panthers-who have the worst defense in football and have gotten killed by TE's all season long-felt like the perfect spot for McBride to notch his 1st TD of the season. Not only was he held out of the endzone for the 15th straight game, but he also tied his lowest reception total (3) and set a new low for receiving YDS (20) on the season. McBride will look to finally end his increasingly absurd TD drought against the Rams on Saturday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Dalton Kincaid (Bills), Pat Freiermuth (Steelers), T.J. Hockenson (Vikings)
Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Falcons
Streaming against the Giants trainwreck offense is a brilliant fantasy strategy and the Falcons gave all of the people that played them this week a major reward by picking up 3 sacks, a fumble recovery and pair of pick 6's in a 34-7 victory. The Colts D/ST will get the honor of facing the Giants this week, so Falcons D/ST owners should send them back to the wire with a hearty thank you for their service ASAP.
Honorable Mentions: Bengals, Packers, Bills
LVP: 49ers
Somewhere in the United States right now, Steve Wilks is letting out a hearty chuckle after watching the 49ers defense get considerably worse after his completely unwarranted firing in February following their loss in the Super Bowl. This performance in Miami was among their worst of the season as they allowed 29 points and managed 0 sacks or takeaways against an offense that is not even close to firing on all cylinders at the moment. Anybody considering starting them against the Lions in Week 17 should promptly be evaluated for a concussion.
Dishonorable Mentions: Steelers, Broncos, Buccaneers
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