With the NFL moving into Week 12 games, we are quickly approaching the end of the Fantasy Football regular season. There are only three weeks remaining in a majority of leagues, as owners are making their preparations for late-season pushes.
This week will present unique challenges in Fantasy Football managers as games will be played on four different days. The annual Thanksgiving games will be occurring with three divisional matchups. The Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers are all heading on the road to face the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.
We have an added addition to the holiday festivities this year as well. For the first time, the NFL will have a Black Friday Game, with the Miami Dolphins traveling to take on the New York Jets at 3 p.m. ET.
There is a lot to sift through in these games, as the opponents know each other well. What should Fantasy Football managers be looking for? Here are some start and sit options for the four standalone holiday games.
START:
1. WR Jayden Reed, Packers
Fantasy Football managers will have to keep a close eye on the injury report in this one. Jayden Reed is dealing with a chest injury that worsened from the weekend into the week. But, if he is cleared to play, he is someone that should be in lineups.
Jordan Love has been finding his stride in recent weeks, improving drastically with downfield targets. The Lions are susceptible to getting beat in the slot, where Reed almost exclusively operates from.
The Michigan State rookie comes in on a hot streak, recording at least 80 yards in three out of four games and scoring a touchdown in three out of five. As long as he is healthy enough to play, he sets up well to keep producing.
2. TE Logan Thomas, Commanders
The Cowboys’ defense has been especially stingy against the pass this season. Opposing wide receivers are scoring the third-fewest fantasy points per game against the Dallas secondary despite star Trevon Diggs not being in the lineup.
But, there isn’t a team in the NFL that throws the ball as much as the Commanders do. Eric Bieniemy isn’t going to adjust his game plan that drastically and the targets have to go somewhere. In steps tight end Logan Thomas, who should benefit.
His usage should uptick if Sam Howell is forced to look away from his wide receivers more. With 4+ receptions in five straight games, Thomas makes for a safe play with some upside at a position that has been a mess for many this season.
3. WR Brandin Cooks, Cowboys
The Commanders’ defense has been torched regularly this season. Outside of their performance against the New York Giants in Week 10, pass rushing has been an issue since Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded at the deadline.
There should be plenty of chances for all of the Cowboys’ pass catchers to produce in this one, but Brandin Cooks is who we are highlighting. Whether it is season-long or DFS, Cooks should be in Fantasy Football lineups in Week 12.
Washington allows the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to wide receivers in the NFL and Dak Prescott has thrown multiple touchdowns in four straight games. It very likely will be five after the Commanders got torched by Tommy DeVito in Week 11.
Sit:
1. WR Terry McLaurin, Commanders
As mentioned earlier, the Commanders’ wide receivers have a brutal matchup this week against the Cowboys’ secondary. While McLaurin has a chance to record double-digit fantasy points based on volume alone, if you have other options you can turn to, it would be a smart move to sit him and his teammates.
It is hard to envision McLaurin having a big game on Thursday afternoon. He hasn’t broken the 100-yard mark yet this season and has only two touchdowns. In his last two games, he has caught nine passes for 76 yards.
In a brutal matchup, McLuarin is only a play if you have no other options to turn to on your roster.
2. QB Geno Smith, Seahawks
The 49ers’ defense hasn’t been as dominant this season as perceived by many people. But, that doesn’t mean Geno Smith should be in your lineup in Week 12, especially in one-quarterback leagues.
San Francisco has been susceptible to some big days by wide receivers, their quarterbacks haven’t been as fortunate. Also, Smith doesn’t have a great track record against them. In his two starts last season, he combined for 435 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With no teams on bye this week, better matchups can likely be found on your league’s waiver wire. Only in the most desperate of situations should Geno Smith be in your Fantasy Football lineup.
3. RB Breece Hall, Jets
Benching a running back many people selected to be an RB2, at worst, is never an easy thing to do. But, given the current state of the Jets’ offense, you should strongly consider removing Breece Hall from your lineup.
Things have been ugly the last few weeks for New York with Zach Wilson at quarterback. He is being benched this week for Tim Boyle, who may actually be a downgrade based on what he has done during his NFL career.
The Dolphins are likely going to load up on slowing down Hall, who it has been tough sledding for in recent weeks on the ground. Over the last month, he is averaging only 29.5 yards per game on the ground. He has made up for it with production as a pass catcher, but Miami is stout in slowing down receiving backs.
If you have other options to turn to over Hall, you should strongly consider it. Players such as Jaylen Warrn and Devin Singletary, who have been hot and are in plus-matchups this week, should be considered for Fantasy Football lineups over Hall.
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