Turkey day is finally here, and football fans will be rewarded with a plate full of NFL action. As always, the holiday festivities get started in Detroit, where the Lions will host the rival Packers. Later, a marquee matchup is brewing in Big D when the Cowboys attempt to take down Patrick Mahomes ($6,500) and the Chiefs. As a nightcap, Joe Burrow ($6,000) and the Bengals will battle Lamar Jackson ($6,800) and the Ravens.
With so much star power on display, it’s easy to get distracted. However, savvy fantasy football managers will need to find a few diamonds in the rough for their lineups. Which lesser-known players will step up on Thanksgiving? Here are three value plays to consider in all DFS lineups ahead of Thursday’s matchups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Thanksgiving Millionaire [$1M to 1st] (Thu)
WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers at DET ($4,700)
For years, the Packers have been a headache for fantasy football managers. Other than Josh Jacobs ($6,800), no skill position players can be relied on. Still, in the right matchup, Green Bay has several weapons capable of producing impressive numbers. One name that doesn’t get much attention is Christian Watson. At this point, the general public isn’t ‘wowed’ by the veteran, known primarily as a deep threat. Still, his recovery from a torn ACL last season has been impressive. Through five games this year, he’s recorded 17 catches for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Watson’s ability to go deep sets him up nicely for Thursday’s matinee matchup. The Lions have surrendered 15 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers, the second-highest mark in football. In addition, the team’s secondary has struggled in this spot before. Over his previous five meetings with Detroit, Watson has delivered at least 10.5 fantasy points. In that time, he’s notched three different 90+ yard performances. Given the lack of a true ‘alpha’ Green Bay wideout, Watson offers massive fantasy upside.
WR Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals at BAL ($4,300)
Tee Higgins (concussion) has already been ruled out this week. That leaves the Bengals somewhat thin on pass catchers, other than superstar Ja’Marr Chase ($8,000). Fortunately for Cincinnati, Joe Burrow is back. As a result, every Bengals weapon has an increased chance at success this week. That includes Andrei Iosivas, the team’s WR3. Playing behind Higgins and Chase, there haven’t many opportunities for the Princeton alum. Last week, with Chase out and Joe Flacco at quarterback, Iosivas came through with four catches for 61 yards.
Now, with Higgins sidelined, Iosivas should handle an increased workload for Cincinnati. It helps that Thursday’s opponent, the Ravens, have struggled to defend the pass. Baltimore’s secondary has given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. In addition, star safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle) is questionable to play. Last season, with Burrow under center, Iosivas snagged six touchdowns. Another trip to the end zone, or a handful of catches, could be in store on Thanksgiving.
TE Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens vs. CIN ($3,600)
We’ll stay in Charm City, where the Ravens are hoping to earn their sixth straight win. The team’s midseason turnaround doesn’t come as a massive shock. That’s due in large part to the return of Lamar Jackson. Granted, the two-time MVP has been far from perfect over the past month. Still, his presence alone has changed how defenses operate. One of the biggest beneficiaries of Baltimore’s bounce back is Mark Andrews. Over his previous four outings, the tight end has accounted for three touchdowns.
Granted, Andrews has only put up 77 total receiving yards during that time. Regardless, a touchdown-dependent TE on an elite offense isn’t the worst thing in the world. That’s especially true against Thursday’s AFC North foe. Cincinnati has allowed the most catches, yards, touchdowns and fantasy points to tight ends this season. Long story short, the Bengals can’t cover the middle of the field. In a game with shootout potential, there was already a good chance Andrews might find the end zone. That’s only amplified against lackluster opposition.
