Week 14 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
The 49ers might've come out on top in Sunday's thrilling shootout at the Superdome, but Brees ended up outdueling Jimmy Garoppolo in fantasy. Brees cashed in on the many golden opportunities he was given to make big plays, throwing for 349 YDS and 5 TD while also punching in a 1 YD TD run on the day. He's in an excellent position to light it up again this week against a vulnerable Colts defense that just allowed Jameis Winston to throw for 456 YDS and 3 TD's.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Deshaun Watson (Texans)

LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
While he did just enough to win the game (195 YDS/1 TD/16 Rushing YDS/FUM Lost), he severely letdown his fantasy owners that were relying on him to take full advantage of a soft matchup with the Redskins in the opening week of the playoffs. Rodgers will look to return to glory in Week 15 against a Bears defense that he's slaughtered many, many times in the past.
Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Seahawks), Tom Brady (Patriots), Baker Mayfield (Browns)

Running Back

MVP: Austin Ekeler (Chargers) 

After a few quiet-ish games in a row, Ekeler returned with a vengeance on Sunday. He absolutely demolished a Jaguars defense that has given up on playing hard, registering 213 scrimmage YDS (101 rushing, 112 receiving) and a TD grab on only 12 touches. Ekeler has remained terrific in the wake of Melvin Gordon's return and will be an RB2 for their Week 15 home showdown with a Vikings defense that has struggled to defend the pass all season long. 

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Joe Mixon (Bengals), Derrick Henry (Titans)

LVP: Alvin Kamara (Saints)

Kamara just can't seem to right the ship for more than a week or two at a time. His performance against the 49ers ended up being one of, if not the absolute worst of the season as he picked up only 43 scrimmage YDS (25 rushing, 18 receiving) and lost a key fumble on 17 touches. Considering his top 3 draft status and very middling output (1,074 scrimmage YDS, 2 TD's in 11 games), Kamara is a strong contender for 2019's top fantasy bust.

Dishonorable Mentions: Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Sony Michel (Patriots), Benny Snell (Steelers)

Wide Receiver

MVP: Emmanuel Sanders (49ers)

What an afternoon for 2019's best offensive midseason acquisition. Sanders' monster day against the Saints included 7 REC for 157 YDS and a TD and a 35 YD TD throw to Raheem Mostert on a beautifully-executed trick play. Even in a prime matchup against the Falcons, Sanders is likely to come back down to Earth a bit in Week 15.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Robert Woods (Rams)

LVP: John Brown (Bills)

After Cole Beasley teared up the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, Brown failed to make it back-to-back successful revenge games for the Bills top wideouts. Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphery and Brandon Carr kept the explosive playmaking threat contained all game long as he hauled in just 3 catches for 26 YDS. Brown has struggled a bit over the past few games, failing to reach 40 YDS in 3 straight games after clearing 50 in each of the previous 9. He'll be a shaky WR3 play against a tough Steelers secondary this Sunday.

Dishonorable Mentions: Davante Adams (Packers), Jamison Crowder (Jets), Courtland Sutton (Broncos)

Tight End

MVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)

With all of their receivers in the morgue and facing an inexplicable 17-3 deficit at home against a Giants squad that hasn't won since September 29th, Carson Wentz fed Ertz like crazy in a not exactly triumphant comeback win for the Eagles last night. The star tight end hauled in both the game-tying and game-winning scores to cap off a 9 REC/91 YDS performance. Fire up Ertz as a TE1 for another good matchup with the Redskins in Week 15. 

Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook (Saints), Noah Fant (Broncos), George Kittle (49ers)

LVP: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)

Rudolph's recent resurgence as a viable receiving threat took a hit this week. He received only 2 dump-off targets, which he hauled in for a whopping 11 YDS against a Lions secondary that is just about completely decimated at the moment. With the status of Adam Thielen's hamstring continuing to look bleak, Rudolph could conceivably continue to operate as the #3 passing game option behind Stefon Diggs and Dalvin Cook the rest of the way. 

Dishonorable Mentions: David Njoku (Browns), Jack Doyle (Colts), Austin Hooper (Falcons)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Steelers

There was no drought in the desert for the Steelers defense. The Cardinals allowed 5 sacks, 3 INT's and a kickoff return TD in a 23-17 victory for a Steelers squad that continues to scratch and claw their way to wins. The Bills will be a plus matchup for this takeaway/sack-happy group in Week 15.  

