Ahead of Thursday night’s showdown with the Buffalo Bills, the New Orleans Saints have ruled out RB Alvin Kamara. Fellow RB Mark Ingram is officially listed as questionable as well, but if he is good to go, expect Ingram to shoulder the team’s ground work yet again. With Jets quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Mike White landing on the team’s Covid list, rookie QB Zach Wilson is returning from injury just in time to make his first start since Week 7 against a struggling Atlanta Falcons team. RB Adrian Peterson’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans came to a swift halt this week, as the team waived the veteran running back Tuesday afternoon just three weeks after signing him. Similarly, the Houston Texans cut RB Phillip Lindsay on Tuesday, as the former Pro-Bowl RB failed to find a role in a struggling Texans offense, compiling only 145 yards from scrimmage and 1 TD in 10 games. Giants RB Saquon Barkley returned to action in Monday night’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an ankle injury. While Barkley’s return was pedestrian at best (6 rushes for 25 yards), his ability as a receiver was on full display as the 24-year-old running back hauled in 6 receptions for 31 yards. Bears QB Justin Fields left last week’s contest against the Baltimore Ravens with a rib injury, and is unlikely to play on Thursday’s Thanksgiving showdown with the Detroit Lions. Look for QB Andy Dalton to fill in for the rookie against a lowly Lions defense. Jets rookie RB Michael Carter suffered a low-end high ankle sprain in the team’s Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks per HC Robert Saleh. While Carter’s production will be tough to replicate, the Jets will likely lean on RB Ty Montgomery and/or RB Tevin Coleman as more-than-capable replacements. Newly signed Panthers QB Cam Newton delivered a vintage dual-threat performance in his first week back as Carolina’s starter, throwing 189 yards and 2 TDs, while adding 46 yards and a score on the ground as well. Titans WR A.J. Brown was forced out of last week’s surprising defeat to the Houston Texans with both hand and rib injuries. While chest X-rays came back negative on Monday, monitor his playing status as the week goes on. In his first game back since landing on injured reserve in Week 6, Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire delivered a solid fantasy performance, rushing 12 times for 63 yards and 1 TD, while adding 2 receptions for 13 yards through the air. Similarly, Eagles RB Miles Sanders was activated off the team’s injured reserve last week, and wasted no time joining the Eagles newfound rushing attack, compiling 94 yards on 16 carries for a 5.9 YPC average.  

  • WR Darnell Mooney CHI

No team in the NFL allows more deep completions in the NFL than the Detroit Lions, making Bears WR Darnell Mooney an intriguing upside flex play in Thursday’s matchup. Despite QB Justin Fields expected to sit due to a rib injury suffered last week against the Baltimore Ravens, QB Andy Dalton is more than capable of getting Mooney the ball down the field. Not to mention, with WR Allen Robinson inactive last week, Mooney saw a whopping 16 targets, converting 5 of them into 121 yards and 1 TD. With Robinson expected to miss yet another game, Mooney is in prime position to deliver another stellar flex performance.

  • RB D’Andre Swift DET

RB D’Andre Swift continues to be one of the lone bright spots for the winless Detroit Lions. Ranking as ESPN’s 7th overall fantasy RB, the second-year Georgia product has been quite the dual-threat back, rushing for 555 yards and 4 TDs to go along with 67 receptions for 420 yards and 2 TDs through the air. Even with last week’s return of RB Jamaal Williams, Swift still received 67% of the team’s rushing snaps, totaling 14 carries for 136 yards and a score. Swift will look to continue his dominating fantasy performance against a middling Bears defense without DE/LB Khalil Mack in Thursday afternoon’s Thanksgiving special.

  • TE T.J. Hockensen DET

While the Lions offense is admittedly dreadful, T.J. Hockensen is the team’s best pass-catcher, and has thus commanded high volume targets all year. Having received at least 8 targets in 7 of 11 games played this season, Hockensen’s offensive involvement shouldn’t depend on who is behind center, whether it be Jared Goff or Tim Boyle. Last week’s 6 receptions for 51 yards marked his fourth time in the last five games where Hockensen recorded six or more receptions, firmly supplanting him as a TE1 yet again against a struggling Chicago Bears team on Thursday.

  • TE Darren Waller LV

Similarly, Raiders TE Darren Waller has been one of Vegas’s few offensive bright spots over the team’s 3-game losing streak. In last week’s blowout loss to the Bengals, Waller still managed to convert on 7 of his 8 targets for 116 yards through the air. While he didn’t find the end zone, his 16.6 YPR were the highest of any TE in Week 11, as he continues to be Vegas’s most explosive offensive playmaker with the absence of former WR Henry Ruggs III. Waller has a favorable matchup during Thursday afternoon’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, who have given up the 10th most fantasy points to tight ends this year. Start him confidently, and expect top-tier TE1 numbers.

