By: @Ryan_Humphries | LineStar Chat: @N1TRO

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Thanksgiving Day is on the horizon and the holiday would forever be incomplete without a little bit of gridiron action. Unfortunately, the three-game Thanksgiving slate has been trimmed down to just two match-ups following the postponement of the Steelers/Ravens game, which is now moved to Sunday. While that does take a bit of wind out of the sails for those of us who were looking forward to just chilling on the couch with the games on following a huge Thanksgiving feast in a boozy tryptophan-induced haze, we still have football to look forward to regardless. And, hey, if you’re feeling really deprived of football later on Thursday evening, there’s always a Mountain West Conference showdown between the 0-4 New Mexico Lobos and 0-4 Utah State Aggies!

On a two-game slate, there is obviously going to be a small subset of around a dozen players who will garner the vast majority of ownership. From a strategy standpoint, we’re just going to have to pick and choose what chalky players to buy into and what riskier, but lower-owned, guys to gain some leverage with. If you really want to help your chances at posting a unique lineup in GPPs, feel free to leave a sizable chunk of salary on the table. If you use 98-100% of your allotted salary, you can almost guarantee that particular lineup will be ‘duped’ in a large field MME tournament.

Both of these games will be played inside of domed stadiums so no weather issues to worry about. Let’s dive in!

Quarterbacks to Consider

Deshaun Watson | DK: $7.4k, FD: $8.7k | @ DET | Cash & GPP

Watson is going to be the chalk play at the position but his floor + ceiling combo is quite easily the highest among all four QB options. Since Bill O’Brien was fired, Watson also seems to be adding more value with his legs and has averaged 40 YPG on the ground over his last four games -- the fantasy point equivalent of 100 yards passing. Despite the much higher salary, the chances are pretty high that Watson ends up being the optimal DFS QB play on this slate.

Andy Dalton | DK: $5.6k, FD: $6.8k | vs. WAS | GPP Only

Due to the nature of a two-game slate, each of these four QBs are going to have some hefty ownership regardless but I’d expect Dalton to be the lowest-owned guy out of the bunch. He’s not exactly lighting it up but he is coming off of a three score day and does have one of the better wide receiver trios in the league. Maybe we get a little revenge narrative cooking as well considering Washington LB Jon Bostic was the guy who delivered that vicious, and dirty, hit to Andy Dalton back in week seven which caused him to miss multiple games with a concussion.

Running Backs to Consider

Ezekiel Elliot | DK: $6.8k, FD: $8.5k | vs. WAS | Cash & GPP

If Andy Dalton can make the opposing defense at least somewhat respect the pass, as he did last week, then Zeke should only stand to benefit. Since the season ending injury to Dak Prescott in week five, Elliot had not surpassed 14 DKFP/8FDFP until last week (22.4 DKFP/18.4 FDFP vs. MIN). Washington has a fairly stout defense which gives up the 6th fewest FPPG to RBs, but if Dalton proves to be serviceable, Zeke has some legitimate multi-touchdown upside.

Antonio Gibson | DK: $6k, FD: $6.8k | @ DAL | Cash & GPP

Gibson ran all over Dallas back in week seven when he racked up 128 yards and a score on 20 carries (6.4 YPC). The rookie out of Memphis is solidifying himself as a highly capable workhorse back and should be in line for another 15-20 touches on Thursday. He loses some targets and passing down work to JD McKissic, but if the Footballs can get a lead in this one, the game script would fall in Gibson’s favor.

CJ Prosise | DK: $4k, FD: $4.8k | @ DET | GPP Only

With David Johnson (concussion) on IR, Duke Johnson has really not impressed after struggling to just 110 yards rushing on 40 carries over the last three games (2.8 YPC). Despite only five touches, CJ Prosise saw a season-high 25% snap share last week and would seem to make more sense as a ‘between the tackles’ early-down runner considering he has a 6’1” 225 lb frame -- compared to Duke Johnson’s 5’9” 210 lb size. Odds are that Duke Johnson handles the majority of work, but don’t be surprised if Prosise gets a decent amount of touches himself, especially if he proves to be the more effective option early on. The Lions represent the absolute best match-up for RBs as they allow the most FPPG to the position.