Honorable Mentions: Rams, Vikings, Browns

LVP: Texans

Anybody who thought this banged-up Texans group had turned a corner after shutting down the Patriots before garbage time in Week 13 got burned big time this week. Outside of a single sack and INT, it was nothing but a house of horrors for Romeo Crennel and co. as their poor play (32 points allowed!!!!) was a big reason why the Drew Lock-led Broncos were able to easily pull off the shocking upset. Steer clear of these soft clowns when they travel to Nashville to take on the redhot Titans on Sunday.

Dishonorable Mentions: Eagles, Jets, Bears 

Week 13 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
There are few better remedies for busting out of a slump than a date with the Giants. Rodgers shook off the stink of his ghastly Week 12 primetime dud against the 49ers with a 243/4 TD/0 turnover performance against the dreadful defense of the G-Men. He'll look to beat up on another poor NFC East team this week when he squares off against the Redskins.  
Honorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Carson Wentz (Eagles), Tom Brady (Patriots)

LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Brees wasn't asked to do much (184 YDS/1 TD/0 turnovers) as the sloppiness of the Falcons allowed the Saints to win comfortably on Thanksgiving night, which resulted in his fantasy owners feeling disappointed by his output in a matchup against this terrible D for the 2nd time in the past month. Brees, who has been terrific in non-Falcons matchups since returning from a thumb injury in Week 8,  will be a low-end QB1 this week when the 10-2 49ers come to the Superdome.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Sam Darnold (Jets)

Running Back
MVP: James White (Patriots)
As ugly as the Patriots performance was in Houston on Sunday night, their fans (as well as his fantasy owners) have to be thrilled that they finally managed to get White heavily involved in the offense after 10 games of largely mediocre-to-bad production. White was arguably the best player on the field for the Pats in this shocking road loss, managing 177 scrimmage YDS (79 rushing, 98 receiving) and a pair of TD catches on 22 touches. Considering the ineffectiveness of Sony Michel and lack of options Tom Brady trusts in the passing game, White could very well be in line for a workload like this every week moving forward.
Honorable Mentions: Derrius Guice (Redskins), Rashaad Penny (Seahawks), Derrick Henry (Titans)

LVP: Aaron Jones (Packers)
Oh the plight of Jones...… The comically erratic Packers back somehow managed to get stifled by the horrid Giants defense, mustering an embarrassing 31 scrimmage YDS (18 rushing, 13 receiving) on 15 touches. Knowing how Jones operates, he'll probably go off against the Redskins sneaky solid run D this week.
Dishonorable Mentions: Le'Veon Bell (Jets), Jonathan Williams (Colts), Mark Ingram (Ravens)

Wide Receiver 
MVP: DeVante Parker (Dolphins)
There's a new explosive playmaking receiver in town and his name is... DeVante Parker?!?!?! The previously injury-prone, largely ineffective Louisville product continued his strong 2019 by annihilating an Eagles secondary (7 REC/159 YDS/2 TD) that wasn't ready to play in the South Florida heat. Parker has been the clear MVP of late on this largely stagnant offense and should remain on the WR2/WR3 borderline for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Kenny Golladay (Lions), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers)

LVP: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
It's evident that the bone bruise that knocked Lockett out of the 49ers game a couple of weeks back is still hurting him. Lockett looked tremendously uncomfortable once again last night and it resulted in him failing to register a catch against a very beatable Vikings secondary. He'll be a hard guy to trust as long as he continues to play at less than 100%.
Dishonorable Mentions: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Christian Kirk (Cardinals), Jamison Crowder (Jets)

Tight End
MVP: Jack Doyle (Colts)
Apparently Eric Ebron being placed on IR was all Doyle needed to flourish. The veteran secured 6 catches for 73 YDS and a TD in a painful loss to the surging Titans on Sunday afternoon. Feel free to fire up Doyle as a starter in Week 14 when the Colts host the Buccaneers and their bottom-ranked pass defense.
Honorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Mark Andrews (Ravens)

