MVP: Tom Brady, quarterback (Patriots)
It's unclear whether or not Tom Brady's 2015 campaign is a vengeance-fueled quest against the NFL for the Deflategate investgation , but there's no denying that he's been playing at an absurdly high level all season long. Brady has strung together one of the best seasons of his storied career (22 TD's, 2 INT's, 68.6 CMP%, 113.5 QBR in 8 starts) at the ripe old age of 38 and appears to be poised to lead the Patriots to their fifth Super Bowl victory in the last 15 seasons.
Offensive Player of the Year: DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver (Texans)
No non-quarterback in the NFL has single-handedly accounted for more of their team's offense than Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Despite facing consistent double and triple coverage and having the tandem of Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throwing him the ball, Hopkins has amassed 66 receptions (4th in the league), 870 yards (3rd in the league), and 6 TD's (tied for 6th in the league) in the first 8 games of the year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Cameron Jordan, defensive end (Saints)
Largely under-the-radar because of how terrible the Saints defense is on the whole, Cameron Jordan has Jordan has been wreaking havoc on opposing backfields at an unprecedented rate all season long. The criminally underrated defensive end has picked up a league-high 47 QB pressures, 11 QB hits, 6 sacks and 4 passes defensed through 9 games.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)
Todd Gurley is the rare highly-touted college prospect to live up to the immense hype that surrounded him when he entered the NFL. Despite missing the first 2 games of the season recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last year as a Georgia Bulldog, Gurley is in the midst of one of the impressive rookie seasons in NFL history, rushing for a ridiculous 664 yards (including 4 100+ yard outings) and 4 TD's in his first 6 games as a pro.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ronald Darby, cornerback (Bills)
In a year where the Bills defense has largely underwhelmed, Ronald Darby has been a major bright spot. Darby-a Florida State product selected in the 2nd round- has made a seemingly effortless transition to the NFL at a position in which it's notoriously difficult to do so. Darby has held the likes of A.J. Green and Odell Beckham Jr. to under 40 yards receiving and is currently ranked as the 4th-best corner in the league on Pro Football Focus for 2015, posting a higher overall grade than the likes of Richard Sherman, Vontae Davis and Patrick Peterson.
Comeback Player of the Year: Danny Trevathan, inside linebacker (Broncos)
Danny Trevathan has returned to form in a big way after missing 13 games with a knee injury last season. Trevathan has been been a major cog in the Broncos top-ranked defense, picking up 60 tackles (2nd on the team behind Brandon Marshall and tied for 23rd in the league overall) and defending 3 passes.
Coach of the Year: Jack Del Rio (Raiders)
The Raiders have been the surprise team of the year so far and the work of head coach Jack Del Rio is largely responsible for that success. Del Rio has gotten the most out of his young players and veterans that were considered to be DOA and has a long-suffering franchise trending upward for the first time since their devastating Super Bowl loss in 2002.
Top 10 Best Players by Position
*Indicates player who missed time with injury and/or is now on injured reserve
Quarterback
10.Tyrod Taylor (Bills)*
9.Eli Manning (Giants)
8.Drew Brees (Saints)
7.Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)*
6.Phillip Rivers (Chargers)
5.Derek Carr (Raiders)
4.Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
3.Andy Dalton (Bengals)
2.Carson Palmer (Cardinals)
1.Tom Brady (Patriots)
Running Back
10.Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks)*
9.LeSean McCoy (Bills)
8.Latavius Murray (Raiders)
7.Mark Ingram (Saints)
6.Doug Martin (Buccaneers)
5.Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
4.Matt Forte (Bears)*
3.Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)*
2.Todd Gurley (Rams)*
1.Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
Wide Receiver
10.Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
9.Brandon Marshall (Jets)
8.Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
7.Steve Smith Sr. (Ravens)*
6.Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)*
5.Keenan Allen (Chargers)*
4.Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
3.Julio Jones (Falcons)
2.Antonio Brown (Steelers)
1.DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
Tight End
10.Zach Ertz (Eagles)
9.Benjamin Watson (Saints)
8.Jordan Reed (Redskins)*
7.Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
6.Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
5.Delanie Walker (Titans)*
4.Greg Olsen (Panthers)
3.Gary Barnidge (Browns)
2.Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
1.Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Tackle
10.Jared Veldheer (Cardinals)
9.Jake Matthews (Falcons)
8.Joe Staley (49ers)
7.Cordy Glenn (Bills)
6.Trent Williams (Redskins)*
5.Jason Peters (Eagles)*
4.Andrew Whitworth (Bengals)
3.Joe Thomas (Browns)
2.Terron Armstead (Saints)
1.Tyron Smith (Cowboys)
Guard
10.Kelechi Osemele (Ravens)
9.Josh Sitton (Packers)
8.Jack Mewhort (Colts)
7.Justin Pugh (Giants)
6.Trai Turner (Panthers)
5.Gabe Jackson (Raiders)
4.Evan Mathis (Broncos)
3.Richie Incognito (Bills)
2.Zach Martin (Cowboys)
1.Marshal Yanda (Ravens)
Center
10.Joe Berger (Vikings)
9.Mike Pouncey (Dolphins)
8.Stefen Wisnewski (Jaguars)
7.Alex Mack (Browns)
6.Weston Richburg (Giants)
5.Eric Wood (Bills)
4.Max Unger (Saints)
3.Rodney Hudson (Raiders)
2.Travis Fredrick (Cowboys)
1.Ryan Kalil (Panthers)
Defensive End
10.Fletcher Cox (Eagles)
9.Cameron Heyward (Steelers)
8.Greg Hardy (Cowboys)*
7.Chandler Jones (Patriots)
6.Cameron Wake (Dolphins)*
5.Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets)
4.Cliff Avril (Seahawks)
3.J.J. Watt (Texans)
2.Michael Bennett (Seahawks)
1.Cameron Jordan (Saints)
Defensive Tackle
10.Jonathan Hankins (Giants)*
9.Dan Williams (Raiders)
8.Jurrell Casey (Titans)
7.Ndamukong Suh (Dolphins)
6.Jordan Hill (Seahawks)
5.Brandon Williams (Ravens)
4.Linval Joseph (Vikings)
3.Geno Atkins (Bengals)
2.Kawann Short (Panthers)
1.Aaron Donald (Rams)
Outside Linebacker
10.Connor Barwin (Eagles)
9.Dont'a Hightower (Patriots)*
8.Anthony Barr (Vikings)
7.Elvis Dumervil (Ravens)
6.DeMarcus Ware (Broncos)*
5.Pernell McPhee (Bears)
4.K.J. Wright (Seahawks)
3.Von Miller (Broncos)
2.Justin Houston (Chiefs)
1.Khalil Mack (Raiders)
Inside Linebacker
10.Akeem Ayers (Rams)