Wide Receivers to Consider

Terry McLaurin | DK: $7k, FD: $7.9k | @ DAL | Cash & GPP

Scary Terry will cost you a decent chunk of change but it’s quite apparent that he is one of the safest investments on the slate. The Cowboys are giving up the 2nd most FPPG to WRs this season and McLaurin toasted this secondary for a 7-90-1 stat line in week seven on 11 targets. He is currently listed as questionable with an ankle injury, but he should be a full go after turning in a full practice on Wednesday.

Marvin Jones Jr. | DK: $5.5k, FD: $6k | vs. HOU | Cash & GPP

Kenny Golladay (hip) has been ruled out for a fourth consecutive game (along with Danny Amendola) so that will leave Marvin Jones Jr. competing with TE TJ Hockenson as the go-to target in this Lions offense. Jones had a rather disappointing stat line last week (6 tgt, 4 rec, 51 yds) but it was also a game where Matthew Stafford completed just 18 passes for 178 yards and zero scores. Jones had scored four touchdowns in three games before last week and saw a season-high ten targets in week ten. The Texans allow the 9th most FPPG to WRs and the game script could be promising for Detroit pass-catchers if the Lions have to play from behind.

CeeDee Lamb | DK: $5.4k, FD: $6.2k | vs. WAS | GPP Preferred

Making an absurd highlight reel touchdown catch, like the one Lamb had this past Sunday (video linked below), is one way to earn the trust -- and potentially more targets -- from your quarterback. In my opinion, if it wasn’t for the Dak injury, Lamb would be receiving similar praise accolades as fellow rookie breakout wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Chase Claypool. Washington is tough against slot WRs (4th fewest FPPG allowed), where Lamb has aligned on 93% of his routes, and the Football Team shut the rookie down in week seven, but I like Lamb’s chances at some Thanksgiving Day redemption.

Keke Coutee | DK: $3.4k, FD: $4.5k | @ DET | GPP Preferred

Will Fuller V and Brandin Cooks are the two safest options you would want to stack up with Deshaun Watson, but with Randall Cobb (toe) and Kenny Stills (quad) sidelined for the immediate future, Coutee steps in as the Texans primary slot man. Coutee played on 57% of snaps last week and caught his first touchdown on the season. Worth some consideration as a GPP flier.

Cam Sims | DK: $3.2k, FD: $4.8k | @ DAL | GPP Preferred

Someone has to step in as a viable complementary option behind McLaurin in this lackluster Washington passing attack. Cam Sims and Steven Sims Jr. are the two receivers getting the most run lately. While Steven Sims Jr. has had more success over the last couple of weeks, he has played just 32% and 45% of snaps -- compare that to a 94% and 84% snap rate for Cam Sims. In a toss-up, I usually side with the guy who is on the field more so I’ll look towards Cam Sims as another flier option on this small slate. Do note, the return of Dontrelle Inman could harm both guys, but I believe more so on Steven Sims. Jr.’s snaps.

Tight Ends to Consider

TJ Hockenson | DK: $4.7k, FD: $6k | vs. HOU | Cash & GPP

With the injuries to the Lions receiving corps, Hockenson is the best bet at this position to see 7-10 targets. Since week eight, Hockenson’s 29 targets and 19.5% target share leads all Lions pass catchers.

Dalton Schultz | DK: $3.8k, FD: $5.3k | vs. WAS | Cash & GPP

Schultz has commanded 21 targets in the last three weeks and Washington is fairly susceptible to the tight end position (12th most FPPG allowed). He benefits with the return of Andy Dalton and should be utilized as a primary redzone target. Schultz is a worthy pivot off of the chalky Hockenson if you’re looking to save a bit of salary.

Defenses to Consider

Cowboys DST | DK: $2.8k, FD: $3.3k | vs. WAS

It’s a bit of a crapshoot with these four defenses so really just take your pick. Washington DST is probably the safest option but they also have exceeded 4.0 FP in just two of the last nine games. I believe the Cowboys could get 5-8 FP here, which I’d be fine with. Washington is allowing 8.2 FPPG to opposing defenses this season.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Good luck to those playing this little two game slate! If you have any questions DM me on Twitter @Ryan_Humphries or tag me in the LineStar NFL chat using @N1TRO.

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