LVP: Hunter Henry (Chargers)
Henry's hot streak since returning from injury in Week 6 has finally come to a close. He was pretty much invisible for 4 quarters against the Broncos, finishing the game with only 2 catches for 10 YDS. This weekly high-end TE1 option will look to get back on track against a Jaguars defense that is playing as bad as any group in the league right now.
Dishonorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Jonnu Smith (Titans), Zach Ertz (Eagles)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Titans 
There wasn't much the Titans defense didn't do against the Colts on Sunday. They truly stuffed the stat sheet with a 3 sack/2 INT/2 BLK Kick/FUM REC/TD performance. The Titans have been a sneaky solid fantasy play for most of the season, but after this week's showdown with the rapidly imploding Raiders, they won't be a great option for the rest of the fantasy playoffs (their week 15 and 16 opponents are the Texans and Saints).
Honorable Mentions: Rams, Saints, Steelers

LVP: Eagles
The poor souls that trusted the Eagles defense got burned in a big way once again this week. Despite registering 3 sacks and an early INT on Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins offense hung 37 points on Jim Schwartz's previously vaunted unit. This group can not be counted on to deliver in any matchup, but I'm sure plenty of people will trot them out again when they go against the Giants generous offense next Monday.
Dishonorable Mentions: Jets, Chargers, Browns

Week 10 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Jackson's MVP campaign received another huge boost this weekend as he absolutely eviscerated the Bengals sad defense for 223 YDS and 3 TD's through the air and another 65 YDS and a TD on the ground. A potentially incredible young QB duel with fellow MVP candidate Deshaun Watson is up next for the Ravens electric playmaker.
Honorable Mentions: Daniel Jones (Giants), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

LVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Brees put together an inexplicably pedestrian game (287 YDS/0 TD/0 turnovers) against the Falcons dumpster fire of a defense as the Saints somehow managed to get smoked at home to a team that hadn't won since Week 2. He'll look to redeem himself this Sunday against a similarly terrible Bucs pass D.
Dishonorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jared Goff (Rams), Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)

Running Back
MVP: Derrick Henry (Titans)
By bullying the Chiefs soft run D for 188 YDS and 2 TD's on 23 carries, Mr. Henry played a key part in allowing the Titans to pull off a huge upset win. Henry has managed to be a top 5 fantasy running back despite his general lack of contributions in the passing game, which is a truly remarkable feat in the modern NFL where throwback bellcows typically only serve as respectable RB2 options at best. He'll look to finish strong against a pretty tough slate (Saints, Jaguars, Texans, Raiders, Colts) once the Titans return from bye in Week 12.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Dalvin Cook (Vikings), Christian McCaffery (Panthers)

LVP: Saquon Barkley (Giants)
Pat Shurmur confirmed the obvious postgame: Barkley was playing hurt against the Jets on Sunday. The sophomore back looked stiff and slow all afternoon as he racked up a paltry 31 YDS (1 rushing, 30 receiving) on 18 touches. With the Giants season all but officially over as they enter their Week 11 bye at 2-8, there's a distinct possibility that they end up shutting him down for the year.
Dishonorable Mentions: David Johnson (Cardinals), Devin Singletary (Bills), Jaylen Samuels (Steelers) 

Wide Receiver 
MVP: Christian Kirk (Cardinals)
Leave it to the Buccaneers secondary to remind fantasy players of Kirk's ridiculous potential. The Texas A&M speedster was making huge plays all over Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, registering 138 YDS and 3 TD's on just 6 receptions. He'll likely come back down to earth when the Cardinals square off against the 49ers tough secondary for the 2nd time in 3 weeks, but he'll be an intriguing WR3/FLEX play during the stretch run.  
Honorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Amari Cooper (Cowboys), Golden Tate (Giants)

LVP: Cooper Kupp (Rams)
Kupp was due to stumble at some point after such an unbelievable 1st half of the season. However, putting up a donut in a game where Brandin Cooks was inactive is a true shock. While I'm still legitimately baffled by how the hell this happened, I think Kupp will mimic Mike Evans and make up for this unexpected disappearing act with a fireworks show against the Bears this Sunday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Tyrell Williams (Raiders), Robby Anderson (Jets)

Tight End
MVP: Mark Andrews (Ravens)
There are few better "get right" spots as a skill position player than a matchup with the Bengals and Andrews took advantage of that golden opportunity to bust his mini-slump by hanging 53 YDS and 2 TD's on the league's last remaining winless team. Andrews has another plus matchup against the Texans below average passing defense in Week 11.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)

