Turkey and football. Two of the greatest American things combined on single Thursday in November. What could be better? In my book nothing. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's festivities and we have a nice holiday 3 game slate to feed our fantasy DFS addiction. With that, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a quick article highlighting my favorites plays on Turkey Day. Keep in mind, this is a super short slate. You can be creative to differentiate but for the most part, don't get too cute.
$4,700 / at DAL / WAS + 7
I am likely spending down at QB on Thanksgiving and that leads me to Colt McCoy. In limited action last week, McCoy actually looked serviceable. He was able to throw for 54 yards and a TD, completing 6 of 12 passes while adding another 35 rushing yards. His opponent, the Cowboys, aren't the greatest matchup for QBs but they have looked a bit worse over the last couple of weeks. Look, the idea here is to pay way down at QB in order to fit the more expensive skill position players. I'm not expecting much from McCoy but if can manage a couple of scores and add a few yards rushing, he should pay off as a solid value play while allowing the rest of the roster to be filled out with expensive high salary players.
$8,300 / vs ATL / NO - 13
Kamara by far is the easiest play on the Thanksgiving slate. Of course he is a great play ant given week but at home vs the Falcons is just an insanely juicy matchup. The Falcons have been getting killed by pass catching RBs all season and don't appear to have an answer for anyone coming out of the backfield in the passing game. On the season they rank 1st in terms of fantasy points surrendered to the RB position (DK) but more importantly lead all teams with 10 targets and 8 receptions per game to RBs. Just awful and although Kamara is talented as a runner, he excels the most in the passing game. Earlier this season he scored over 37 DK points vs Atlanta with a 15 catch, 124 yard performance. He didn't even score a TD in that game. Tomorrow is going to a huge game for Kamara, so make sure he is in your lineup.
$6,100 / vs ATL / NO - 13
I'm not opposed to running both Ingram and Kamara out vs the Falcons. Both have proven the ability to share same game success and I believe tomorrow presents a perfect opportunity to again show that. For the same reasons above, Ingram makes for a great play at a cheaper price. He won't get the same usage but should still find easy success on 15-20 touches. The game spread of -13 also greatly favors the rushing game which could yield more carries for Ingram. Some goal line work and both Ingram and Kamara could both be looking at big games.
$4,500 / vs CHI / DET + 3
The best value on the slate in my opinion. The Lions have basically two RBs left. Riddick and Blount. Take your pick for value but my money is on Riddick. He offers upside in the passing game that Blount simply cannot. Riddick has also put together a couple nice weeks with the trade of Golden Tate and then Marvin Jones missing time. In that time Riddicks usage in the passing game has greatly increased as he has found time both in the backfield and as an inside receiver. He had 22 targets over the last 3 weeks and that usage should only grow with Kerryon Johnson sitting out. He should receive 8-10 targets along with increased usage as a runner. Great value in my opinion.
$8,300 / at NO / ATL + 13
The dude is just a monster and is finally finding the end zone. New Orleans has struggled all year and offers one of the best matchups for WRs. The Saints rank #1 in terms of points allowed to the WR position on an average weekly basis. Although Julio didn't get his typical usage earlier this season vs the Saints, he did still manage 96 yards receiving on just 5 catches. I have no doubt that stat line increases on Thanksgiving in what should be a shootout between the Falcons and Saints.
$5,700 / vs WAS / DAL - 7
Cooper has looked pretty good as a Dallas Cowboy and appears to be fitting in quite well. Although last weeks stat line wasn't that promising, Cooper usage in the Cowboys offense in encouraging. His first two weeks as a Cowboy, Cooper manage 15 targets, which is by far more than ant 2 week stretch he had with the Raiders this season. Consistently has always been an issue for Cooper but I believe he has found a great home in Dallas on a team that is looking for ways to get him the ball. Washington hasn't been that great vs WRs this season. In fact, over the last 4 weeks, the Redskins rank 9th in terms of points surrendered to WRs. More so, Elliot opens the passing game up so much for the Cowboys, I don't see how Cooper doesn't begin feasting soon. Maybe a Thanksgiving feast in on the books. We shall see.
$3,700 / at DET / CHI - 3
I was really high on Gabriel to start the week until Trubinsky was announced out. Gabriel's QB this Thursday will be Chase Daniel so we really have no idea how this will go down. It's a bit risky, but Gabriel's cheap salary makes it worth my while. At just $3,700 we don't really need much. I believe he is the Bears best receiving threat and was clearly the favorite option of Trubinsky, however that could change. I suspect the Bears will try to lean on the run as much as possible but if we can manage a few big plays out of Gabriel, he should easily hit value.
$4,700 / at DAL / WAS + 7
He is the only guy I'll be stacking with McCoy. Jordan Reed had arguably his best game of the season last week and found the end zone as soon as McCoy entered the game. I believe McCoy looked Reed's way a lot tomorrow both as a safety blanket and in the end zone.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Please take the time to enjoy some quality time with friends and family. Play a little DFS but don't forget it's Thanksgiving and enjoy yourself and relax. Best of luck!
