Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I have to say that Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Do you know why? The two most important reasons why are: 1) No presents. You don't have to fight the mall and buy presents for anyone. 2) The wonderful gift of 3 NFL games! Yes, don't forget there is a 3rd game played on Thursday night!
Thanksgiving Day Match Ups:
1. Green Bay @ Detroit - There are some easy options for this game. Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Donald Driver & Greg Jennings. I really like both tight ends in this game, as you'll read below. I also love Megatron and like Kevin Smith as well. The Packers defense is really banged up.
2. Oakland @ Dallas - With the exception of Zach Miller, who Gradkowski seems to love, there isn't a fantasy worthy Raider in my opinion. One would think this is a good opportunity for the Cowboys to get the offense back on track, but Oakland's defense is pretty decent. I like Marion Barber, but after that I'm not thrilled with the Cowboys passing prospects this week.
3. NY Giants @ Denver - This is a very intriguing game to me on Thursday night. Denver has been pretty awful the past month, and I don't really see how they can turns things around this week. Don't go near Kyle Orton, but Brandon Marshall is still a must start. I have never been a fan of Eli Manning, and he goes up against a pretty good pass defense.
Put em' in the lineup:
QB - Matt Hasselback, Ben Roethlisburger, Jake Delhomme
It's time for the most inconsistent fantasy quarterback to have a good game. Of course it helps the Seahawks are playing the Rams. Despite the Big Ben's concussion I look for him to play big in this heated division game. Jake the snake has been playing much better of late. I like him against the Jets as long as he goes away from Steve Smith and Darelle Revis.
RB - Steve Slaton, Justin Forsett, Jason Snelling, Rock Cartwright
If you play in a PPR league, than go ahead and start Slaton. He had 5 receptions on Monday night. Forsett is now the man in Seattle, and he takes on the Rams this weekend. I don't think Turner plays this weekend so that means another start for Snelling. Rock Cartwright gets his first start of his NFL career. He looked good in limited time last week, so use him if you really need a 2nd running back.
WR - Terrel Owens, Nate Burleson, Kevin Walter
Last week was not all that much of a fluke. Fitzpatrick will make sure he targets TO again this week. After a dismal game the week before, Nate Burelson had a very good receiving game this past week. I am a sucker for Kevin Walter. I also think the Texans will pass all over the Colts on their way to ending the Colts perfect season.
TE - Jermichael Finley, Brandon Pettigrew, Zach Miller
Finley is finally healthy again and quickly returned as one of Aaron Rodgers favorite targets. Look for much of the same on Thanksgiving against the Lions. Pettigrew, the impressive rookie, caught the game winning TD against the Browns. I am a big fan of his and think he'll just get better as the season goes on. Zach Miller was by far Bruce Gradkowski's favorite target last week, and he will be getting the start again at quarterback.
DEF - Cowboys, Bengals, Eagles
This one is easy. The Cowboys take on the Raiders, the Bengals play the Browns and The Eagles play the Redskins. Enough Said!
Make em' ride the bench:
QB - Kyle Orton, Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell
Man, what happened to Kyle Orton? I was so high on him before the season, and he made me look like a genius earlier this season. Let's just say you couldn't pay me to have Jay Cutler on my fantasy team anymore. It's not that I think Campbell is a terrible QB, but he's just not that good and he plays the Eagles.
RB - Michael Turner, Jamaal Charles, Brandon Jacobs
It looks like Turner will not play this week. I know he wants to, but really he needs to get healthy. The Chargers defense completely shut down the Broncos last week. I see much of the same this week for the Chiefs. I am severely disappointed in Brandon Jacobs. I will not play him myself until he shows me he can get more than 40 yards rushing in a game.
WR - Steve Smith (CAR), Lee Evans
Darelle Revis pretty much shut down Randy Moss again last weekend. The last time I checked, Steve Smith is no Randy Moss. With Fitzpatrick targeting Owens so much, it's only obvious Lee Evans takes a step back.
TE - John Carlson, Todd Heap, Kevin Boss
0 points? 0 points? John Carlson is the tight end bust of the season. Todd Heap takes on the Steelers defense. No thank you. I like Kevin Boss, but he's been so inconsistent this season. He had a very good week with 2 TD's in Week 11, so you can expect him not to do much this week.
DEF - Colts, Patriots, Saints, Bears
I really think the Colts are going to get scored on a ton and lose to the Texans. The Pats and Saints take each other on in what should be a Browns/Lions type of game. Did I really just say that? The Bears are the most frauds and take on the high flying Vikings. Enough of Adrian Peterson, can anyone stop Brett Favre?
Happy Thanksgiving All!