  • RB Josh Jacobs LV

Nothing seems to be going right for the Raiders right now. Amid a three-game losing skid, the Silver & Black have averaged a paltry 79.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 7th worst overall in that time span. Furthermore, RB Josh Jacobs has failed to find the end zone since Week 7, placing him closer to a flex play than an RB2 in this week’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. While Jacobs has become more involved in the passing game, having caught at least 4 passes in each of the team’s last three contests, he has a tough matchup against a Dallas Cowboys team allowing the 5th least fantasy points to running backs on the year. Jacobs is low ceiling, TD dependent RB2 at most this week.

  • QB Derek Carr LV

None have suffered more from the in-season departure of former Raiders WR Henry Ruggs III than QB Derek Carr. Since Ruggs’ release, Carr has failed to throw for more than 300 yards in a game, and has struggled to find receivers downfield. Not to mention, in the three games that Ruggs has missed, Carr has 6 total turnovers, while he only had 5 in the team’s first seven contests. Things won’t get any easier for Carr this week, with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against a Dallas Cowboys team allowing the 7th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2021. With the Raiders offense struggling, and the Cowboys defense forcing the second most interceptions (15) so far this year, Carr is not start-able in traditional formats this week. 

  • WR Ceedee Lamb DAL

After being forced out of last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a concussion, Cowboys WR Ceedee Lamb is reportedly “on track to play” after it was initially assumed the second-year wideout would miss the Cowboys Thanksgiving tilt with the Las Vegas Raiders. Lamb was a limited participant in the Cowboys Wednesday practice, but still has to clear all 5 phases of the NFL’s concussion protocol. HC Mike McCarthy told reporters Wednesday “he hasn’t missed a step on a short week … Just as we discussed on Monday, if he’s able to keep progressing through, we see him as available for the game.” Monitor Lamb’s status as the team announces its inactives 90 minutes prior to the 4 PM EST kickoff on Thanksgiving Day. If Lamb can’t go, expect WR Michael Gallup and WR Cedric Wilson Jr. to step into larger roles for America’s Team on Turkey Day.

  • RB Ezekiel Elliot DAL

Although Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot is still a bit banged up (knee), he has a highly favorable matchup in Week 12, facing a Raiders defense allowing the 29th most rushing yards per game. Sure, Elliot has been splitting reps with fellow stablemate RB Tony Pollard more as of late, but that doesn’t take away from his involvement in the passing game, as Elliot has compiled at least 3 receptions in 5 games straight now. Expect Elliot to run all over a porous Raiders run defense on Thursday, and even add a few catches through the air.

  • RB Mark Ingram NO

Ahead of Thursday night’s showdown with the Buffalo Bills, the New Orleans Saints have officially ruled out RB Alvin Kamara, paving way for fellow RB Mark Ingram to shoulder the team’s ground work yet again. While Ingram is officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest, in the two games Kamara has missed, Ingram has compiled 40 touches for 221 yards from scrimmage and one TD. If Ingram does in fact suit up, expect him to deliver solid RB2 numbers against an all-of-a-sudden suspect Bills rush defense. If Ingram is unable to go, RB Tony Jones seems to be next in line for carries. 

  • QB Josh Allen BUF

Bills QB Josh Allen delivered arguably his worst performance of the year in last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, completing 21/39 passes for 209 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. Allen couldn’t get anything going on the ground either, notching only 2 rushes for 18 yards. That said, Allen is still fantasy’s 3rd ranked quarterback, and is likely due for a bounce-back performance against a Saints defense that allowed 3 rushing TDs to Eagles QB Jalen Hurts one week ago. Start Allen confidently as a high-end QB1. 

  • WR Stefon Diggs BUF

After finding the end zone only twice in Buffalo’s first six contests, Diggs has picked up the pace, scoring four TDs in the Bills’ last four games. While Diggs’ volume hasn’t been as high as last year’s gaudy 29.1% target share, Diggs is still an elite fantasy receiver in an offense dead-set on winning through the air. The Bills rank bottom 10 in run plays called, and when they do run, it’s often via the legs of QB Josh Allen, giving Diggs elite value as a receiver each and every week. While the 27-year-old receiver has a subpar matchup with a solid New Orleans Saints defense in Week 12, expect the Bills aerial attack to get back on track, and Diggs to feast in a primetime Thanksgiving matchup. 

  • RB Jonathan Taylor IND

Fantasy football’s MVP through 11 weeks has undeniably been Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. The second-year back out of Wisconsin is currently the NFL’s leading rusher, with 1,153 rushing yards, and is coming off a monster 5 TD performance in last week’s surprising upset over the Buffalo Bills. Speaking of touchdowns, Taylor also leads the league in total touchdowns scored, notching 15 through 11 games. Taylor will face a tough Tampa Bay defense in Week 12, but that shouldn’t stop him from continuing to add to his dominant fantasy season. Until further noted, Taylor is the best overall player in fantasy. 

  • QB Zach Wilson NYJ

With Jets quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Mike White landing on the team’s Covid list, rookie QB Zach Wilson is returning from injury just in time to make his first start since Week 7. Wilson had been sidelined with a knee injury, but will look to take advantage of a Houston Texans defense allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. With the recent emergence of WR Elijah Moore, coupled with the presence of WR Corey Davis, Wilson will have more-than-capable targets to throw to. With the injury to RB Michael Carter, and the Jets defense allowing a league-worst 32 points per game, New York will more than likely look to air the ball out. Wilson could be a sneaky play in two-QB leagues and daily fantasy.

