Fantasy Football Advice: Thanksgiving Day Breakdown (2024)

It’s Thanksgiving, the time for turkey, football, and, of course, fantasy football. As we dig into the holiday slate, we’ve got a handful of games to preview, including a few key matchups that might be just the distraction you need between bites of mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

This Thanksgiving, the action is coming at us fast, with a handful of games to navigate. Let’s dive into the Thursday and Black Friday games and give you the fantasy advice you need to help you make some tough start/sit decisions.

1. Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions (Thursday, 12:30 PM EST)

Vegas Line: Lions -10, 48.5 Over/Under

This NFC North matchup has some intriguing fantasy implications, though not many of them are game-changers. The Bears are struggling at 4-7, but we’ve seen Caleb Williams show some life under the new offensive coordinator. However, do you want to start him against the Lions in Detroit? Tough call, especially since their defense ranks 24th, allowing 30 points a game.

Bears Fantasy Outlook:

Caleb Williams: If you’re in a pinch, you could roll with him. The Lions’ defense is exploitable through the air, but starting a rookie QB in a tough environment isn’t ideal. He’s a low-end QB2 this week.
Rashaad Johnson and Deonta Swift: The Lions’ run defense is solid (ranked 2nd), making both of these backs tough to trust, though Johnson has been vulturing touchdowns. If you have to choose, Johnson offers more touchdown upside.
DJ Moore: Despite the shaky QB play, Moore continues to get plenty of targets. He’s a solid start, even as a WR2.
Keenan Allen and Odunze: Odunze saw 10 targets last week and could be in for another decent showing. He’s a low-end WR3 with upside.

Lions Fantasy Outlook:

Jared Goff: Goff is tough to trust in this matchup. The Bears’ secondary has been solid, and the Lions might lean on the run game. He’s a low-end QB1 for this week.
David Montgomery & Jahmyr Gibbs: Both of these guys are locks. Gibbs is a solid RB1, and Montgomery also offers RB2/flex value.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: He’s a must-start as a top-tier WR1.
Jameson Williams: He’s still too inconsistent to trust in your lineup, even if you’re feeling adventurous. You’d need a lot of injuries or a desperation play to consider him.

Pick: Lions win, but Bears cover the spread. Look for a close game in a division rivalry.

2. New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 PM EST)

Vegas Line: Cowboys -10, 37.5 Over/Under

This game screams “snooze fest,” but it’s Thanksgiving football, so we have to make the best of it. The Giants (2-9) are in total disarray, while the Cowboys (7-4) are aiming for a big win to solidify their playoff position.

Giants Fantasy Outlook:

Tommy DeVito: Absolutely not. He’s not even worth considering in a two-quarterback league.
Tyron Tracy: The only reasonable options for the Giants. Tracy has talent but has been prone to fumbles and inconsistency.

Cowboys Fantasy Outlook:

Dak Prescott: Dak has been on a hot streak, but the Giants’ defense has been sneaky solid against the pass. He’s still a top-10 QB this week but might not put up the huge numbers.
CeeDee Lamb: Always a must-start as a top-tier WR1.
Rico Dowdle: Dowdle had 22 opportunities last week, but he’s very touchdown-dependent. He’s more of a flex option than a true RB2, especially against a Giants defense that will likely be overmatched.
Jake Ferguson: Keep an eye on Ferguson’s concussion protocol status. If he plays, he’s a low-end TE1. If not, Luke Schoonmaker might be a viable start in deeper leagues.

Pick: Cowboys win, but it could be closer than expected given the spread.

3. Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers (Friday, 3:00 PM EST)

Vegas Line: Packers -3.5, 47 Over/Under

In a clash of playoff hopefuls, the Dolphins (5-6) are looking to keep their momentum going, while the Packers (8-3) are hot with a young QB leading the charge. This game promises to be more exciting than the Giants/Cowboys snooze fest, with both teams packing fantasy punch.

Dolphins Fantasy Outlook:

Tua Tagovailoa: Tua is on fire and should continue that trend. He’s a top-5 QB this week, even with the cold weather potentially impacting him.
Raheem Mostert: Must-start as an RB1. He’s been a major workhorse for the Dolphins this season.
Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle: Both are elite options. Hill is a WR1, and Waddle, after a strong game last week, should be in your lineup as a WR2 with upside.
Jonnu Smith: Who would’ve thought that Jonnu Smith would be such a key piece for the Dolphins? He’s becoming a solid low-end TE1 with decent touchdown upside.

Packers Fantasy Outlook:

Jordan Love: He’s been more consistent of late but faces a tough Dolphins secondary. Love is a low-end QB1 this week, but the matchup could hurt his ceiling.
Josh Jacobs: He’s a must-start RB2
, though the Dolphins have been tough against the run. He’s still involved enough in the passing game to warrant a start.
Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs: Watson remains a touchdown-dependent WR2, but his ceiling is high. Doubs is more of a flex play, and I’d rank him a little lower than Watson.
Tucker Kraft: If you’re desperate at tight end, Kraft has been finding the end zone lately. He’s a high-risk, high-reward play, though I’d still take a more established option if you can.

Pick: Packers win, but the Dolphins keep it close.

4. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Friday, 7:30 PM EST)

Vegas Line: Chiefs -12.5, 42.5 Over/Under

It’s hard to get excited for this matchup, as the Raiders are struggling at 2-9, and the Chiefs have looked a bit shaky at times. Still, the Chiefs are heavy favorites, and with their top players in form, they should have no problem covering this spread.

Raiders Fantasy Outlook:

Aidan O’Connell: Avoid him unless you’re in a super-deep league. The Chiefs’ defense can still be tricky, and O’Connell’s upside is very low.
Jakobi Meyers: Meyers is a safe start as a flex play, though you may want to temper expectations against the Chiefs’ pass defense.

Chiefs Fantasy Outlook:

Patrick Mahomes: Even though the Chiefs have played down to opponents this year, Mahomes is a top-6 QB this week, especially with a weak Raiders secondary.
Isiah Pacheco: He’s the workhorse back in Kansas City, but the Raiders’ defense can still be pesky. He’s an RB2 with touchdown upside.
Travis Kelce: He’s locked in as a top TE1, as always.

Pick: Chiefs win big.

Final Thoughts:

It’s an exciting Thanksgiving weekend for football fans, and with four games on tap, you’ll have plenty of fantasy action to manage. Be sure to check the injury reports and weather forecasts as these games approach, as cold temperatures could impact some of the higher-scoring offenses. Happy Thanksgiving, and good luck in your fantasy matchups!