Fantasy Football Turkey Style: Start 'Ems, Sit 'Ems, Sleepers & Up In The Air

So, as you settle in with your family and relatives for a fun-filled and festive Thanksgiving holiday, can you really tell me that the football game going on in the room right around the corner does not have your attention? This 2-part special will break down both the Thanksgiving Day games, as well as the Sunday contests in an effort to help your team either cruise or squeak its way into the playoffs.

While the Turkey Day slate of Green Bay (likely w/o Rodgers) vs. Detroit, Dallas vs. Oakland, and Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore does not scream “exciting football," there are still numerous fantasy football implications. @SportsGeek02 will take a quick look at some players and defenses you should start and sit, as well as a possible breakout sleeper that nobody is talking about. 

Start 'Em

Tony Romo has been a
consistent QB1 all year.

Tony Romo, Cowboys QB (vs. OAK): Tony Romo is just about always a must-start these days considering how skittish his team is to consistently run the football, but this week screams of big-time numbers for the Cowboy signal caller. The Oakland Raiders are ranked 25^th in the league when it comes to giving up fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and with Oakland having learned how to play offense in recent weeks, this game may be a bit more of a shootout than you might think. Considering the fact that Miles Austin is back in the mix and Jason Witten is healthy, expect big things in the coming weeks. Weather played a crucial role in many games last weekend, but have no fear folks as dem Boys come home to play in Jerry’s ‘domed’ World.

Sit 'Em

Its been a rough year for
Ray Rice owners, thats
for sure.

Ray Rice, Ravens RB (vs. PIT): In Week 12, I told you to sit Mr. Biceps, but did you? If you did, you should be thanking me; if not then well maybe I've gained the trust of just a few more of you. While Ray Rice is still a good to great running back, it appears that someone needs to remind offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell that Rice is a top 10 back and Joe Flacco is a bottom 15 QB. While the Steelers do rank 24^th in the league against the rush, they have allowed 78, 80, and 54 yards on the ground respectively since New England torched them for 198 in Week 9. While it will be cold tomorrow night in Baltimore, the wind should not play a big factor, so expect Flacco to keep on chucking it and Bernard Pierce to swipe 5-10 touches from Rice. Bottom line, call your friends who own Trent Richardson and C.J. Spiller, because he's been a bust just like them.

Sleeper

67 yards and a TD for Nate
Burleson in his first game
back from injury. 

Nate Burleson, Lions WR (at GB): After his breakout Week 12 performance, one would expect Nate Burleson to be much more popular choice, however he is only owned in 12.7% of all ESPN leagues as of noon on Wednesday. With teams simply deciding that they will do everything in their power to shut down Calvin Johnson, Burleson is a legitimate WR #2 for most fantasy owners. With Reggie Bush and Joseph Fauria also drawing a decent amount of attention, Nate can easily get lost in the shuffle; and he knows how to make you pay for that mistake. Considering the fact that he is going to be in single coverage all game and that the Green Bay defense is ranked 25^th when it comes to giving up points to opposing wide receivers and this is a pretty simple decision. 

Up in the Air

Even with McFadden back,
Jennings appears to still be
the man in Oakland.

Rashad Jennings, Raiders RB (at DAL): Considering what Rashad Jennings has done in recent weeks, combined with the fact that his Raiders will be going up against the 32^nd ranked run defense in the league, and you would expect him to be a must-start this week. Not so fast, as the man, the myth, the lack of a legend Darren McFadden is back and ready to steal some carries. While Oakland insists they will go with the hot hand, they have also said that Run DMC will get his ‘touches’ and nobody really know what they may lead to.  If you have a week RB core, Jennings is certainly a viable option, however do not come yelling to me when he gets 12 carries for 60 yards and no TDs.

Scott Eastment is a MLB/NFL/Sport Business writer for Tru School Sports and MLB contributor for Baseball Hot Corner, as well as a digital sports marketing associate with Beyond Sports Network. He is a former college baseball player at Frostburg State University and has his Masters of Business Administration in both sport business and marketing. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook,Google+, and LinkedIn.