9.Nathan Stupar (Falcons)
8.Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)*
7.Wesley Woodyard (Titans)
6.Jerrell Freeman (Colts)
5.Danny Trevathan (Broncos)
4.Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
3.Brandon Marshall (Broncos)
2.Sean Lee (Cowboys)
1.Luke Kuechly (Panthers)
Cornerback
10.Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
9.Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Giants)
8.Captain Munnerlyn (Vikings)
7.Adam Jones (Bengals)
6.Desmond Trufant (Falcons)
5.Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos)
4.Ronald Darby (Bills)
3.Tyrian Mathieau (Cardinals)
2.Darrelle Revis (Jets)
1.Josh Norman (Panthers)
Safety
10.Darian Stewart (Broncos)
9.Patrick Chung (Patriots)
8.Reshad Jones (Dolphins)
7.Walter Thurmond (Eagles)
6.Will Hill (Ravens)
5.Earl Thomas (Seahawks)
4.Eric Berry (Chiefs)
3.Devin McCourty (Patriots)
2.Malcolm Jenkins (Eagles)
1.Harrison Smith (Vikings)
Kickers
10.Connor Barth (Buccaneers)
9.Dan Bailey (Cowboys)
8.Travis Coons (Browns)
7.Robbie Gould (Bears)
6.Blair Walsh (Vikings)
5.Justin Tucker (Ravens)
4.Steven Hauschka (Seahawks)
3.Josh Brown (Giants)
2.Brandon McManus (Broncos)
1.Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots)
Punter
10.Jon Ryan (Seahawks)
9.Chris Jones (Cowboys)
8.Donnie Jones (Eagles)
7.Dustin Colquitt (Chiefs)
6.Matt Darr (Dolphins)
5.Sam Koch (Ravens)
4.Andy Lee (Browns)
3.Johnny Hekker (Rams)
2.Matt Bosher (Falcons)
1.Pat McAfee (Colts)
Miscellaneous Awards
Top 10 Rookies
10.T.J. Yeldon, running back (Jaguars)
9.Damarious Randall, cornerback (Packers)
8.Adrian Amos, safety (Bears)
7.Jordan Hicks, inside linebacker (Eagles)*
6.Stefon Diggs, wide receiver(Vikings)*
5.Leonard Williams, defensive end (Jets)
4.Amari Cooper, wide receiver (Raiders)
3.Henry Anderson,defensive end (Colts)*
2.Ronald Darby, cornerback (Bills)
1.Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)*
Top 10 Rookie Letdowns
10.John Miller, guard (Bills)
9.Devin Smith, wide receiver (Jets)*
8.Malcom Brown, defensive tackle (Patriots)
7.Devin Funchess, wide receiver (Panthers)
6.Melvin Gordon, running back (Chargers)
5.Danny Shelton, defensive tackle (Browns)
4.DeVante Parker, wide reciever (Dolphins)*
3.Ameer Abdullah, running back (Lions)
2.Brandon Schreff, guard (Redskins)
1.Nelson Agholor, wide receiver (Eagles)*
Top 10 Breakout Players
10.Jake Matthews, tackle (Falcons)
9.Tyrod Taylor, quarterback (Bills)
8.Gabe Jackson, guard (Raiders)
7.Kawann Short, defensive tackle (Panthers)
6.Gary Barnidge, tight end (Browns)
5.Anthony Barr, outside linebacker (Vikings)
4.Tyler Eifert, tight end (Bengals)
3.Josh Norman, cornerback (Panthers)
2.Devonta Freeman, running back (Falcons)
1.Derek Carr, quarterback (Raiders)
Top 10 underperforming players
10.Nick Foles, quarterback (Rams)
9.Jimmy Smith, cornerback (Ravens)
8.Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle (Buccaneers)
7.Antonio Cromartie, cornerback (Jets)*
6.Lavonte David, outside linebacker (Buccaneers)
5.Byron Maxwell, cornerback (Eagles)
4.Sam Bradford, quarterback (Eagles)
3.Jeremy Hill, running back (Bengals)
2.Andrew Luck, quarterback (Colts)*
1.Eddie Lacy, running back (Packers)*
Top 10 Surprise Studs
10.Duron Harmon, safety (Patriots)
9.Rishard Matthews, wide receiver (Dolphins)
8.Michael Crabtree, wide receiver (Raiders)
7.Dion Lewis, running back (Patriots)*
6.Darian Stewart, safety (Broncos)
5.Justin Pugh, guard (Giants)
4.Adam Jones, cornerback (Bengals)
3.Gary Barnidge, tight end (Browns)
2.Walter Thurmond, safety (Eagles)
1.Richie Incognito, guard (Bills)
Top 3 Surprise Teams
3.Falcons
2.Jets
1.Raiders
Top 3 Disappointments
3.Dolphins
2.Colts
1.Ravens
Revised Playoff/Super Bowl Picks
AFC
1.Patriots
2.Bengals
3.Broncos
4.Colts
5.Raiders
6.Steelers
NFC
1.Panthers
2.Packers
3.Cardinals
4.Giants
5.Vikings
6.Seahawks
Wild Card:
Broncos over Steelers
Raiders over Colts
Cardinals overs Seahawks
Giants over Vikings
Divisional Round:
Patriots over Raiders
Broncos over Bengals
Giants over Panthers
Cardinals over Packers
Championship Round:
Patriots over Broncos
Cardinals over Giants
Super Bowl:
Patriots over Cardinals
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Week 9 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Cam Newton (Panthers)
Cam Newton's unreal performance in Week 9 reaffirmed why he's one of the most lethal players in all of fantasy football. Newton's dual-threat abilities were on display all afternoon as he carved up the Packers for 297 YDS and 3 TD through the air and added another 57 YDS and 1 TD on the ground. With his large role in both aspects of the offense and largely favorable upcoming schedule, Newton should be a weekly top 5-10 QB for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Marcus Mariota (Titans), Drew Brees (Saints)
LVP: Eli Manning (Giants)
In a pretty excellent week for QB's, Eli Manning's middling performance (213 YDS/2 TD/2 INT) against the Buccaneers ended up being the worst play of the week. It should be noted that it was dumping rain for the duration of the game, which made a plethora of turnovers inevitable for both sides (there was a combined total of 5 in the game). Manning's a mildly shaky play in Week 10 against a much-improved Patriots secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins), Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Running Back
MVP: DeAngelo Williams (Steelers)
Returning to the starting lineup after star running back Le'Veon Bell suffered a torn MCL last week, DeAngelo Williams looked every bit as dominant as he did when he filled in for Bell earlier this year. The NFL 2nd oldest running back decimated the Raiders normally stout defensive front for a ridiculous 225 total YDS (170 rushing, 55 receiving), 2 TD and a 2-point conversion on 31 touches. Williams apparently suffered a foot injury during Sunday's game, but he didn't appear to be hampered it at any point. Williams should be in another for another huge day if he's active on Sunday with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of the lineup and a juicy matchup against the Browns bottom-ranked rush defense.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Miller (Dolphins), Karlos Williams (Bills), DeMarco Murray (Eagles)
LVP: Ronnie Hillman (Broncos)
No player filled his fantasy owners more rage in Week 9 than Ronnie Hillman. Hillman embarrassed himself in a prime matchup against the Colts, picking up just 1 yard on 7 carries. Hillman's grasp on the starting job appears to be slipping as C.J. Anderson outplayed him by a wide margin for a 2nd straight week. Even in the currently scarce RB market, Hillman isn't really worth keeping on your roster in a league that's smaller than 12 teams.
