Thanksgiving Day NFL Matchups Highlight Fantasy Football Sleepers
The NFL’s Thanksgiving Day lineup on November 23, 2023, features three exciting matchups, beginning with the Green Bay Packers facing off against the Detroit Lions. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Dallas Cowboys in the afternoon slot at 4:30 PM EST, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals meeting the Baltimore Ravens for the Thursday Night Football installment in Week 13. For fantasy football enthusiasts, this day offers several sleeper options to enhance their lineups.
Top Fantasy Sleepers for Thanksgiving
Emanuel Wilson of the Green Bay Packers has emerged as a valuable asset following the absence of running back Josh Jacobs. In Week 12, Wilson became the primary option in the backfield, amassing 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries, which translated to a season-high 26.5 fantasy points in PPR leagues. As Jacobs is expected to return, Wilson’s workload may decrease. However, with Jacobs recovering from a knee injury, Wilson should still see significant action against a potentially defensive matchup with Detroit.
Another player to consider is Andrei Iosivas from the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be stepping into the spotlight as the team prepares for its game against Baltimore. The matchup is particularly noteworthy as star quarterback Joe Burrow is set to return after a period of recovery from toe surgery, while wide receiver Tee Higgins will miss the game due to a concussion. Iosivas has been impressive lately, recording over 60 receiving yards in two of his last three games. He is poised to serve as the WR2 behind Ja’Marr Chase, who is also back after a one-game suspension.
Emerging Options in the Lions and Chiefs
Veteran wideout Kalif Raymond of the Detroit Lions has stepped up as a crucial third option in the receiving corps, especially following the season-ending injury to tight end Sam LaPorta. In the Lions’ Week 12 victory against the New York Giants, Raymond caught two passes for 37 yards, marking his second-highest yardage total of the season. With defenses likely focusing their efforts on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Raymond has the potential to maintain a steady increase in production.
The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, may rely on a committee approach in their backfield as running back Isaiah Pacheco returns from a three-game absence due to a knee injury. Veteran Kareem Hunt managed a hefty 30 carries during Kansas City’s previous game against the Indianapolis Colts, creating uncertainty about his availability for Week 13. In this context, rookie running back Brashard Smith could capitalize on his recent performance, where he recorded three receptions for 31 yards. Facing a struggling Cowboys defense, Smith’s versatility may provide a much-needed boost to the Chiefs’ injury-riddled backfield.
As Thanksgiving approaches, these players present intriguing options for fantasy football managers looking to enhance their lineups in critical matchups. The outcomes of these games could play a significant role in shaping the playoff landscape, making each player’s performance all the more vital.