LVP: Vance McDonald (Steelers)
Despite Mason Rudolph putting together a respectable performance against a tough Rams defense, McDonald struggled to contribute-managing just 3 receptions for 11 YDS and 1 carry for 2 YDS on the day. McDonald will remain a volatile play with a game manager like Rudolph under center, but his decent weekly ceiling makes him worth rostering, if not starting in deeper leagues.  
Dishonorable Mentions: Jason Witten (Cowboys), Mike Gesicki (Dolphins), Jonnu Smith (Titans)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Steelers
The hype the Patriots and 49ers defenses have generated has unfairly forced the Steelers dominance to fly under the radar. Their latest excellent performance, which helped them earn their 4th straight victory and move into the #6 seed in the AFC, against the Rams (4 points allowed, 4 sacks, 3 INT, FUM REC, TD) might've been their most impressive performance to date as they made life miserable for Jared Goff and co. on just about every snap. They have another appetizing matchup against the Browns turnover-prone offense in Week 11.
Honorable Mentions: Ravens, Rams, 49ers

LVP: Saints
Very little of the strong, explosive play that had defined the Saints D since Week 3 was on display last Sunday as they racked up just 1 sack and an INT in a 26-9 loss against the Falcons. While they're not likely to post back-to-back duds, I'm a lot leerier about their chances of crushing the Bucs than I'd normally be.
Dishonorable Mentions: Browns, Giants, Bills  

Week 9 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Russell Wilson (Seahawks) 
The current MVP favorite kept rolling in Week 9. Wilson went deep into his bag of tricks (378 passing YDS/5 TD/21 rushing YDS/1 2-PT CNV) to help the Seahawks secure an ugly, but ultimately well-earned OT victory over the Buccaneers. Russ will face arguably his stiffest test of 2019 so far when the Seahawks travel down to Santa Clara to take on the undefeated 49ers next Monday night.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Matthew Stafford (Lions)

LVP: Gardner Minshew (Jaguars) 
The rookie QB put together the messiest performance of his young career to-date, scoring 0 TD's and turning the ball over 4 times (2 INT's, 2 lost fumbles) while mustering 343 hollow YDS (309 passing, 34 rushing) in a horrible division loss against the Texans. Minshew Mania has been put on hold for the time being, as Doug Marrone announced today that Nick Foles will be under center when they take the field again in Week 11 against the Colts. Regardless of whether or not he plays again in 2019, Minshew showed enough grit and raw playmaking ability during his 8 starts to prove he deserves a shot to become a full-time starter in this league.
Dishonorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Tom Brady (Patriots), Phillip Rivers (Chargers)

Running Back
MVP: Christian McCaffery (Panthers) 
McCaffery was awfully generous to fantasy owners yet again in Week 9. The stud back registered 166 scrimmage YDS (146 rushing, 20 receiving) and 3 TD's (2 rushing, 1 receiving) on 27 touches in a victory over the Titans. We're in the process of witnessing a special season (1,244 scrimmage YDS and 13 TD's in 8 games) and hopefully the football gods will be able to keep him healthy down the stretch so he can get the chance to chase history.
Honorable Mentions: Kenyan Drake (Cardinals), Josh Jacobs (Raiders), Melvin Gordon (Chargrs)

LVP: Aaron Jones (Packers) 
The Jones roller coaster hits its first bump in the road in a while on Sunday afternoon against the Chargers. To be fair, this was more of a game script issue than a reflection of Jones' play as the Chargers went up big on the Packers before halftime and never looked back-which limited Jones to just 9 touches for 29 YDS (30 rushing, -1 receiving). He'll look to get back on track against a Panthers defense that has surrendered the 5th most fantasy points to running backs in standard leagues this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Sony Michel (Patriots), Tevin Coleman (49ers), Ty Johnson (Lions)

Wide Receiver 
MVP: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
Both Lockett and rookie DK Metcalf were able to feast on the Buccaneers terrible pass defense in this Week 9 shootout, but the veteran ended up having the better afternoon-reeling in a ridiculous 13 catches for 152 YDS and 2 TD's. Thanks to his precise route-running, top-flight speed and terrific chemistry with Russell Wilson, Lockett has seamlessly transitioned to the top wideout role vacated by the retired Doug Baldwin. He should be viewed as a borderline WR1 the rest of the way.    
Honorable Mentions: Mike Evans (Buccaneers), DK Metcalf (Seahawks), Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)

