Thanksgiving Fantasy Football Preview

By Andrew Nichols
Fantasy Football Staff Writer

This week is certainly an interesting one, as we have the annual Thanksgiving special of three Thursday games: Houston at Detroit, Washington at Dallas, and New England at NY Jets. Naturally, within these three games, there are a lot of fantasy sit’em and start’em questions, but this article is only concerned with those guys that fall somewhere in the middle, the tough decisions.

Here, I will offer my insight on who you should start that could be a sneaky play this week in each of the three matchups.



Houston at Detroit:

Matt Schaub: Okay, absolutely no one was expecting that monster game last week. Schaub threw for over 500 yards and a crazy five touchdowns, and even though he is facing Detroit, a middle of the pack defense this week, he should be able to be fantasy startable in 12-team leagues, and a bit of a lottery pick in ten team leagues. I’d expect to see 300 yards and a few scores from him, which is a solid outing.

Ryan Broyles: Now that we know Titus Young will not play (after being suspended by the team for his actions on Sunday), it seems likely Broyles will get more targets. I don’t expect him to have a breakout performance, but if you need a WR3, consider starting him. I predict a 5/65 type of day, with the possibility of a score coming his way inside the redzone.

Ryan Broyles (celebrating after scoring a TD) has a great opportunity this week with Titus Young suspended

Washington at Dallas:

Phillip Tanner/Lance Dunbar: I’m going to be the first one to tell you that this is not the best option you could have at the position. If you can, pick up Hillman or Jalen Parmele, but if they have already been scooped up and you need a fill-in for McGahee, Murray, or McFadden, consider either of these guys. Felix Jones has hurt himself once again and is unlikely to play in Thursday’s game. At this point, it is expected that Dunbar will draw the start, but both can be considered deep flex options if you’re desperate since the Redskins have actually been pretty decent against the run this season (only because everyone is always throwing on them).


New England at NY Jets:

Danny Woodhead: Prepare for a bit of a speech. I am going to be the first one to admit it: I LOVE Danny Woodhead. I’m a New England fan (born and raised), and I own this guy’s jersey that’s how much I love him. If you ever get the privilege to watch him play, each time he touches the ball he gets five or six yards. He’s not as flashy or explosive like Ridley or Spiller, but he gets a decent number of looks on third downs and is always in the running to score a touchdown. In fact, he scored a pair of touchdowns two weeks ago against Buffalo. If you want a good flex play, look no further than Woodhead.

The Patriots usage of their RBs is always a mystery, but Woodhead against his former team is worth the gamble.

Jeremy Kerley: This one comes down to the matchup. Right now, the Patriots are giving up the seventh most fantasy points to wide outs, meaning that Kerley, a guy known for his big play ability, could find himself on the receiving end of some long bombs from Sanchez. If you are looking for a WR3 or a low end WR2, I’d consider him this week.

Well, that’s all I have for you this week. I hope everyone has a moist bird and some high scoring games this Thanksgiving.