Dishonorable Mentions: Doug Martin (Buccaneers), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers), Jeremy Hill (Bengals)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
After a quiet few weeks (by his standards), Antonio Brown returned with a career day in Week 9. Brown gassed the Raiders secondary all day long with every conceivable route in his repertoire, putting up 284 yards on 17 receptions-both of which are franchise records for the Steelers. The unprecedented flurry of targets Brown receives every week and his ability to consistently separate from defensive backs makes him an unbenchable WR1 for fantasy purposes.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Crabtree (Raiders), Sammy Watkins (Bills), Jordan Matthews (Eagles)
LVP: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
Last week, Emmanuel Sanders got ignored in Manning season-best game against the Packers. This week, it was Demaryius Thomas' turn to get the cold shoulder from Manning. Thomas picked up just 50 yards on 5 catches against a Colts secondary that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to receivers this season. Thomas' inability to find the endzone in 2015 (he has just 1 TD on the year) is a bit disconcerting, but he's still been very productive with 3 100+ yard games and no less than 5 receptions in every game this season. Thomas has a prime chance to bounce back in Week 10 against a horrible Chiefs secondary that he torched for 116 YDS in their 1st meeting this year.
Dishonorable Mentions: DeSean Jackson (Redskins), Stefon Diggs (Vikings), A.J. Green (Bengals)
Tight End
MVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert once again rewarded his fantasy owners by following up a clunker with a simply monstrous performance. The Bengals favorite redzone target made the most of his opportunities, picking up 53 YDS and 3 TD's on 5 receptions. Finally healthy for the 1st time in his NFL career, Eifert has become the player a lot of experts thought he would be when the Bengals drafted him in the 1st round in 2013. Eifert is currently on pace to be the 2015 winner of the prestigious "best tight end not named Rob Gronkowski" award and is a no-brainer weekly fantasy start for all of his owners.
Honorable Mentions: Delanie Walker (Titans), Owen Daniels (Broncos), Richard Rogers (Packers)
LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Speaking of Gronkowski, the Patriots cyborg tight end actually looked like a mortal man on Sunday. Gronkowski reeled in just 4 catches for 47 YDS in what was a relatively quiet and surprisingly sloppy afternoon for the Patriots red-hot offense against a below-average Redskins defense. Gronkowski will more than likely return to destroying everything in sight when he goes up against the Giants god awful pass defense in Week 10.
Dishonorable Mentions: Heath Miller (Steelers), Charles Clay (Bills), Jordan Cameron (Dolphins)
Defense
MVP: New York Jets
After a really awful performance against the Raiders in Week 8, the Jets defense got back on track against the lowly Jaguars in Week 9. The Jets may have surrendered 23 points, but they more than made up for that subpar point against total with 6 sacks, 2 INT's and 2 fumble recoveries against the Jaguars talented, but erratic young offense. The Jets inconsistent pass rush and currently dinged-up secondary make them far from a slam dunk, but they are a pretty good option for fantasy owners who like to stream defenses based on matchups.
Honorable Mentions: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots
LVP: Green Bay Packers
The Packers defense fall from fantasy grace continued in Week 9. The Packers D frequently looked lost and overmatched as they got 0 sacks and allowed 37 points to the Panthers mediocre offense. They did manage to pick off Cam Newton late in the 4th quarter, but the damage was already done at that point. The borderline dominant play this unit showed in the first 6 weeks of the season is now just a distant memory and their owners should search the waiver wire for a competent replacement (i.e. The Vikings, Steelers or Giants).
Dishonorable Mentions: Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons
MVP: Cam Newton (Panthers)
Cam Newton's unreal performance in Week 9 reaffirmed why he's one of the most lethal players in all of fantasy football. Newton's dual-threat abilities were on display all afternoon as he carved up the Packers for 297 YDS and 3 TD through the air and added another 57 YDS and 1 TD on the ground. With his large role in both aspects of the offense and largely favorable upcoming schedule, Newton should be a weekly top 5-10 QB for the rest of the season.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Marcus Mariota (Titans), Drew Brees (Saints)
LVP: Eli Manning (Giants)
In a pretty excellent week for QB's, Eli Manning's middling performance (213 YDS/2 TD/2 INT) against the Buccaneers ended up being the worst play of the week. It should be noted that it was dumping rain for the duration of the game, which made a plethora of turnovers inevitable for both sides (there was a combined total of 5 in the game). Manning's a mildly shaky play in Week 10 against a much-improved Patriots secondary.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyrod Taylor (Bills), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins), Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Running Back
MVP: DeAngelo Williams (Steelers)
Returning to the starting lineup after star running back Le'Veon Bell suffered a torn MCL last week, DeAngelo Williams looked every bit as dominant as he did when he filled in for Bell earlier this year. The NFL 2nd oldest running back decimated the Raiders normally stout defensive front for a ridiculous 225 total YDS (170 rushing, 55 receiving), 2 TD and a 2-point conversion on 31 touches. Williams apparently suffered a foot injury during Sunday's game, but he didn't appear to be hampered it at any point. Williams should be in another for another huge day if he's active on Sunday with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of the lineup and a juicy matchup against the Browns bottom-ranked rush defense.