LVP: Allen Robinson (Bears)
Playing in the worst offense in the NFL has finally caught up with Robinson as he mustered just 1 reception for 6 YDS against the Eagles porous secondary. While he's certainly volatile given how bad the Bears quarterback play has been, he's done a masterful job of making the most out of the flurry of hospital balls he receives from Mitch Trubisky on a weekly basis (producing 47 REC/532 YDS/3 TD through 8 games in a passing attack this limp should put him in the MVP conversation)-which is enough to make him a solid WR3 option most weeks.
Dishonorable Mentions: JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers), Stefon Diggs (Vikings), D.J. Chark (Jaguars)

Tight End
MVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)
Welcome back to the land of the productive Mr. Ertz!!!! The Eagles veteran tight end reminded fantasy owners of the dominance he's capable of by posting 103 YD and a TD on 9 receptions against the Bears last Sunday, which marked his 1st 100+ YD performance of 2019 and 1st trip to the endzone since Week 2. Ertz will likely struggle to replicate this explosion against the Patriots tough secondary in Week 11.
Honorable Mentions: George Kittle (49ers), Vance McDonald (Steelers), Hunter Henry (Chargers)

LVP: Eric Ebron (Colts) 
T.Y. Hilton's absence didn't help Ebron in the slightest. The famously erratic tight end all but completely disappeared against the Steelers, finishing the contest with only 2 catches for 16 YDS. He'll be a boom-or-bust play regardless of whose under center on Sunday afternoon when the Colts take on the Dolphins.
Dishonorable Mentions: Mark Andrews (Ravens), Jimmy Graham (Packers), Jonnu Smith (Titans)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Steelers 
The Steelers D were able to take advantage of the chaos that ensued following the injury to Jacoby Brissett as well as Brian Hoyer's general crappiness, picking up 5 sacks, an INT, 2 FUM REC, a blocked field goal and a TD in a 26-24 win over the Colts. While they're susceptible to allowing points, the Steelers strong pass rush and takeaway ability has made them a top 5 fantasy defense over the past month.
Honorable Mentions: Texans, Cowboys, Ravens

LVP: 49ers
The short week had a noticeable effect on the 49ers defense. They allowed chunk plays all game long, failed to create any takeaways and only got to Kyler Murray 3 times in a surprisingly close 28-25 game against the Cardinals last Thursday. This group will face another difficult test against the Seahawks on Monday night.
Dishonorable Mentions: Patriots, Bears, Jaguars  

Week 8 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback

MVP: Deshaun Watson (Texans)
As expected, the Raiders horrific secondary had no answers for Watson. The rising star signalcaller threw for 279 YDS and 3 TD's while adding another 46 YDS on the ground in an ugly, but hard-fought comeback victory. Watson will look to make it 3 fantasy MVP performances in 4 weeks when the Texans travel to London to take on the Jaguars this Sunday.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Drew Brees (Saints), Matthew Stafford (Lions)

LVP: Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
Cousins didn't really take advantage of his opportunity to stick it to the Redskins. He put together a clean, but very pedestrian game (285 YDS, 0 TD's, 0 giveaways) in his 1st showdown with the team that repeatedly refused to commit to him as their long-term franchise QB as the Vikings cruised to a 20-9 victory last Thursday night. The $84 million man will look to return to the level of the dominance he displayed earlier in October when the Norseman travel to Arrowhead Stadium for a showdown with the Chiefs banged-up secondary.

Dishonorable Mentions: Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Jacoby Brissett (Colts), Phillip Rivers (Chargers)

Running Back

MVP: Tevin Coleman (49ers)
What a comically dominant performance this was. It only took Coleman 13 touches to gain 118 YDS and score 4 TD's in a blowout win over the Panthers. Coleman has been a scoring machine (6 total TD's) since returning from an ankle injury at the beginning of the month and should be a high-end RB2 for a Week 9 matchup with the Cardinals.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Latavius Murray (Saints), Christian McCaffery (Panthers)

LVP: Le'Veon Bell (Jets)
Despite facing a much more favorable matchup, Bell was every bit as ineffective this week as he was last week against the Patriots vaunted D. The Jaguars stuffed Bell every single time he touched the ball on Sunday afternoon, which resulted in him finishing the game with a depressing 35 YDS (23 rushing, 12 receiving) on 12 touches. Horrible offensive line play, game script issues and Adam Gase's questionable at best playcalling have prevented Bell from having success during his inaugural campaign with the Jets. However, there's legitimate potential for things to get rosier as they are about to enter a very favorable portion of the schedule that includes dates with the Redskins, Bengals and Dolphins (2x).

