Fantasy Football Love/Hate Week 12: Can’t Beat Turkey And Football

Anyone who has read more than a couple of my blogs understands how much I abhor Thursday games. I do, however, make exceptions for Thanksgiving. Really, what’s better than stuffing your gills with turkey, Aunt Cathy’s cornbread dressing, the wife’s green bean casserole and mother-in-law’s hot apple pie? OK, I need to stop this before the drool ruins my laptop.

Until recently, however, football has been lackluster, at best, on Turkey Day. The Lions stunk up the joint for so long, and in the fantasy world you just had to hope your opponent didn’t have anyone going against them. I remember one year I was down 30-0 (which is a ton in my league) before I had anyone hit the field the following Sunday. Then you had Dallas playing in the afternoon game, and the Tryptophan from all the turkey you ate began to kick in. Snooooooze.

And the night game? Fuhgedabout it.

At least now, the Lions are better, and the if you hate the Cowboys like 80 percent of the rest of America, they no longer are a sure thing to win. Makes it much easier to root against them.

Usually, too, the night game is worth watching while you go for your third helpings.

This year is no different. Chances are both you and your opponent will have at least one or two players going Thursday, which makes things more than bearable.

Now, if we could only find a way to replace Rob Gronkowski or Willis McGahee. But that’s a story we’ll save for Christmas when we go with the “what if” blog.
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all.

LOVE

QUARTERBACK
Tony Romo, (Thu.) Cowboys vs. Redskins (29th vs. pass)
The most inconsistent, overrated quarterback in the NFL is primed to have a big day in this one. With the Cowboys running game in shambles, they’ll have no choice than to rely on Romo’s arm. That’s bad if you’re playing against Miles Austin, Jason Witten or Dez Bryant, but it’s good if you’ve had Romo stashed away on your bench.
Honorable mention: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers at Saints (You can bet N.O. coaches hoping Alex Smith starts … but he won’t)

RUNNING BACKS
Bryce Brown, Eagles vs. Panthers (20th vs. run); Jalen Parmele, Jaguars vs. Titans (28th vs. run)
Don’t count on LeSean McCoy playing, and Philly will have to run the ball. Yes, have to. Brown has shown signs that he is a capable backup, and against an average run defense, he should plenty of chances to show off his talent. … Yep, going way out on a limb with the two RB choices, but there are plenty of desperate owners out there looking to find some way to get in the playoffs. In most leagues, Brown and Parmele are available, and both could get 20 carries and go for 80 yards this week.
Honorable mention: Ronnie Hillman, Broncos at Chargers (Already scooped up in most leagues; this guy has big-time talent); Vick Ballard, Colts vs. Bills (No team has allowed more rushing touchdowns than Buffalo)

WIDE RECEIVERS
Kenny Britt, Titans at Jaguars (28th vs. pass); Donnie Avery, Colts vs. Bills (18th vs. pass)
One of the most disappointing mid-round pickups not only isn’t being started in 86 percent of CBS leagues as I type this, but Britt is available in 25 percent of them. Book it: Jake Locker will look for him this week, and he’ll go for at least 80 yards and a score. … Avery is a risky pick as we sit here today, because of his issues with a concussion. But the fact he’s been practicing tells me he’ll be playing Sunday. And what an enticing matchup against a team that has allowed 19 TDs through the air this season, especially with his quarterback having a Patriot-sized chip on his shoulder after last week. Just check the injury reports Sunday morning.
Honorable mention: Harry Douglas, Falcons at Bucs (Yeah, I’m reaching, but there will be plenty to go around against league’s worst pass defense); Brandon Stokely, Broncos at Chiefs (Speaking of plenty to go around …)

TIGHT END
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins vs. Seahawks (3rd vs. pass)
Going strictly on a hunch here, and obviously not because of the matchup. I just don’t think the Fins will be able to run at all against this stingy defense, and when in the red zone, Ryan Tannehill will have to look for his largest target.
Honorable mention: Dustin Keller, (Thu.) Jets vs. Patriots (Has to get more involved; Jets usually give Pats a tough game)

KICKER: Mike Nugent, Bengals vs. Raiders (Cincy will leave points on the table, which is good for Nugent)

HATE

QUARTERBACK
Matt Schaub, (Thu.) Texans at Lions (8th vs. pass)
So everyone will be jumping back on the Schaub bandwagon because of his league-second-best-ever performance last week, and because it looks like Andre Johnson is ready to roll into the fantasy playoffs. Not so fast, my friend. The Lions are not Jacksonville, and Schaub will be facing a fierce pass rush. If you’re OK with 225 yards and a touchdown, then roll with him. Don’t expect much more.
Not-so-honorable mention: Matt Stafford, (Thu.) Lions vs. Texans (I guess what I am saying is take the under in this one)

RUNNING BACKS
LeSean McCoy, Eagles vs. Panthers (20th vs. run); Mikel Leshoure, (Thu.) Lions vs. Texans (2nd vs. run)
As of this writing, McCoy has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game, but I’d be shocked if he played. I’d be more shocked if he had more than 10 carries even if he does play. Just not worth the risk two weeks from the fantasy playoffs. … Much like San Francisco at this time last year, Houston is the only team in the NFL not to allow a rushing touchdown this season. Not going to happen here for Leshoure, either.
Not-so-honorable mention: Trent Richardson, Browns vs. Steelers (Just too tough against the run for an inconsistent option); Any Saints running back vs. 49ers (This one is all on Drew Brees)

WIDE RECEIVERS
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals vs. Rams (14th vs. pass); Percy Harvin, Vikings at Bears (11th vs. pass)
There comes a sad day in nearly every fantasy owner’s season when he realizes his stud is no stud at all. Sometimes it’s the player’s fault, and sometimes it isn’t. Poor Larry Fitzgerald has no one to throw him the ball, and owners have to just bite the bullet and realize it’s time to start someone else. … There are two things I know about Harvin’s situation this week: he’s still hurting, and the Bears are ticked off. For proof on how much I hate this matchup, in my own league, I am starting Cecil Shorts and leaving Harvin on the bench.
Not-so-honorable mention: Danny Amendola, Rams at Cardinals (There’s a good chance there won’t be 30 points scored in this game); Julio Jones, Falcons at Bucs (Just doesn’t look like he’s going to be healthy … check Sunday morning for sure)

TIGHT END
Jermichael Finley, Packers at Giants (25th vs. pass)
While the Giants have been in the giving mood when it comes to opposing receivers, and Finley had a great game last week, they have been better than average against tight ends. I’m still not convinced about Finley, and you shouldn’t be fooled, either.
Not-so-honorable mention: Heath Miller, Steelers at Browns (Charlie Batch? ‘Nuff said.)

KICKER: Blair Walsh, Vikings at Bears (Will Minnesota score?)