Honorable Mentions: Lamar Miller (Dolphins), Karlos Williams (Bills), DeMarco Murray (Eagles)
LVP: Ronnie Hillman (Broncos)
No player filled his fantasy owners more rage in Week 9 than Ronnie Hillman. Hillman embarrassed himself in a prime matchup against the Colts, picking up just 1 yard on 7 carries. Hillman's grasp on the starting job appears to be slipping as C.J. Anderson outplayed him by a wide margin for a 2nd straight week. Even in the currently scarce RB market, Hillman isn't really worth keeping on your roster in a league that's smaller than 12 teams.
Dishonorable Mentions: Doug Martin (Buccaneers), Jonathan Stewart (Panthers), Jeremy Hill (Bengals)
Wide Receiver
MVP: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
After a quiet few weeks (by his standards), Antonio Brown returned with a career day in Week 9. Brown gassed the Raiders secondary all day long with every conceivable route in his repertoire, putting up 284 yards on 17 receptions-both of which are franchise records for the Steelers. The unprecedented flurry of targets Brown receives every week and his ability to consistently separate from defensive backs makes him an unbenchable WR1 for fantasy purposes.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Crabtree (Raiders), Sammy Watkins (Bills), Jordan Matthews (Eagles)
LVP: Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)
Last week, Emmanuel Sanders got ignored in Manning season-best game against the Packers. This week, it was Demaryius Thomas' turn to get the cold shoulder from Manning. Thomas picked up just 50 yards on 5 catches against a Colts secondary that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to receivers this season. Thomas' inability to find the endzone in 2015 (he has just 1 TD on the year) is a bit disconcerting, but he's still been very productive with 3 100+ yard games and no less than 5 receptions in every game this season. Thomas has a prime chance to bounce back in Week 10 against a horrible Chiefs secondary that he torched for 116 YDS in their 1st meeting this year.
Dishonorable Mentions: DeSean Jackson (Redskins), Stefon Diggs (Vikings), A.J. Green (Bengals)
Tight End
MVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert once again rewarded his fantasy owners by following up a clunker with a simply monstrous performance. The Bengals favorite redzone target made the most of his opportunities, picking up 53 YDS and 3 TD's on 5 receptions. Finally healthy for the 1st time in his NFL career, Eifert has become the player a lot of experts thought he would be when the Bengals drafted him in the 1st round in 2013. Eifert is currently on pace to be the 2015 winner of the prestigious "best tight end not named Rob Gronkowski" award and is a no-brainer weekly fantasy start for all of his owners.
Honorable Mentions: Delanie Walker (Titans), Owen Daniels (Broncos), Richard Rogers (Packers)
LVP: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
Speaking of Gronkowski, the Patriots cyborg tight end actually looked like a mortal man on Sunday. Gronkowski reeled in just 4 catches for 47 YDS in what was a relatively quiet and surprisingly sloppy afternoon for the Patriots red-hot offense against a below-average Redskins defense. Gronkowski will more than likely return to destroying everything in sight when he goes up against the Giants god awful pass defense in Week 10.
Dishonorable Mentions: Heath Miller (Steelers), Charles Clay (Bills), Jordan Cameron (Dolphins)
Defense
MVP: New York Jets
After a really awful performance against the Raiders in Week 8, the Jets defense got back on track against the lowly Jaguars in Week 9. The Jets may have surrendered 23 points, but they more than made up for that subpar point against total with 6 sacks, 2 INT's and 2 fumble recoveries against the Jaguars talented, but erratic young offense. The Jets inconsistent pass rush and currently dinged-up secondary make them far from a slam dunk, but they are a pretty good option for fantasy owners who like to stream defenses based on matchups.
Honorable Mentions: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots
LVP: Green Bay Packers
The Packers defense fall from fantasy grace continued in Week 9. The Packers D frequently looked lost and overmatched as they got 0 sacks and allowed 37 points to the Panthers mediocre offense. They did manage to pick off Cam Newton late in the 4th quarter, but the damage was already done at that point. The borderline dominant play this unit showed in the first 6 weeks of the season is now just a distant memory and their owners should search the waiver wire for a competent replacement (i.e. The Vikings, Steelers or Giants).
Dishonorable Mentions: Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons
Week 10 NFL Power Rankings
()=Last Week's Ranking
1.(1) New England Patriots (8-0) Week 10 opponent: New York Giants
2. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (8-0) Week 10 opponent: Houston Texans
3. (4) Carolina Panthers (8-0) Week 10 opponent: Tennessee Titans
4. (2) Denver Broncos (7-1) Week 10 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
5. (6) Arizona Cardinals (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
6. (7) Minnesota Vikings (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Oakland Raiders
7. (5) Green Bay Packers (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Detroit Lions
8. (10) New York Jets (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Buffalo Bills
9. (15) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) Week 10 opponent: Cleveland Browns
10. (13) New York Giants (5-4) Week 10 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (8) St. Louis Rams (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Chicago Bears
12. (12) Oakland Raiders (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
13. (14) Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
14. (16) Buffalo Bills (4-4) Week 10 opponent: New York Jets
15. (18) Indianapolis Colts (4-5) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
16. (17) Philadelphia Eagles (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Miami Dolphins
17. (11) New Orleans Saints (4-5) Week 10 opponent: Washington Redskins
18. (9) Atlanta Falcons (6-3) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
19. (20) Kansas City Chiefs (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Denver Broncos
20. (23) Chicago Bears (3-5) Week 10 opponent: St. Louis Rams
21. (19) Washington Redskins (3-5) Week 10 opponent: New Orleans Saints
22. (24) Baltimore Ravens (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
23. (21) Miami Dolphins (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
24. (22) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
25. (25) Houston Texans (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
26. (32) Tennessee Titans (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Carolina Panthers
27. (26) San Diego Chargers (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
28. (30) San Fransisco 49ers (3-6) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
29. (29) Dallas Cowboys (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. (28) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
31. (27) Cleveland Browns (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
32. (31) Detroit Lions (1-7) Week 10 opponent: Green Bay Packers
1.(1) New England Patriots (8-0) Week 10 opponent: New York Giants
2. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (8-0) Week 10 opponent: Houston Texans
3. (4) Carolina Panthers (8-0) Week 10 opponent: Tennessee Titans
4. (2) Denver Broncos (7-1) Week 10 opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
5. (6) Arizona Cardinals (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Seattle Seahawks
6. (7) Minnesota Vikings (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Oakland Raiders
7. (5) Green Bay Packers (6-2) Week 10 opponent: Detroit Lions
8. (10) New York Jets (5-3) Week 10 opponent: Buffalo Bills
9. (15) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) Week 10 opponent: Cleveland Browns
10. (13) New York Giants (5-4) Week 10 opponent: New England Patriots
11. (8) St. Louis Rams (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Chicago Bears
12. (12) Oakland Raiders (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
13. (14) Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Arizona Cardinals
14. (16) Buffalo Bills (4-4) Week 10 opponent: New York Jets
15. (18) Indianapolis Colts (4-5) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
16. (17) Philadelphia Eagles (4-4) Week 10 opponent: Miami Dolphins
17. (11) New Orleans Saints (4-5) Week 10 opponent: Washington Redskins
18. (9) Atlanta Falcons (6-3) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
19. (20) Kansas City Chiefs (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Denver Broncos
20. (23) Chicago Bears (3-5) Week 10 opponent: St. Louis Rams
21. (19) Washington Redskins (3-5) Week 10 opponent: New Orleans Saints
22. (24) Baltimore Ravens (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
23. (21) Miami Dolphins (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
24. (22) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
25. (25) Houston Texans (3-5) Week 10 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
26. (32) Tennessee Titans (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Carolina Panthers
27. (26) San Diego Chargers (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
28. (30) San Fransisco 49ers (3-6) Week 10 opponent: Bye Week
29. (29) Dallas Cowboys (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30. (28) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) Week 10 opponent: Baltimore Ravens
31. (27) Cleveland Browns (2-7) Week 10 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
32. (31) Detroit Lions (1-7) Week 10 opponent: Green Bay Packers
Friday, November 6, 2015
The Best and Worst of John Goodman
The "Best and Worst" series profiles the best and worst work of an
actor starring in one of the week's new theatrical releases. This week I
take a look at the filmography of "Trumbo" star John Goodman.