Dishonorable Mentions: Ty Johnson (Lions), LeSean McCoy (Chiefs), Derrick Henry (Titans)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
After a quiet couple of weeks by his standards, Evans was due for one of his patented inhuman explosions. He absolutely ruined a damn good Titans secondary, who did a great job containing Chris Godwin, amassing 198 YDS and 2 TD's on 11 catches. A matchup with a very burnable Seahawks secondary is up next for the freakishly gifted 6th year pro.  

Honorable Mentions: Cooper Kupp (Rams), Kenny Golladay (Lions), Julian Edelman (Patriots)

LVP: Corey Davis (Titans)
In a development that shouldn't shock anybody whose familiar with him, Davis followed up a terrific outing with a porous one. The Titans de facto #1 wideout was largely invisible against the Bucs wretched secondary, securing just 2 catches for 9 YDS. Unless you're absolutely desperate for a FLEX/WR3 play, Davis shouldn't be in your lineups this week against the Panthers.

Dishonorable Mentions: Marvin Jones Jr. (Lions), Kenny Stills (Texans), D.J. Moore (Panthers)

Tight End

MVP: Austin Hooper (Falcons)
It's kind of hilarious that Hooper is putting together a career year while a complete meltdown is happening around him. The 4th year tight end was once again a bright spot for the reeling 1-7 Falcons as they got their teeth kicked in by the Seahawks-securing 6 catches for 65 YDS and a TD. Hooper has been the top fantasy tight end through 8 weeks by a pretty wide margin and he appears set to remain an elite option when the Falcons return to action in Week 10 against the Saints.

Honorable Mentions: Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Evan Engram (Giants), George Kittle (49ers)

LVP: Zach Ertz (Eagles)
Where art thou Zach Ertz? The star tight end was a non-factor yet again, only managing 20 YDS on 2 catches versus a feisty Bills defense last Sunday. With a healthy Carson Wentz under center and a ton of injuries at WR, Ertz has been an inexplicable flop in 2019. He'll be a low-end TE1 against the Bears in Week 9. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Gerald Everett (Rams), Greg Olsen (Panthers), Jimmy Graham (Packers)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Patriots
Freddie Kitchens, Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb were the latest group of helpless souls that got to feel the wrath of the Patriots defense as their bumbling offense surrendered 5 sacks, 3 takeaways (2 FUM REC, 1 INT) and a TD to the league's scariest unit. Greg Roman and John Harbaugh are going to have to get really creative for Lamar Jackson to not get eaten alive by this group in primetime this Sunday night. 

Honorable Mentions: 49ers, Jaguars, Steelers

LVP: Bears
In an excellent all-around week for fantasy defenses, the Bears merely passable performance (17 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 INT) against the Chargers is the one that let down the highest volume of owners. Chuck Pagano's group will look to rebound against a decent-to-good Eagles offense in Week 9. 

Dishonorable Mentions: Bills, Panthers, Packers

Week 4 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers) 
While the notoriously erratic signalcaller was due for an explosion after a so-so start to 2019, I don't think too many people expected a contest against the defending NFC champs to be the game where Winston finally went off. Outside of a late pick 6 to Marcus Peters, Winston was terrific against the Rams-throwing for 385 YDS and 4 TD in an impressive road win for the Bucs. Ol' Crab Legs will likely come back to earth in Week 5 when he goes against a Saints defense that has been sensational in non-garbage time situations over the past 2 weeks.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jared Goff (Rams)

LVP: Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
For the 1st time under new OC Kellen Moore, Prescott appeared mortal. The Saints took away the deep passing lanes and forced Prescott to revert to the checkdown-heavy attack that had defined this offense under former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, which generated predictably lackluster results (223 YDS/0 TD/1 INT). Prescott could make it back-to-back duds this week when he goes up against a tough Packers secondary that's held all 4 quarterbacks they've played so far to 230 YDS or less.
Dishonorable Mentions: Deshaun Watson (Texans), Tom Brady (Patriots), Russell Wilson (Seahawks)

Running Back
MVP: Nick Chubb (Browns) 
The Browns offense finally turned a corner against the Ravens this week and Chubb deserves a lot of the credit for their long-awaited breakthrough. Chubb's monster performance (183 scrimmage YDS, 3 rushing TDS on 23 touches) made this group much more balanced and allowed 2nd year quarterback Baker Mayfield to play with a level of ease that he hadn't displayed in the prior 3 games. If Chubb can keep this level of play up, he'll ascend to the weekly RB1 ranks very quickly.
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Howard (Eagles), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Austin Ekeler (Chargers)

