Winners of the Week, Week 1 Edition

Hi, we are back with winners of the week! Last year we had someone new almost every week with the exceptions of Russell Wilson and Todd Gurley winning a few times. Here are our week 1 winners:

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buccaneers
Statline: 417 yards, 4 TDs passing, 36 yards, 1 TD rushing
All I can say is wow! When Jameis Winston was officially suspended the first 3 games of the season, everyone who hadn't already counted the Bucs out this season, did so then. It seemed like they were gonna start 0-3 and who knew if they would be any better once Winston came back. Heading into a tough week 1 match-up against Super Bowl contenders Saints, pretty much NO one thought the Bucs would win. Then Fitzmagic came out. Ryan Fitzpatrick who has been a journeyman his entire career burst into action and killed the game. Throwing 4 TDs and 400+ yards and then adding in 35 yards and a TD rushing. The Bucs easily won the game and Fitzpatrick looked like the best player in the league. (Just for week 1). I can't believe this, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is our first offensive player of the season!

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Von Miller, LB, Broncos
Statline: 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
What a way to burst back into the defensive player of the year race after not really being considered a year before. Von Miller has been a top 10 defensive player in the NFL since he entered the league and has been in the DPOY conversation almost every year, except for last year. Miller wasn't bad last year, but he wasn't amazing. But what a first game! Miller had an insane 3 sacks along with forcing TWO forced fumbles. That's crazy to do all in one game. Especially against someone as good as Russell Wilson. Von Miller has put himself as an early candidate for the defensive player of the year award and I won't be surprised when he leads the league in sacks by the end of the year. What a game for him.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Final Score: Bucs 48, Saints 40
This was a tough choice as there were a ton of good teams this week that had huge wins, but I have to give it to the Bucs. They were counted out ALREADY by so many people and for them to beat a Super Bowl contender who is the proven best team in their division without their starting QB and in a dominating fashion is just crazy. Ryan Fitzpatrick lead the way with a crazy good game but their defense was improved and their receiving core was all playing spectacular. The Bucs are certainly in it and I can see them riding Fitz's hot streak past Winston's suspension time until he slows down. (Which could very well be next week). Anyways, the Bucs had a great week and they had to be the team of the week! I also forgot to mention how well DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans played.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Honorable Mentions:
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints: 16 receptions, 180 yards, 1 TD receiving
Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs: 7 receptions, 169 yards, 2 TDs receiving, 1 punt return TD
James Conner, RB, Steelers: 135 yards, 2 TDs rushing
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: 286 yards, 3 TDs passing
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs: 256 yards, 4 TDs passing

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Honorable Mentions:
Denzel Ward, CB, Browns: 2 INTs, 3 passes defended
Khalil Mack, LB/DE, Bears: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT (returned for TD, pick 6)
Bradley McDougald, S, Seahawks: 2 INTs, 2 passes defended
TJ Watt, LB, Steelers
Harrison Smith, S, Vikings

TEAM OF THE WEEK Honorable Mentions:
Green Bay Packers (1-0)
Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)
Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
New York Jets (1-0)
Denver Broncos (1-0)

Thanks for reading!

Photo Cred: Tampa Bay Times, Mile High Sports,