HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And what better way to enjoy your Thanksgiving than to kick back, enjoy the football and eat your own body weight in food while knowing that you can feel confident about your fantasy lineups? Well, our analysts @K_H_Ray, @ZTwiceFF, & @MattFFDynasty have done all the hard work for you and have highlighted some of the players you should be looking to either start or sit this week, allowing you to do just that.
Enjoy!
Quarterback
Starts
Start Of The Week
Kirk Cousins @ SF (@K_H_RAY)
The Vikings leader is coming off a great game against their division rivals, Green Bay, tossing for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns. This marks the third straight game that Cousins has thrown multiple touchdowns. Up next is a decent matchup vs San Francisco, who rank 24th against opposing QBs. The Vikes are healthy and on a short hot streak. Cousins is a solid QB1.
Jimmy Garoppolo Vs MIN (@ZTwiceFF)
For the most part this season Jimmy G has been a reliable fantasy QB. At this point of the season most expected Trey Lance to be starting, but Garoppolo has kept a firm hold on that job. He has plenty of weapons with the breakout of Deebo Samuel, resurgence of Brandon Aiyuk, the return of George Kittle, and the ever solid San Fran running game. I expect Jimmy G to be a borderline QB1 in a likely shootout with Minnesota.
Taylor Heinicke Vs SEA (@MattFFDynasty)
Heinicke had one of his best performances since all the way back in Week 4 this past week in the most unlikely of situations against a usually strong CAR defense. His opponents this week in SEA, are on the opposite end of the spectrum, as they have allowed an average of 280 passing yards (3rd most). That coupled with Heinicke's rushing upside (276 rushing yards & 1TD this season) should lead to another solid fantasy performance from him this week.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Ryan Tannehill @ NE (@K_H_RAY)
Despite having the best record in the AFC, Tennessee looks banged up and have been dealing with injuries all over the field. Henry (out for season), Julio (on IR), and now AJ Brown have all been limited throughout the year. Playing great team-ball doesn't necessarily translate to fantasy production, and in the last 3 weeks, Tannehill is averaging 14 points. Week 12 the Titans play New England who has been stifling to opposing QBs to say the least. With a Week 13 bye, Tannehill should be on the shelf until his Week 14 matchup against the Jags.
Tua Tagovailoa Vs CAR (@MattFFDynasty)
Tua is coming off an impressive return as the starter for the Dolphins this past week Vs NYJ, however, I'm expecting a return back down to earth this Sunday Vs CAR. I mentioned earlier that CAR had a surprising 'off day' last week Vs Heinicke but it shows their usual level of performance when 206 passing yards and 3 TDs is an 'off day'. They allow a league-low 174 passing yards per game and rank 5th in FP allowed to opposing QBs.
Ben Roethlisberger @ CIN (@ZTwiceFF)
Big Ben had his best game of the year last week in LA facing the Chargers. I see that more of an outlier than as an indicator as to what's ahead. In a week 3 matchup against the Bengals he only produced 15 fantasy points on a season high 58 attempts. He'll be a desperation play at best in Cincinnati this week.
Running Back
Starts
Start Of The Week
David Montgomery @ DET (@MattFFDynasty)
Since Monty's return from injury in Week 9 he's yet to see the level of volume he had beforehand, averaging just 13.5 carries & 1.5 receptions per game, resulting in a couple of quiet performances. However, he is back to controlling this backfield playing around 90% of offensive snaps, and this week he gets a more favorable matchup against DET who are allowing an average of 26.6 fantasy points to opposing RBs. Also, with this game being a potential battle between Andy Dalton and Tim Boyle, I'm expecting both teams to rely on their run games, and therefore, a potential return to form for Monty this week.
James Robinson Vs ATL (@ZTwiceFF)
As long as Robinson plays this week, he is a must-start. He's been banged up since week 9 but still has produced in tough matchups against the Colts and 49ers. With no competition in the backfield, Robinson will keep it going this week against the Falcons.
D'Andre Swift Vs CHI (@K_H_RAY)
Swift managers have a lot to be thankful for this year, as he's been a certifiable stud all season. He even ran on a stingy Cleveland defense, stuffing 136 yards on the board. And the gravy-train should keep on roll-ing this week in a tasty matchup against Andy Dalton and the Bears. It may sound corny, but I'm rooting for the Lions to get their first win on Thanksgiving day. Although this team's cupboards seem bare, what matters most Thursday is family - even if Tim Boyle's play causes some awkward conversations around the dinner table. Mash Swift this week, and try some of your Aunt's Jell-O mold. It'll make her happy.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Myles Gaskin Vs CAR (@ZTwiceFF)
It is almost comedic now consistently Gaskin has fluctuated this season. He has scored double digit PPR points in every odd week, and single digit points in every even week. This week is not only an even week, but he's facing a stout Carolina run defense. He's a fine flex option due to passing game work but I wouldn't start him if I had any other options.
Josh Jacobs @ DAL (@K_H_RAY)
The good news: Jacobs has been relatively consistent all season (when he's been healthy). The bad news: The Raiders haven't been playing well. Jacobs hasn't been efficient, and he hasn't scored over 17 points all season. The Raiders play the Cowboys on the road on a short week. Dallas ranks 5th against opposing RBs. If you need an underwhelming ~10 point performance, Jacobs is your guy.
Damien Harris Vs TEN (@MattFFDynasty)
It only took 1 missed game from Damien Harris but it now looks as if this backfield has become a split committee between Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. That could be crushing for Harris' fantasy production as he doesn't have the passing volume to make up for the drop in carries (Just 12 receptions for 72 yards this season). Then to make matters worse this week, he goes up against a strong TEN front 7 that has kept opposing RBs in check, for the most part, this season.