Film starring John Goodman that I've seen:
Raising Arizona
The Flintstones
The Big Lebowski
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Emperor's New Groove
One Night at McCool's
Monsters Inc.
Death Sentence
Evan Almighty
Red State
The Artist
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Trouble with the Curve
Argo
Flight
The Hangover Part III
Monsters University
Inside Llewyn Davis
The Monuments Men
Transformers: Age of Extinction
The Gambler
Best Performance: The Big Lebowski (1998)
This choice was a no-brainier. While Goodman has brought a lot of memorable characters to the screen over his decorated career, none of them even come close to touching the brilliance of Walter Sobchak, a short-tempered Vietnam vet obsessed with Judaism and bowling. Jeff Bridges gets heaps of well-deserved praise for his portrayal of the lovable stoner hero "The Dude", but it's Goodman's insane, hilarious and subtly poignant performance that is the true heart and soul of The Big Lewbowksi.
Worst Performance: The Monuments Men (2014)
If there was a Guinness World Record for most actors phoning it in in the same movie, The Monuments Men would hold it. The likes of Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Bob Balaban all left their A-games at home for this World War II docudrama about a group of civilian art experts dispatched to Europe to help the Allied forces recover valuable stolen paintings from the Nazis. The typically-lively Goodman follows the trend of his peers by looking bored every second he's on screen and seems to have only agreed to appear in the film as a favor to his friend George Clooney, who co-wrote, directed and starred in the film.
Best Film: Raising Arizona (1987)
Raising Arizona is essentially the redheaded stepchild of Coen Brothers films. It doesn't have the awards-pedigree of No Country for Old Men, the quirkiness of Fargo or the dieheard cult following of The Big Lebowski, which has subsequently caused it to get buried in the Coen Brothers deeply celebrated filmography. What Raising Arizona does have is a winning screwball sense of humor and a surprisingly upbeat atmosphere that makes it standout from the bleak films that have largely defined the Coen's career. It's also hard not to love a film where Nicolas Cage gives a multi-layered performance that relies just as much on subtlety as it does the unhinged insanity he's known (and frequently parodied) for. Raising Arizona may not be finest the film the Cohen Brothers have ever made, but it's certainly the most underrated.
Worst Film: Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
I was a longtime Transformers apologist who embraced the franchise's loud, effects-heavy formula and frequently found myself defending its merits whenever someone trashed one of the films in my presence. After seeing Age of Extinction, I'll never defend another Transformers film again. Transformers: Age of Extinction is such a colossal and universal failure that it's almost impressive. The dialogue is cringeworthy, the performances from Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz are a new low for a series that has previously employed such lauded thespians as Megan Fox, Rose Huntington-Whitley and Josh Duhamel and worst of all, the action sequences are bland as hell. Age of Extinction is a moronic, overlong disaster that has tarnished this franchise's reputation as the benchmark for mindless blockbuster action films.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "By the Sea" star Brad Pitt .
Film starring John Goodman that I've seen:
Raising Arizona
The Flintstones
The Big Lebowski
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Emperor's New Groove
One Night at McCool's
Monsters Inc.
Death Sentence
Evan Almighty
Red State
The Artist
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Trouble with the Curve
Argo
Flight
The Hangover Part III
Monsters University
Inside Llewyn Davis
The Monuments Men
Transformers: Age of Extinction
The Gambler
Best Performance: The Big Lebowski (1998)
This choice was a no-brainier. While Goodman has brought a lot of memorable characters to the screen over his decorated career, none of them even come close to touching the brilliance of Walter Sobchak, a short-tempered Vietnam vet obsessed with Judaism and bowling. Jeff Bridges gets heaps of well-deserved praise for his portrayal of the lovable stoner hero "The Dude", but it's Goodman's insane, hilarious and subtly poignant performance that is the true heart and soul of The Big Lewbowksi.
Worst Performance: The Monuments Men (2014)
If there was a Guinness World Record for most actors phoning it in in the same movie, The Monuments Men would hold it. The likes of Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett and Bob Balaban all left their A-games at home for this World War II docudrama about a group of civilian art experts dispatched to Europe to help the Allied forces recover valuable stolen paintings from the Nazis. The typically-lively Goodman follows the trend of his peers by looking bored every second he's on screen and seems to have only agreed to appear in the film as a favor to his friend George Clooney, who co-wrote, directed and starred in the film.
