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NFL Notebook Week 9: MVP race, playoff picture, awards and more

By Zach Cohen

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hugs quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hugs quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Fantasy Fixture

As the season rolls on, it’s only appropriate that every week I discuss a little about America’s new favorite past-time: Fantasy Football. 

Prior to the season, I tweeted this out:

Nearly two months later, let’s check in with how my favorite fantasy players are doing. Keep in mind that just because a player has performed well up to this point,

Lamar Jackson

Average Draft Position (per Fantasy Pros): 14
Current Ranking Among QBs (per ESPN PPR): 3rd

I banged the table harder for Jackson than I did for anyone else. Now, he’s not only a top fantasy threat but he’s also in early MVP contention. I specifically pointed out his increase in rushing, saying, “He’s basically guaranteed to eclipse 700 rushing yards this year. All 7 QBs to ever do that were top-5 in the position.”

He’s on pace to break to Michael Vick’s single-season rushing record among quarterbacks, so this pick is a success so far.

Aaron Jones

Average Draft Position: 15
Current Ranking Among RBs: 4th

Jones scared me with a 4.9 dud to start the season, and his latest performance produced only 3.9 points. The usage of Jamaal Williams gives me caution as well. However, Jones is still the fourth-highest-scoring running back in fantasy, so barring something drastic, this is looking good for now.

Chris Carson

Average Draft Position: 16
Current Ranking Among RBs: 7th

While he’s only eclipsed 20 points twice, he still is a top-ten option thanks to his usage. The loss of center Justin Britt and return of running back Rashaad Penny probably limits Carson’s ceiling going forward. Despite that, Carson has for the most part been a steal.

Tyler Lockett

Average Draft Position: 17th
Current Ranking Among WRs: 3rd

I’ve loved Lockett since his collegiate days and, frankly, I was getting antsy over his breakout year. After an ultra-efficient 2018 season, Lockett has had an even better 2019 season. As with any player, health is obviously a concern, though maybe more so with Lockett. Still, this pick looked good for the first half of the season; can he keep it up in the second half?

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