LVP: Marlon Mack (Colts)
A combination of game script and merely average production on the carries he did receive (11 for 39 YDS) made Mack a non-factor during an unexpected blowout home loss against the Raiders. Mack will look to break the up-and-down cycle he's been stuck in all season this week against a Chiefs D that currently ranks 31st against the run.
Dishonorable Mentions: Adrian Peterson (Redskins), Philip Lindsay (Broncos), Joe Mixon (Bengals)

Wide Receiver 
MVP: Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) 
The hip ailment that kept Godwin out of practice for most of last week clearly wasn't too serious. He ended up serving as the catalyst for the Bucs staggering offensive performance against a previously vaunted Rams defense, registering a mammoth 12 receptions for 172 YDS and 2 TD's. Godwin will look to keep rolling against a talented, but beatable Saints secondary on Sunday afternoon.
Honorable Mentions: Kenny Golladay (Lions), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Davante Adams (Packers)

LVP: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns)
On a day where the Browns offense came alive, OBJ was left out of the fun. Beckham Jr., who reeled in just 2 catches for 20 yards, was pretty much completely shutdown by the Ravens top corner Marlon Humphery while teammates Jarvis Landry (8 REC/167 YDS) and Ricky Seals-Jones (3 REC/82 YDS/1 TD) put together career-best performances. The chemistry with Baker Mayfield hasn't really been there so far, but OBJ remains too dynamic to not be considered a top 5-10 fantasy WR moving forward.
Dishonorable Mentions: Adam Thielen (Vikings), JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers), Tyler Boyd (Bengals)

Tight End
MVP: Austin Hooper (Falcons)
Hooper easily led the way in receiving (9 REC/130 YDS) on a mostly miserable afternoon for the reeling Falcons against the Titans. A Texans D that has done a terrific job slowing down TE's thus far (2nd least fantasy points allowed) awaits Hooper next.
Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Graham (Packers), Will Dissly (Seahawks), Eric Ebron (Colts)

LVP: Greg Olsen (Panthers)
Olsen fell back to earth in a major way against the Texans after back-to-back dominant performances. The veteran tight end mustered just 2 catches for 5 YDS on a day where Kyle Allen was in sync with no one outside of Christian McCaffery. He'll remain a TE1 option for a Week 5 showdown with the potentially Jalen Ramsey-less Jaguars.
Dishonorable Mentions: Delanie Walker (Titans), Vernon Davis (Redskins), O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Patriots 
After a week away, the Patriots have returned to their MVP throne in Week 4. Comically sloppy QB play, a key blocked punt/return TD and just good old fashioned aggressiveness helped the Pats D put together another sensational showing (5 sacks/4 INT) that powered them to a 16-10 victory in a tight defensive struggle against the Bills. While they've certainly benefited from kicking off the season playing 4 of the league's most inept offenses, the Patriots defense is a tough, deep group with no serious weaknesses that has an excellent chance of being the top fantasy defense all season long.
Honorable Mentions: Steelers, Bears, Seahawks

LVP: Ravens
Something is wrong with the Ravens defense right now. A week after allowing 33 points to the Chiefs, they managed to be even worse against the Browns-giving up 40 points while doing next to nothing (1 sack, 1 INT) to offset the damage done by their inability to keep Freddie Kitchens' crew from scoring. They'll look to put this cold streak behind them when they square off against the ultraconservative Mason Rudolph-led Steelers in Week 5.
Dishonorable Mentions: Packers, Jaguars, Vikings 

Week 2 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2019 Edition

Quarterback
MVP: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) 
This Patrick Mahomes fella is pretty good. The reigning MVP celebrated his final visit to Oakland by carving up the Raiders for 443 YDS and 4 TD's in a pretty easy 28-10 win on Sunday afternoon. Mahomes will likely face a much stiffer test this week when the Chiefs return home to face a Ravens defense that has only surrendered 1 passing TD so far this season.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Tom Brady (Patriots) 