Best Film: Raising Arizona (1987)
Raising Arizona is essentially the redheaded stepchild of Coen Brothers films. It doesn't have the awards-pedigree of No Country for Old Men, the quirkiness of Fargo or the dieheard cult following of The Big Lebowski, which has subsequently caused it to get buried in the Coen Brothers deeply celebrated filmography. What Raising Arizona does have is a winning screwball sense of humor and a surprisingly upbeat atmosphere that makes it standout from the bleak films that have largely defined the Coen's career. It's also hard not to love a film where Nicolas Cage gives a multi-layered performance that relies just as much on subtlety as it does the unhinged insanity he's known (and frequently parodied) for. Raising Arizona may not be finest the film the Cohen Brothers have ever made, but it's certainly the most underrated.
Worst Film: Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
I was a longtime Transformers apologist who embraced the franchise's loud, effects-heavy formula and frequently found myself defending its merits whenever someone trashed one of the films in my presence. After seeing Age of Extinction, I'll never defend another Transformers film again. Transformers: Age of Extinction is such a colossal and universal failure that it's almost impressive. The dialogue is cringeworthy, the performances from Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz are a new low for a series that has previously employed such lauded thespians as Megan Fox, Rose Huntington-Whitley and Josh Duhamel and worst of all, the action sequences are bland as hell. Age of Extinction is a moronic, overlong disaster that has tarnished this franchise's reputation as the benchmark for mindless blockbuster action films.
Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week, I'll take a look at the best and worst work of "By the Sea" star Brad Pitt .
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Week 9 NFL Power Rankings
()=Previous week's ranking
1. (1) New England Patriots (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Washington Redskins
2. (5) Denver Broncos (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
3. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Cleveland Browns
4. (4) Carolina Panthers (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Green Bay Packers
5. (2) Green Bay Packers (6-1) Week 9 opponent: Carolina Panthers
6. (6) Arizona Cardinals (6-2) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
7. (9) Minnesota Vikings (5-2) Week 9 opponent: St. Louis Rams
8. (12) St. Louis Rams (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
9. (8) Atlanta Falcons (6-2) Week 9 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
10. (7) New York Jets (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
11. (15) New Orleans Saints (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Tennessee Titans
12. (14) Oakland Raiders (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
13. (11) New York Giants (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. (13) Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Week 9 opponent:Bye Week
15. (10) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Oakland Raiders
16. (18) Buffalo Bills (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Miami Dolphins
17. (19) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
18. (17) Indianapolis Colts (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Denver Broncos
19. (20) Washington Redskins (3-4) Week 9 opponent: New England Patriots
20. (23) Kansas City Chiefs (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
21. (16) Miami Dolphins (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Buffalo Bills
22. (26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) Week 9 opponent: New York Giants
23. (21) Chicago Bears (2-5) Week 9 opponent: San Diego Chargers
24. (29) Baltimore Ravens (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
25. (31) Houston Texans (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
26. (24) San Diego Chargers (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Chicago Bears
27. (22) Cleveland Browns (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
28. (27) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) Week 9 opponent: New York Jets
29. (25) Dallas Cowboys (2-5) Week 9 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
30. (28) San Francisco 49ers (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
31. (30) Detroit Lions (1-7) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
32. (32) Tennessee Titans (1-6) Week 9 opponent: New Orleans Saints
1. (1) New England Patriots (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Washington Redskins
2. (5) Denver Broncos (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Indianapolis Colts
3. (3) Cincinnati Bengals (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Cleveland Browns
4. (4) Carolina Panthers (7-0) Week 9 opponent: Green Bay Packers
5. (2) Green Bay Packers (6-1) Week 9 opponent: Carolina Panthers
6. (6) Arizona Cardinals (6-2) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
7. (9) Minnesota Vikings (5-2) Week 9 opponent: St. Louis Rams
8. (12) St. Louis Rams (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Minnesota Vikings
9. (8) Atlanta Falcons (6-2) Week 9 opponent: San Francisco 49ers
10. (7) New York Jets (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
11. (15) New Orleans Saints (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Tennessee Titans
12. (14) Oakland Raiders (4-3) Week 9 opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
13. (11) New York Giants (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. (13) Seattle Seahawks (4-4) Week 9 opponent:Bye Week
15. (10) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4) Week 9 opponent: Oakland Raiders
16. (18) Buffalo Bills (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Miami Dolphins
17. (19) Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Dallas Cowboys
18. (17) Indianapolis Colts (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Denver Broncos
19. (20) Washington Redskins (3-4) Week 9 opponent: New England Patriots
20. (23) Kansas City Chiefs (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
21. (16) Miami Dolphins (3-4) Week 9 opponent: Buffalo Bills
22. (26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) Week 9 opponent: New York Giants
23. (21) Chicago Bears (2-5) Week 9 opponent: San Diego Chargers
24. (29) Baltimore Ravens (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
25. (31) Houston Texans (3-5) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
26. (24) San Diego Chargers (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Chicago Bears
27. (22) Cleveland Browns (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
28. (27) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) Week 9 opponent: New York Jets
29. (25) Dallas Cowboys (2-5) Week 9 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
30. (28) San Francisco 49ers (2-6) Week 9 opponent: Atlanta Falcons
31. (30) Detroit Lions (1-7) Week 9 opponent: Bye Week
32. (32) Tennessee Titans (1-6) Week 9 opponent: New Orleans Saints
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Album Review: Travi$ Scott-Rodeo
Rodeo may have the staples of a traditional trap rap record (lyrics primarily about sex and drugs, heavy use of 808 drum machines in the beats, guest spots from a number of heavyweights in the genre including Juicy J, Future and 2 Chainz), but its style is much more distinct. While the Atlanta-based trap rappers that make up a majority of the the scene use in-your-face beats and loud, repetitive hooks as the backbone of their music, Scott makes heavy use of AutoTune, industrial-influenced production and the chopped-and-screwed vocal effect that put his hometown of Houston's hip-hop scene on the map. This blending of different influences results in a sound that is borderline psychedelic and low-key without discarding the energy that trap is known for. Tracks such as lead single "Antidote", "Pornography", "Apple Pie" and "Nightcrawler"- which features top-notch guest verses from Rae Sremmurd's Swae Lee and the always-entertaining Chief Keef- are some of the boldest and most satisfying songs to come out of the trap scene in a while. Each one of these tracks combines gritty beats with ridiculously catchy hooks to make songs that are fun as hell and have a seemingly endless amount of replay value. The highlights of the album do a great job of showcasing Scott as a unique and interesting personality in a genre that's not exactly known for innovation and tease the possibility that Rodeo could be a landmark release in the increasingly crowded trap genre.
