Trying to figure out who to start for your fantasy football team before stuffing your face on Thanksgiving? We’ve got you covered.
All fantasy owners have at least one thing to be thankful for—No more bye weeks! While many owners have the ability to script a starting lineup without restriction, you may want you may want to consider these under-the-radar plays to spice things up.
Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. GB)
The Tennessee Titans awoke the sleeping giant last Thursday. Big Ben went nuclear, firing for 299 yards and four touchdowns, pushing the Steelers to 8-2.
The five-time Pro Bowler’s inconsistency throughout the early part of the season has him trying to gain back the trust of fantasy owners. A tasty home matchup against the reeling Packers should help Roethlisberger repair the fractured relationship.
Although it’s a small sample size, it’s worth noting Roethlisberger is 2-0 against the Packers with five touchdowns.
Other QBs to start:
- Alex Smith, KC (vs. BUF)
- Philip Rivers, LAC (at DAL)
- Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. TB)
- Russell Wilson, SEA (at SF)
Alfred Morris, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys (vs. LAC)
Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension saga was finally put to rest, thus allowing Morris to establish himself as the Cowboys’ starting running back.
Unfortunately, Zeke’s departure and the loss of left tackle Tyron Smith have stymied Dallas’ offensive attack. In the back-to-back embarrassments at the hands of the Falcons and Eagles, the Cowboys managed a combined 16 points.
What you may not have noticed is that Morris quietly racked up a combined 154 yards in the aforementioned blowouts. Expect him to find more success, and perhaps a trip to the end zone on Thursday. The Chargers are surrendering a league-worst 138.9 rushing yards per game,
Other RBs worth starting:
- Tevin Coleman, ATL (vs. TB)
- Christian McCaffrey, CAR (at NYJ)
- Jerick McKinnon, MIN (at DET)
- Duke Johnson, CLE (at CIN)
Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins (vs. NYG)
For the first time in franchise history, the Redskins have reservations for Thanksgiving at FedEx Field. The Skins will look to feast on a New York Giants defense that is cooked to perfection.
Big Blue’s defense looked much improved last Sunday in their 12-9 overtime win over Kansas City, but take it with a grain of salt. Blustery winds at Metlife stadium prevented either offense from sustaining a steady aerial attack. Prior to Sunday, the Giants had allowed over 24 points in seven of their first nine games.
Doctson, the 22nd overall pick in 2016, had his rookie campaign derailed by an Achilles injury. One year later, he is starting to emerge as one of Kirk Cousins more reliable weapons. Doctson hauled in four catches for 82 yards in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Saints. The former TCU standout also saw seven targets, second to wideout Jamison Crowder’s eight.
Washington’s injuries on offense provide a boost to Docton’s seasonal value. Pass-catching running back Chris Thompson and receiver Terrell Pryor became the latest members of the IR club, which is chaired by tight end Jordan Reed.
Other WRs worth starting:
- Keenan Allen, LAC (at DAL)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT (vs. GB)
- Brandin Cooks, NE (vs. MIA)
- Rishard Matthews, TEN (at IND)
- Alshon Jeffery, PHI (vs. CHI)
- Adam Thielen, MIN (at DET)
Jared Cook, Tight End, Oakland Raiders (vs. DEN)
Denver’s disastrous season prompted the dismissal of Offensive coordinator Mike Mccoy, on the heels of its sixth consecutive loss. Neither Brock Osweiler nor Trevor Siemian can jumpstart their anemic offense, which is averaging a meager 14.2 points per game since week six.
The inability to put points on the board is taking a toll on Denver’s prominent defense. Tight ends are giving them the biggest headache, averaging 13 fantasy points through 11 weeks.
Cook has performed admirably in Oakland’s passing game. In two of the last four games, the nine-year vet netted over 100 yards, making him the Raiders’ leading receiver. Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper will get to eat, but look for Cook to get an extra helping of targets.
Other TEs worth starting:
- Jimmy Graham, SEA (at SF)
- Delanie Walker, TEN (at IND)
- Jack Doyle, IND (vs. TEN)