Wide Receiver
Starts
Start Of The Week
Michael Gallup Vs LV (@ZTwiceFF)
The Cowboys are blessed to have such a deep receiving core. Cooper is out this week with COVID and Lamb is questionable with a concussion, yet they still have a stud WR in Michael Gallup. Though the matchup is tough against the Raiders, the high powered offense has plenty of offense to go around. Gallup has been slowly getting involved in his first two weeks back from injury - this is the week where he reminds us all how good he is.
DJ Moore @ MIA (@K_H_RAY)
Cam Newton starting a full game seemed to be what DJ Moore needed to break a 4-week slump of fewer than 10 fantasy points. Against the WFT, Moore went 5 of 7 for 50 yards and his first touchdown since Week 4. Sure, the passing volume will be lower with Newton vs Darnold, but DJM is still the number one pass catcher in this offense and will continue to see looks. Week 12 Carolina plays Miami who ranks second to last against opposing fantasy WRs this season.
Brandon Aiyuk Vs MIN (@MattFFDynasty)
Fellow 49ers WR Deebo Samuel has been a 'set and forget' player in fantasy this season, but now Brandon Aiyuk is finally finding his way back to being a startable option. Over the last 4 games, he's had 26 Targets, 20 Receptions, 245 yards, and 2 TDs, a far cry from the miserable start to the season he had where he only had just 96 yards in his first 6 games. Going up against the Vikings this week, who just got torched by the Packers for 385 passing yards and 4 TDs, I expect the good times to continue for Aiyuk in another likely high-scoring game.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Odell Beckham Jr. @ GB (@K_H_RAY)
Everyone outside of Cleveland wants to see OBJ back in the endzone making crazy catches and taking this Rams offense to the next level. While that may happen as early as this weekend, I'm concerned with the wide range of fantasy outcomes for OBJ, making it difficult to trust him in your starting lineup. He's played one game and had a bye week to get acclimated to the playbook & system. Even though we're nearing the end of the fantasy regular season with 3 games left, this fantasy analyst needs to see the production before he gets a starting spot.
Jerry Jeudy Vs LAC (@MattFFDynasty)
I could have mentioned fellow DEN WR Courtland Sutton here, but I didn't want to put a dampener on his week after securing the bag with his new contract extension. And to be honest, it's been Jeudy who has been the more reliable fantasy producer in recent weeks. However, I'm expecting a tough matchup this week Vs LAC who are allowing the 2nd least fantasy points to opposing WRs. The Broncos didn't look great before their bye in Week 10 against the Eagles and they will need a major turnaround following their week off for that to change against the Chargers.
Kenny Golladay Vs PHI (@ZTwiceFF)
The big splash singing for the Giants this off-season simply has not worked out. In two games back from injury he has a total of 3 catches on 5 targets for 36 yards. That would be a bad line for even one game. He is not involved enough in this offense to play in fantasy, especially against a good Philly pass defense.
Tight End
Starts
Start Of The Week
Dalton Schultz Vs LV (@MattFFDynasty)
With Amari Cooper and likely CeeDee Lamb out for this week's Thanksgiving matchup Vs the Raiders, Schultz could be in line for another week of increased volume. Last week he saw a tied season-high in targets and receptions and I expect that to continue this week as one of QB Dak Prescott's most trusted weapons with the number of changes occurring to his WR corps. The level of volume that Schultz should receive alone makes him a must-start at the TE position and a solid TE1 option this week.
Rob Gronkowski @ IND (@ZTwiceFF)
Last week in his first action since week 3, Gronk produced 71 yards and 6 catches on 8 targets. He's back as one of Brady's security blanket, and with Antonio Brown still out Gronk will have top tier volume in a great matchup in Indianpolis. Start him with confidence as a top TE.
Noah Fant Vs LAC (@K_H_RAY)
Coming off the bye, Denver will be looking to take advantage of a good matchup for Noah Fant against the Chargers. Los Angeles currently ranks 31st against opposing TEs for the season. Yes, Broncos wide receivers have been all over the news lately, but Fant remains a consistent presence in this offense and a trusted weapon for Teddy Bridgewater. Feel good about Fant coming off a bye week in a big divisional matchup.
Sits
Sit of the Week
Cole Kmet @ DET (@ZTwiceFF)
Kmet has been making strides as a pass catcher this season with Justin Fields under center. Unfortunately Fields is out this week and Andy Dalton will be back starting for Chicago. Though the Lions have the worst record in the NFL, they have been decent on defense against TE's. I'd sit Kmet and pivot towards other streaming options at TE's this week.
Jared Cook @ DEN (@K_H_RAY)
For those fantasy managers still throwing Cook out there on a weekly basis, cut it out! Cook has had a rough go of it in recent weeks with only 1 game with over 10 points in the last 4 games. To make matters worse, Donald Parham has been taking up targets and has established a consistent role in the offense. To make matters even worst than THAT, the Chargers now face the Broncos who are 3rd best against opposing TEs this season.
Tyler Higbee @ GB (@MattFFDynasty)
On the face of it, Tyler Higbee had a successful fantasy outing last week Vs the 49ers with 11 fantasy points, however, it was mainly saved by a TD with him having just 20 receiving yards. He's only broken 50 receiving yards twice (51 & 68 yards) in the 10 games he's played, therefore constantly making him a risky, TD dependant selection in fantasy.
Waiver Recap
Thanks for reading. Be sure to keep an eye out for both our weekly articles, Tuesday Waiver Targets & Thursday Start/Sit and Waiver Recap with the @FF_Astronauts. Follow @K_H_Ray, @ZTwiceFF, & @MattFFDynasty on Twitter for more Fantasy Football content throughout the season, and hit us up with any of your Start/Sit or Waiver questions.