Unfortunately, Rodeo squanders its initial promise when Scott makes the puzzling decision to stray from his lo-fi trap wheelhouse and attempts to tackle more substantial topics. There's nothing wrong with a party rapper tackling serious topics, but when Scott does it, it's ill-conceived and completely disingenuous. When Scott starts crooning about his internal struggles and social issues regarding race on "90210", "Pray 4 Love", "Flying High" and "Impossible", it comes across as a cheap and swiftly calculated move to try and add depth to his music. Unlike the party-based material, Scott seems bored on the mic and each song sounds like it was haphazardly put together just for the sake of saying that he has more of a conscious than your average trap artist. Worst of all, these tracks bring Scott's deficiencies as a lyricist to the surface. The lyrics on Rodeo are never impressive, but when the interesting song structures and charm Scott displays on the album's lighter material disappears on the album's serious cuts, his shallow lyrics become distracting and make each song featured on this portion of the record a chore to sit through.
There is plenty of praise-worthy moments and ideas on Rodeo, but Scott's inability to decide on a musical identity ultimately sinks the record. He wants to be this multi-faceted, hip-hop Renaissance man who talks about everything from drugs to the pressures of fame to social issues, but is only convincing as the stripper and substance-obsessed party boy. Hip-hop is a genre where it's especially important to buy the shit your selling and until Scott decides to exclusively write material he truly believes in, the quality of his work will suffer immensely. Scott has no shortage of potential and ambition, he just needs to find a way to better channel his creativity if he wants to become a truly innovative artist.
2.5/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.Nightcrawler (feat. Swae Lee and Chief Keef)
2.Antidote
3.Pornography
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
2015 Week 8 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers
Quarterback
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Drew Brees made up for his disappointing fantasy performances in the early stages of the season in a major way in Week 8 by putting an absurd 505 yard, 7 TD performance against the Giants. Not even a pair of ugly INT's including a freak pick 6 stemming from Willie Snead's inability to control a routine pass in the 4th quarter could put a damper on Brees' magical afternoon as he became the 8th quarterback in NFL history to throw 7 TD in a game. While Brees has had his share of struggles this season (this was only his 3rd multi-TD performance in his 7 starts this season) and he faces a surprisingly stout Titans secondary in Week 9, you'd be insane to bench him after a performance like this.
Honorable Mentions: Eli Manning (Giants), Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Tom Brady (Patriots)
LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Even bonafide fantasy studs lay an egg every once in a while. Aaron Rodgers had the single worst fantasy performance of his entire career against the Broncos suffocating defense in Week 8, picking up just 77 yards through the air and failing to throw a single TD. Rodgers was able to soften the blow from his rough passing day a bit by adding 31 yards on 2 rushes, but that wasn't nearly enough salvage his horrid fantasy performance. Rodgers has another rough matchup in Week 9 as the Packers go up against a Panthers defense that has allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to QB's this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins)
Running Back
MVP: Todd Gurley (Rams)
The 49ers were the latest team to fall victim to the wrath of Todd Gurley (aka the St.Louis Rams offense) as the rookie phenom picked up 146 total yards (133 rushing, 13 receiving) and a TD on 23 touches. Gurley is in the midst of one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history and you should be absolutely giddy if you're lucky enough to have him on your roster.
Honorable Mentions: Charcandrick West (Chiefs), Ronnie Hillman (Broncos), Dion Lewis (Patriots)
LVP: Chris Johnson (Cardinals)
Chris Johnson's unexpected resurgence since joining the Arizona Cardinals has been one of the biggest surprises in all of fantasy football this season. However, Week 8 was not particular kind to the 30-year old running band. His 109 yards on the ground against the Browns league-worst rush defense was completely respectable, but a pair of lost fumbles tarnished his fantasy day. Johnson is entering a really rough patch in his schedule as the Cardinals have to face Seahawks and Bengals after their week 9 Bye, but he should remain a viable RB2 during the push for the fantasy playoffs.
Wide Receiver
MVP: Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
Odell Beckham Jr. once again proved why he's the real deal with his week 8 performance. Beckham Jr. burned the Saints secondary for 130 YDS and 3 TD on 8 receptions in Sunday's absurd shootout at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Beckham Jr. hasn't been as consistently lights out as he was during his inhuman rookie campaign a year ago, but he's still a top-flight WR1 who has a very good chance of finishing the year as a top 5 fantasy WR.
Honorable Mentions: Tavon Austin (Rams), Brandin Cooks (Saints), Julio Jones (Falcons)
LVP: Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos)
Peyton Manning played his sharpest game of the year so far in the Broncos beatdown victory over the Packers in Week 8, but Emmanuel Sanders didn't benefit much from Manning's strong outing. Manning frequently looked Demaryius Thomas' way (11 targets, 8 receptions, 168 YDS), which left Sanders to pick up a mere 22 yards on 2 receptions and 5 targets. Sanders has looked excellent in 2015 in spite of Manning's struggles and he should be able to get back on track against the Colts horrendous secondary in week 9.
Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Evans (Buccaneers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts), James Jones (Packers)
Tight End
MVP: Benjamin Watson (Saints)
I doubt even the biggest Benjamin Watson supporters thought that he would become the primary cog in the Saints passing attack after Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills were traded this offseason. Watson was the primary beneficiary of Drew Brees' absurd performance in Week 8, leading the team in both receptions (9) and receiving yards (147) while also pulling in 1 of Brees' 7 TD's on the afternoon. Watson has seemingly emerged as the top target in the Saints spread-the wealth passing attack over the past few weeks and is a rock-solid TE1 option for those aren't fortunate enough to have Rob Gronkowski or Gary Barnidge on their roster.
Honorable Mentions: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Greg Olsen (Panthers), Gary Barnidge (Browns)
LVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert put the first real clunker of his breakout 2015 campaign, registering just 39 yards on 4 receptions against a Steelers defense that has gotten killed by TE's all season long. Eifert has a good shot of returning to the realm of fantasy glory in Week 9 against the Browns suddenly vulnerable defense.
