Thanksgiving is upon us, which means a heaping three games of football to carry us into the holiday weekend. While this year’s slate is, to put it mildly, lackluster, there’s plenty on the line for fantasy managers across the country.
Whether you’re thinking long-term or hoping to pick up a much-needed win, there’s only two weeks left in the fantasy football regular season. Here are some sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS matchup, a season-long matchup, or even a championship.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Thanksgiving Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
WR Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears ($5,000)
It’s been an up-and-down season for not only Rome Odunze, but the entire Bears offense. While the rookie has displayed some impressive chemistry with Caleb Williams ($5,300), the production hasn’t really been there. This season, the wideout has tallied 518 receiving yards and a touchdown on 39 receptions, a far cry from what most were expecting from the ninth overall pick.
However, there’s been some signs of life recently. Over the past four weeks, Odunze has gained 231 receiving yards on an impressive 33 targets. In a game that the Bears are expected to trail in, there should be plenty of passes to keep up with an explosive Lions offense. This season, Detroit is giving up the fourth-most DK fantasy points to wide receivers. While DJ Moore ($5,600) and Keenan Allen ($5,100) are Chicago’s top options in the passing game, don’t be surprised if the Washington product notches a few big plays.
TE Luke Schoonmaker, Dallas Cowboys ($3,400)
With Jake Ferguson (concussion) missing another practice on Tuesday, he’s unlikely to suit up on Thanksgiving. That should give backup tight end Luke Schoonmaker the starting nod. The former second-round pick hasn’t made much of an impact during his brief NFL career, but he has chemistry with current starting quarterback Cooper Rush ($4,800). Since Ferguson exited Week 11’s game vs. Houston, Schoonmaker has compiled 111 receiving yards and a touchdown on nine catches.
Those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they’re more than serviceable, especially if you’re looking for a starting tight end off of the waiver wire. The Giants have been tough against TEs, giving up the fewest DK fantasy points to the position. However, Ferguson did snag seven catches the last time these two teams played in Week 4. If the Cowboys use Schoonmaker in a similar role vs. New York, he’ll be set up for success.
WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants ($4,400)
The Giants might be on the verge of another quarterback change. Tommy DeVito is questionable to play this week due to a forearm injury, positioning veteran backup Drew Lock ($4,500) to step in as Big Blue’s third starting QB over the past two weeks. However, the move is probably a positive for New York’s offense, as we’ve seen the former Seahawk deliver big games before in relief of Geno Smith.
Lock has more of a willingness to throw downfield, as his career mark of 6.06 net yards per pass attempt is a clear upgrade over DeVito (4.28 NY/A). That should lead to more chunk plays against a Dallas secondary giving up the 20th-most DK fantasy points to wide receivers. All eyes will be on rookie phenom Malik Nabers ($7,100), but Darius Slayton is still capable of putting up some numbers. Given the fact that he can be had for free in most leagues, the veteran is a high-upside play that could find the end zone on Thursday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Thanksgiving Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
