Fantasy Football: Breaking Down the NFL Thanksgiving Games

Before I get started, I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving. With three games in the books, you likely have a good idea of what you’ll need from your squad on Sunday and Monday to pull off the win. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the Thanksgiving games.


Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, etc.
These are the players that got off to fabulous starts. If you played them, you’re golden. Depending on your opponent’s lineup, you may be able to be more conservative with your lineup because of your great start.

Tom Brady (341 yards, four TDs)
BenJarvus Green Ellis (59 yards, two TDs)
Maurice Morris (75 total yards, two TDs)
Deion Branch (113 yards, two TDs)
Wes Welker (90 yards, two TDs)
Chris Ivory (38 yards, two TDs)
Brad Smith (78 total yards, TD, return TD)

Turkey and Mashed Potatoes
These players got the job done, but they didn’t leave you (or your opponent) regretting that last piece of pumpkin pie. You shouldn’t change your lineup based on their performance.

Calvin Johnson (81 yards, TD)
Brandon Pettigrew (67 yards)
Rob Gronkowski (65 yards)
Drew Brees (352 yards, TD, INT)
Marques Colston (105 yards)
Devery Henderson (97 yards)
Felix Jones (113 total yards)
Marion Barber III (27 total yards, TD)
Miles Austin (85 total yards, TD)
Roy Williams (83 yards)
Jason Witten (99 yards)


Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole
They gave you a little something, but certainly left you wanting more. I wouldn’t necessarily change my lineup because of their performance, but they did put you in an early hole.

Shaun Hill (285 yards, TD, two INTs, 23 rushing yards)
Jon Kitna (313 yards, INT, 20 rushing yards)
Lance Moore (39 yards, TD)
Shonn Greene (81 total yards)
Santonio Holmes (44 yards, TD)
Dustin Keller (49 yards)
Jordan Shipley (38 yards, TD)

Cranberry Sauce
These players left a sour taste in your mouth because of their performance. You may have to take a risk or two because of their pathetic fantasy production.

Danny Woodhead (45 total yards)
Nate Burleson (35 yards)
Aaron Hernandez (18 yards)
Robert Meachem (55 yards)
Jimmy Graham (23 yards)
Reggie Bush (13 total yards)
Dez Bryant (0 yards)
Mark Sanchez (166 yards, TD, INT)
LaDainian Tomlinson (63 total yards)
Braylon Edwards (20 yards)
Carson Palmer (135 yards, TD, two INTs)
Cedric Benson (41 yards)
Chad Ochocinco (41 yards)
Terrell Owens (17 yards)
Jermaine Gresham (36 yards)



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