Packers vs Lions: Kevin Smith and More Fantasy Sleepers in Thanksgiving Opener

Fantasy football owners will need to make sure their lineups are set early this week because of the 12:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day kickoff between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.

Here are three sleepers to consider from the afternoon's first game.

RB: Kevin Smith – Detroit Lions

Smith scored 38 fantasy points last week in a performance that should entrench him as the starter until Jahvid Best returns, whenever that may be. He's valuable in the passing game as well, which gives him virtually unlimited fantasy capability in Detroit's offense.

Now, while he won't be putting up nearly 40 points every week, he's certainly a must-start for the time being. Time is running out to grab him off the waiver wire with 55 percent ownership, so act fast and put him straight into your lineup against an average Packers run defense.

Week 12 Projection: 12 fantasy points

WR: Donald Driver – Green Bay Packers

Driver caught seven passes for 142 yards and a touchdown when these two teams faced off on Turkey Day two years ago. Even though he's lost a step or two since then, Driver had a season-high 72 yards last week vs. Tampa Bay.

Aaron Rodgers likes to spread the ball around to his myriad of different targets and Thursday's game has all the makings of a shootout. Look for Driver to build off last week's outing by cracking the double-digit barrier.

Week 12 Projection: 10 fantasy points

TE: Tony Scheffler – Detroit Lions

Brandon Pettigrew is the tight end most associated with the Lions, but Scheffler is quietly putting together a solid season. The veteran has five touchdowns, including one in each of the past three weeks as his rapport with Matthew Stafford continues to strengthen.

His only consistent targets occur when Detroit enters the red zone, which they figure to do quite a bit vs. Green Bay. That makes him a nice sleeper option at a weak position, especially when you consider he's outscored Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham and Jermichael Finley over the past four weeks.

Week 12 Projection: eight fantasy points