This is a unique week for fantasy football. Three games are scheduled for Thanksgiving, and all six teams involved have plenty of players for fantasy owners to consider starting.
Here’s some start/sit advice for each Thanksgiving matchup.
Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles, 12:30 p.m. ET
Start: Matthew Stafford (QB, Lions), Theo Riddick (RB, Lions), Calvin Johnson (WR, Lions), Eric Ebron (TE, Lions), DeMarco Murray (RB, Eagles), Darren Sproles (RB, Eagles), Jordan Matthews (WR, Eagles), Zach Ertz (TE, Eagles)
Stafford is a good play against an Eagles defense that has given up 20 touchdown passes. Murray and Sproles are smart starts versus a Lions defense that has given up the most rushing touchdowns in the league. Johnson is a must-start as long as he’s healthy because Stafford targets him a lot, especially on key third downs and in the red zone.
Sit: Ameer Abdullah (RB, Lions), Golden Tate (WR, Lions), Lions defense, Sam Bradford (QB, Eagles), Mark Sanchez (QB, Eagles), Miles Austin (WR, Eagles), Brent Celek (TE, Eagles), Eagles defense
Riddick is the better Lions running back to play because he’s a much bigger factor in the passing game, therefore making him more valuable in PPR leagues. Ertz has been the more productive tight end for the Eagles, which is why he plays a higher number of snaps than Celek.
Neither defense is a safe play because they combine to give up almost 50 points per game.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET
Start: Cam Newton (QB, Panthers), Jonathan Stewart (RB, Panthers), Devon Funchess (WR, Panthers), Greg Olsen (TE, Panthers), Panthers defense, Dez Bryant (WR, Cowboys)
Newton is a must-start, particularly after throwing five touchdown passes against an underrated Redskins pass defense last week. The Cowboys’ defense also has given up 104.9 yards per game and 10 touchdowns on the ground, making Stewart a good play. Even though Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo could struggle against a stout Panthers defense, Bryant likely will receive enough targets to be productive. Fantasy football is all about opportunity, and Bryant is the Cowboys’ best bet for success on offense.
Sit: Mike Tolbert (RB, Panthers), Jerricho Cotchery (WR, Panthers), Tony Romo (QB, Cowboys), Darren McFadden (RB, Cowboys), Cole Beasley (WR, Cowboys)
Romo should throw often enough to tally 250-plus yards, but expecting him to throw for two or three touchdowns and no interceptions is too optimistic. The Panthers’ defense leads the league in interceptions and is tied for second in sacks.
McFadden also could struggle against a Carolina defense that ranks ninth in rushing yards allowed per game. This is the best defense Dallas will play all season.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, 8:30 p.m. ET
Start: Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers), Eddie Lacy (RB, Packers), Davante Adams (WR, Packers), Randall Cobb (WR, Packers), James Jones (WR, Packers), Matt Forte (RB, Bears), Jeremy Langford (RB, Bears), Alshon Jeffery (WR, Bears), Martellus Bennett (TE, Bears)
Rodgers and the Packers’ offense finally woke up Sunday and ended a three-game losing streak with a quality performance against a very good Minnesota Vikings defense. You should start all of the Packers’ best offensive weapons.
For the Bears, Langford and Forte should be started if healthy and active. Langford has produced at an RB1 level in Forte’s absence, particularly in PPR leagues. Jeffery should be started because he’s too talented to sit if healthy. Bennett has disappointed for most of the season, but he’s not a bad play in PPR leagues against the Packers’ 23rd-ranked pass defense.
Sit: James Starks (RB, Packers), Richard Rodgers (TE, Packers), Packers defense, Jay Cutler (QB, Bears), Eddie Royal (WR, Bears), Bears defense
Cutler’s splits against the Packers at Lambeau Field are horrendous, so it’s not worth starting him this week. Lacy tallied his first 100-yard game of the season Sunday, and his resurgence should continue to make Starks a non-factor from a fantasy perspective.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