LVP: Deshaun Watson (Texans) 
The electricity Watson displayed in New Orleans last Monday didn't make it on the plane back to Houston. Even with star corner A.J. Bouye sidelined, the Jags pass D did an excellent job containing Watson-as he finished the day with just 159 YDS and 0 TD's through the air. A 2 yard rushing TD in the 4th quarter was the only real highlight of the afternoon for the 3rd-year QB who was once again let down by porous offensive line play. A road showdown with the Chargers, who are in the middle of the pack in points allowed to quarterbacks, awaits Watson in Week 3.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cam Newton (Panthers), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jameis Winston (Buccaneers) 

Running Back
MVP: Dalvin Cook (Vikings)
Mike Zimmer's reported desire to commit to the running game wasn't a joke. Despite going down 14-0 early against the Packers, the Vikings continued to feed Cook and he did everything he could to get them back in the game-registering 191 scrimmage YDS (154 rushing, 37 receiving) and a rushing TD on 23 touches. Cook will look to keep his staggering hot start going against a stouter than anticipated Raiders run D on Sunday.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (Packers), Saquon Barkley (Giants), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)

LVP: Christian McCaffery (Panthers)
In a prime matchup against the Buccaneers, McCaffery ended up being an afterthought in the passing game (2 REC/16 YDS) and mustered next to nothing on the ground (37 YDS) despite getting close to his usual number of carries (16). If Cam Newton ends up missing Week 3 after reportedly reaggravating his foot injury in practice, his workload (and subsequent odds of putting together a bounceback) could be even higher when the Panthers square off against a vulnerable Cardinals defense.
Dishonorable Mentions: Alvin Kamara (Saints), Damien Williams (Chiefs), Joe Mixon (Bengals)

Wide Receiver 
MVP: Julio Jones (Falcons)
In an ugly primetime showdown full of bad QB decisionmaking, inexcusable drops and more injures than the Running of the Bulls, Jones brought a welcome sense of competence to this gridiron dumpster fire. The Falcons star wideout made the most out of his modest reception total (5), picking up 106 YDS and 2 TD's including a beautiful 54 YD catch-and-run that clinched the win over the Eagles. Matt Ryan hasn't been particularly sharp to open the year and their schedule is looking pretty brutal at the moment, but Jones should remain a no doubt WR1 as long as he's healthy.
Honorable Mentions: Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers), Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos)

LVP: Josh Gordon (Patriots)
Believe it or not, there was a member of the Patriots that didn't dominate in South Beach last weekend. Gordon mustered just 2 receptions for 19 YDS against the lowly Dolphins D on a day where the passing game ran through Julian Edelman and Antonio Brown. He'll look to get back on track against a Jets secondary that just got torched by Odell Beckham Jr.
Dishonorable Mentions: Robert Woods (Rams), Deandre Hopkins (Texans), Dede Westbrook (Jaguars)

Tight End
MVP: Mark Andrews (Ravens)
Lamar Jackson's favorite target had himself another great game in Week 2. The sophomore tight end led the Ravens in receiving-picking up 112 YDS and a TD on 8 receptions-in a nice victory over the Cardinals. Andrews has lived up to the preseason hype thus far and should be locked in as a weekly TE1.
Honorable Mentions: Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Vance McDonald (Steelers), Greg Olsen (Panthers)

LVP: O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
What the hell is wrong with O.J. Howard? He was regularly out of position, getting silly penalties  and worst of all, didn't even manage a TARGET in last Thursday's showdown with the Panthers. There's too much upside to give up on him after just 2 weeks, but he's going to have to make some dramatic strides in the next couple weeks in order to remain rosterable, let alone a starting option for the rest of 2019.
Dishonorable Mentions: T.J. Hockenson (Lions), Jared Cook (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Packers)

Defense/Special Teams
MVP: Patriots 
It really is shocking how much destruction can occur when a juggernaut faces off against some hapless amateurs. The Patriots defense downright embarrassed the Dolphins JV team, picking up 7 sacks, 4 INT's, 2 TD's and holding them to a shutout on Sunday. A Week 3 showdown with the Luke Falk-led Jets makes another finish atop the fantasy leaderboards seem very likely.
Honorable Mentions: Browns, Texans, Chiefs

LVP: Broncos
Despite only allowing 16 points, the Broncos mustered 0 sacks or takeaways in a home game against the Bears anemic offense. Vic Fangio's presence has not provided the expected boost to this group and they might be worth considering dropping after back-to-back below average performances to start the season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Cowboys, Ravens, Seahawks