Dishonorable Mentions: Martellus Bennett (Bears), Jason Witten (Cowboys), Jordan Cameron (Dolphins)
Defense
MVP: Houston Texans
The Texans defense has arisen from their coma. This unit didn't show any of the problems that have plagued them through 2015 as they picked up 7 sacks, an INT, a fumble recovery and allowed just 6 points against the Titans offense in Week 8. This dominant performance must be taken with a grain of salt as The Texans dominated a lowly Titans team that was without their starting quarterback and has next-to-no talent at the skill positions. Until they are able to string together a few impressive performances in a row, the Texans D can not be started with any sort of confidence.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
LVP: New York Jets
You wouldn't know that the Jets had one of the league's best defenses if you watched them played in Week 8. The Jets allowed 34 points and failed to register a takeaway or sack against the surging Raiders offense on Sunday. To be fair, the Raiders have quietly assembled one of the best offensive lines in the league and Derek Carr has done a tremendous job of limiting turnovers this season (3 INT's and 2 lost fumbles in 7 starts), but it's still odd to see a defense that has been so great all year long be so ineffective for an entire game. The Jets should be able to bounce back in Week 9 against a Jaguars squad that is averaging 2 turnovers and 3.7 sacks allowed over their past 3 games.
Dishonorable Mentions: Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers
MVP: Drew Brees (Saints)
Drew Brees made up for his disappointing fantasy performances in the early stages of the season in a major way in Week 8 by putting an absurd 505 yard, 7 TD performance against the Giants. Not even a pair of ugly INT's including a freak pick 6 stemming from Willie Snead's inability to control a routine pass in the 4th quarter could put a damper on Brees' magical afternoon as he became the 8th quarterback in NFL history to throw 7 TD in a game. While Brees has had his share of struggles this season (this was only his 3rd multi-TD performance in his 7 starts this season) and he faces a surprisingly stout Titans secondary in Week 9, you'd be insane to bench him after a performance like this.
Honorable Mentions: Eli Manning (Giants), Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Tom Brady (Patriots)
LVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Even bonafide fantasy studs lay an egg every once in a while. Aaron Rodgers had the single worst fantasy performance of his entire career against the Broncos suffocating defense in Week 8, picking up just 77 yards through the air and failing to throw a single TD. Rodgers was able to soften the blow from his rough passing day a bit by adding 31 yards on 2 rushes, but that wasn't nearly enough salvage his horrid fantasy performance. Rodgers has another rough matchup in Week 9 as the Packers go up against a Panthers defense that has allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to QB's this season.
Dishonorable Mentions: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins)
Running Back
MVP: Todd Gurley (Rams)
The 49ers were the latest team to fall victim to the wrath of Todd Gurley (aka the St.Louis Rams offense) as the rookie phenom picked up 146 total yards (133 rushing, 13 receiving) and a TD on 23 touches. Gurley is in the midst of one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history and you should be absolutely giddy if you're lucky enough to have him on your roster.
Honorable Mentions: Charcandrick West (Chiefs), Ronnie Hillman (Broncos), Dion Lewis (Patriots)
LVP: Chris Johnson (Cardinals)
Chris Johnson's unexpected resurgence since joining the Arizona Cardinals has been one of the biggest surprises in all of fantasy football this season. However, Week 8 was not particular kind to the 30-year old running band. His 109 yards on the ground against the Browns league-worst rush defense was completely respectable, but a pair of lost fumbles tarnished his fantasy day. Johnson is entering a really rough patch in his schedule as the Cardinals have to face Seahawks and Bengals after their week 9 Bye, but he should remain a viable RB2 during the push for the fantasy playoffs.
Wide Receiver
MVP: Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
Odell Beckham Jr. once again proved why he's the real deal with his week 8 performance. Beckham Jr. burned the Saints secondary for 130 YDS and 3 TD on 8 receptions in Sunday's absurd shootout at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Beckham Jr. hasn't been as consistently lights out as he was during his inhuman rookie campaign a year ago, but he's still a top-flight WR1 who has a very good chance of finishing the year as a top 5 fantasy WR.
Honorable Mentions: Tavon Austin (Rams), Brandin Cooks (Saints), Julio Jones (Falcons)
LVP: Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos)
Peyton Manning played his sharpest game of the year so far in the Broncos beatdown victory over the Packers in Week 8, but Emmanuel Sanders didn't benefit much from Manning's strong outing. Manning frequently looked Demaryius Thomas' way (11 targets, 8 receptions, 168 YDS), which left Sanders to pick up a mere 22 yards on 2 receptions and 5 targets. Sanders has looked excellent in 2015 in spite of Manning's struggles and he should be able to get back on track against the Colts horrendous secondary in week 9.
Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Evans (Buccaneers), T.Y. Hilton (Colts), James Jones (Packers)
Tight End
MVP: Benjamin Watson (Saints)
I doubt even the biggest Benjamin Watson supporters thought that he would become the primary cog in the Saints passing attack after Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills were traded this offseason. Watson was the primary beneficiary of Drew Brees' absurd performance in Week 8, leading the team in both receptions (9) and receiving yards (147) while also pulling in 1 of Brees' 7 TD's on the afternoon. Watson has seemingly emerged as the top target in the Saints spread-the wealth passing attack over the past few weeks and is a rock-solid TE1 option for those aren't fortunate enough to have Rob Gronkowski or Gary Barnidge on their roster.
Honorable Mentions: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Greg Olsen (Panthers), Gary Barnidge (Browns)
LVP: Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
Tyler Eifert put the first real clunker of his breakout 2015 campaign, registering just 39 yards on 4 receptions against a Steelers defense that has gotten killed by TE's all season long. Eifert has a good shot of returning to the realm of fantasy glory in Week 9 against the Browns suddenly vulnerable defense.
Dishonorable Mentions: Martellus Bennett (Bears), Jason Witten (Cowboys), Jordan Cameron (Dolphins)
Defense
MVP: Houston Texans
The Texans defense has arisen from their coma. This unit didn't show any of the problems that have plagued them through 2015 as they picked up 7 sacks, an INT, a fumble recovery and allowed just 6 points against the Titans offense in Week 8. This dominant performance must be taken with a grain of salt as The Texans dominated a lowly Titans team that was without their starting quarterback and has next-to-no talent at the skill positions. Until they are able to string together a few impressive performances in a row, the Texans D can not be started with any sort of confidence.
Honorable Mentions: New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
LVP: New York Jets
You wouldn't know that the Jets had one of the league's best defenses if you watched them played in Week 8. The Jets allowed 34 points and failed to register a takeaway or sack against the surging Raiders offense on Sunday. To be fair, the Raiders have quietly assembled one of the best offensive lines in the league and Derek Carr has done a tremendous job of limiting turnovers this season (3 INT's and 2 lost fumbles in 7 starts), but it's still odd to see a defense that has been so great all year long be so ineffective for an entire game. The Jets should be able to bounce back in Week 9 against a Jaguars squad that is averaging 2 turnovers and 3.7 sacks allowed over their past 3 games.
Dishonorable Mentions: Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers
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