Happy Thanksgiving, fantasy faithful. This turkey day, be sure to enjoy the three Fs: family, food and football. There are three games on deck for this holiday and another slate of Sunday games at the end of a tryptophan-fueled weekend. Which players can owners trust just weeks before the fantasy playoffs?
Start
Steve Smith Sr., WR, Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy owners who have heard me on the , know that I’m wary of divisional games. Good defenses can be play poorly, bad defenses can play better against teams they see twice a year. This is an instance where I’ll throw caution to the wind and vouch for Ravens receiver Steve Smith against Cincinnati this Sunday. In six career games against the Bengals, Smith has averaged 105 yards per game along with four touchdowns in those six games. Two years ago, he caught 7 passes for 118 yards and a score. Last year,f he put up 186 yards and two scores on 13 catches against Cincy’s defense. Both games were at home just like Sunday’s contest will be.
Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Running back Todd Gurley has a great matchup against the New Orleans Saints come Sunday. The Saints have given up an average of 102 rushing yards per game to opposing backs have have allowed 13 rushing touchdowns on the season. Christine Michael scored against New Orleans in Week 8, Jonathan Stewart scored twice against the Saints in Week 6 and once last Thursday. Gurley was able to find the endzone against a poor Dolphins’ rush defense last week. He looks like a good bet to hit paydirt again Sunday.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy owners may feel uneasy playing Falcons running back Devonta Freeman against the Cardinals Sunday. Arizona has an intimidating defense but they’re not nearly as tough on the road as they are at home. In four road games, only one opponent has failed to eclipse 100 rushing yards against the Cardinals. Thatap the Minnesota Vikings whose rushing attack is suspect to begin with. LeSean McCoy and the Bills ran all over Arizona for a combined total of 208 yards in Week 3. The 49ers had 151 rushing yards against Arizona in Week 5 and the Panthers rushed for 141 yards in Week 8. Start Freeman and fellow back Tevin Coleman if he makes his return on Sunday.
Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Itap a clear backfield in Seattle as running back Thomas Rawls is the only viable option left for the Seahawks Sunday against Tampa Bay. The Bucs allow nearly 115 rushing yards a game to opposing running backs. They’ve also allowed nine scores on the season. With the Seahawks’ offense clicking behind the play of a healthy Russell Wilson, Rawls should be a fine start Sunday.
Sit
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
While the matchup isn’t bad, I don’t trust the Indianapolis Colts’ offense without Andrew Luck at the helm. Luck suffered a concussion in the Colts’ Week 11 tilt against the Titans and won’t play Thanksgiving night against Pittsburgh. That leaves Scott Tolzien as the Colts starting quarterback. Given that information, I don’t see wide receiver T.Y. Hilton performing at his usual level.
Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets
Itap been a rough run for veteran Jets receiver Brandon Marshall. Itap been rough for his fantasy owners as well and unfortunately, itap not going to get better. Marshall hasn’t scored since Week 5 and hasn’t had 70 receiving yards since Week 6. This week, the Jets play New England and Marshall will likely be matched up against cornerback Malcolm Butler who has held wide receivers Antonio Brown and A.J. Green out of the endzone. The Patriots excel at taking away a team’s top option so expect Marshall to have another poor outing Sunday.
Terrelle Pryor, WR, Cleveland Browns
Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor has been one of the better surprises in fantasy football this season, but he has a tough matchup against the New York Giants Sunday. The Giants have only allowed nine passing touchdowns on the year, the same number as the Denver Broncos. Also, the Giants rank second against No. 1 receivers according to Football Outsiders. Top receivers are only gaining an average of 55 yards a game.
Golden Tate, WR, Detroit Lions
Here’s an example of when a divisional matchup can go sour for fantasy owners. The last time Lions receiver Golden Tate played the Vikings he had an 11-79-1 statline. That’s great but he got the majority of his points on in overtime. He eluded two defenders on the play. Otherwise, the Vikings held him in check all game. I’m not counting on lightning to strike twice. Bench Tate on turkey day.
