RADIO
Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully your day is filled with good food, sweat pants, avoiding your father-in law, and most importantly, winning your DFS contests! With three games on tap to help keep you entertained at Aunt Gertrude's house, we will take a look at some of the players who can help you win on Thursday.
In this article, I will be taking you through the best DraftKings DFS plays for Thanksgiving day.
These DraftKings lineup recommendations are based on matchups, recent performances, overall upside/talent levels, and other factors such as Vegas odds, home field advantage, and more. Good luck!
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DraftKings Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins - QB, vs. NYG ($7,100)
Just like Ben McAdoo's hair, the Giants have been absolutely horrendous this season. With the "G-Men" giving up some of the worst numbers to opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing 2,713 yards and 20 touchdowns, Kirk Cousins could be in store for a solid fantasy outing.
Philip Rivers - QB, @ DAL ($6,100)
If cap space is a little tight and you need to cut costs a bit, check out Phillip Rivers. With Dallas also having issues of their own slowing down the production of opposing quarterbacks, Rivers could also be in store for a good day.
DraftKings Running Backs
Melvin Gordon - RB, @ DAL ($8,100)
Melvin Gordon has actually played better on the road this season, averaging 4.3 YPC away versus 3.1 YPC at home. In addition, all four of his receiving touchdowns have been caught at locations other than the StubHub center. So while Uncle Tom is hitting the liquor cabinet and Uncle Rich is talking about Roth IRAs, you can be thinking about what really matters, whether to play Gordon or not. It doesn't seem like a bad idea but maybe you can ask Uncle Tom what he thinks after he has had a few glasses of Grandpa's cough syrup. Don't let this Austin Ekeler kid fool you either, Gordon is still the man.
Latavius Murray - RB, @ DET ($4,900)
Latavius Murray has been hot as of late, scoring three touchdowns over his last two contests. With the Lions giving up the second-most amount of touchdowns to opposing backs this season, the table is set for Murray to give thanks to Detroit by stuffing the ball down their throats. With not a lot of quality choices at this position on Thursday, this is one guy who should be in everyone's lineup on Turkey day.
Samaje Perine - RB, vs. NYG ($5,000)
With the team being down both Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson, the Skins' are a little thin at the running back position. Samaje Perine saw a boatload of carries in Week 11 and was productive, rushing the ball 23 times for 117 yards and a touchdown. Though he has been limited in practice all week due a finger injury, he should be good to go but of course, be sure to check his status prior to kickoff.
Orleans Darkwa - RB, @ WSH ($4,600)
How about a little Orleans Darkwa to finish out the night? While everyone has their pants unbuttoned on the couch while in a food induced comas, Darka will be having what should be a solid night against a Washington defense that has allowed four receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs this season. Though Alfred Morris has a favorable matchup against Los Angeles, his inability to fine the end zone is a concern in addition to sharing snaps with whoever is backing him up on Thanksgiving. As a result, Darkwa is a safer option.
DraftKings Wide Receivers
Adam Thielen - WR, @ DET ($7,600)
Adam Thielen has been a monster all season long and he doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The guy is the sixth-most targeted receiver in the league so it doesn't matter what the defensive numbers are for Detroit, he will have the ball in his hands a lot.
Keenan Allen - WR, @ DAL ($7,300)
While Grandpa takes an open-mouthed nap in the middle of the living room (that's my Family Guy reference), Kennan Allen will be going up against a Dallas team that has allowed 13 touchdowns this year, good for third-worst in the league. He is coming off a 12 catch, 159 yard performance where he also found the end zone twice. Allen is looking good in what should be the highest-scoring game on the slate.
Dez Bryant - WR, vs. LAC ($6,400)
We will stay in Dallas and give Dez Bryant some love on Thanksgiving. Bryant has been targeted 33 times over the past three weeks on a team that is sorely missing Ezekiel Elliott. You know he is going to get his catches in but he will need to figure out how to find the end zone, something he hasn't done since Week 7.
DraftKings Tight End
Evan Engram - TE, @ WSH ($6,100)
If Sterling Shepard plays, Evan Engram is a solid option. If Shepard doesn't play, Engram is a no-brainer for a roster spot since he will be the only reliable offensive option on the roster.
Vernon Davis - TE, vs. NYG ($5,500)
Luckily, you have the option to have both Evan Engram and Vernon Davis in your lineup on Thanksgiving. With the Giants being the worst fantasy team this season against opposing tight ends, this is definitely a guy who has a spot on everyone's roster.
DraftKings Defense
Minnesota Vikings - @ DET ($3,300)
Minnesota has been one of the most efficient defenses in the league this season, allowing a little over 17 points per contest. They may give up a little more than that if you factor in the fact that they are playing the Lions as well as playing inside where weather will not be a factor. Regardless, they are arguably the best option, if you have enough cap space that is.
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