  • WR Elijah Moore NYJ

No fantasy receiver has had better production over the last four weeks than Jets WR Elijah Moore, as the rookie 2nd-rounder has recorded 83.5 fantasy points in that span. The only other receivers with over 80 fantasy points the last four games? Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, Deebo Samuel, and Keenan Allen. The craziest part is it hasn’t mattered who has been under center for Moore, as he has caught passes from Josh Johnson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco in that time span. With rookie 2nd overall pick Zach Wilson expected to start for New York this week, expect Moore to take advantage of a Houston Texans defense allowing the 24th most fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

  • QB Tyrod Taylor HOU

Texans QB Tyrod Taylor delivered quite the bounce back performance last week against the Tennessee Titans, rushing for 2 TDs in Houston’s upset victory. Taylor has a favorable matchup this week against a porous New York Jets team allowing a league-high 32 points per game. While Taylor has failed to throw for a touchdown since coming off injured reserve two weeks ago, if there ever was a week for that to change, it’s Jets week. Taylor is a high-end streaming option, and possibly the best value QB in daily fantasy on the board this week. 

  • RB Saquon Barkley NYG

Giants RB Saquon Barkley returned to action in Monday night’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time since exiting Week 5 with an ankle injury. While Barkley’s return was pedestrian at best (6 rushes for 25 yards), his ability as a receiver was on full display as the 24-year-old running back hauled in 6 receptions for 31 yards. Barkley will look to improve upon those numbers in a Week 12 matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles defense surrendering the ninth most points to opposing backfields this season. Additionally, with the recent firing of OC Jason Garrett, the Giants should hopefully get more creative with their play-calling, and utilize Barkley more effectively moving forward.

  • WR Kadarius Toney NYG

The curious case of Kadrius Toney continued yet again in Week 11, as the rookie speedster received a monstrous 12 targets, but only converted them into 7 receptions for 40 yards. Outside of Week 4 and Week 5, Toney has been pedestrian at best, and missed Wednesday’s practice with a quad injury. While the expectation is for Toney to play this week, he has a highly unfavorable matchup against a tough Philadelphia Eagles secondary. Toney is a boom-or-bust flex play as the Giants continue to search for their offensive identity. 

  • QB Jalen Hurts PHI

Second-year Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has been an absolute fantasy monster this season. In his first full year as the Eagles starter, Hurts finds himself as fantasy’s No. 1 ranked quarterback through 11 weeks of action. While Hurts’ passing stats are nothing to be wowed at (2,306 yards, 13 TDs, 5 INTs), his ability as a rusher has been outstanding. The former Oklahoma/Alabama product has rushed for 8 TDs, the most among all QBs in 2021, and trails only Lamar Jackson in total rushing yards with 618 yards on the ground. Hurts is a top-tier QB1 yet again this week in a divisional matchup against a struggling New York Giants team.

  • RB Miles Sanders PHI

Eagles RB Miles Sanders was activated off the team’s injured reserve last week, and wasted no time joining the Eagles newfound rushing attack, compiling 94 yards on 16 carries for a 5.9 YPC average. While Sanders failed to find the end zone, the Eagles have leaned increasingly heavier on the ground game since Sanders was sidelined with injury, boding well for the former Penn State product in a Week 11 matchup against the New York Giants. Sanders heads into this weekend as a low-ceiling RB2. 

  • QB Cam Newton CAR

Newly signed Panthers QB Cam Newtondelivered a vintage dual-threat performance in his firs game back as Carolina’s starter, throwing 189 yards and 2 TDs, while adding 46 yards and a score on the ground. Newton now has 5 total TDs in his first two games back in Carolina, with a highly favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins looming in Week 12. Cam is a top-tier streaming QB option this week, and could potentially deliver top 10 fantasy QB numbers outright.

  • RB Dontrell Hilliard TEN

In last week’s surprising loss to the Houston Texans, one of Tennessee’s few bright spots was the performance of RB Dontrell Hilliard. With RB Jeremy McNichols sidelined with a concussion, Hilliard split snaps with Adrian Peterson, finishing with 7 carries for 35 yards, and 8 receptions for 47 yards on a whopping 10 targets. Hilliard’s performance was enough to convince the Titans to keep him over veteran RB Adrian Peterson, as the team waived the future Hall-of-Famer earlier this week. With McNichols still questionable to return to action this week, Hilliard will more than likely be in line for a high-volume role against a tough New England defense in Week 12. 

  • WR Brandon Aiyuk SF

After failing to meet sky-high expectations to start the season, 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has finally turned it on the last few weeks. The second-year receiver has recorded at least 85 yards and 1 TD in two of his last three contests, as the Niners offense has been surging. Aiyuk has a highly favorable matchup ahead of him in Week 12, facing a Minnesota Vikings team surrendering the third-most fantasy points to receivers this year. Aiyuk is a solid flex-play, with a high ceiling in what will most likely be a high scoring affair.

  • WR Marquise Brown BAL

After missing last week’s tussle in the mud with the Chicago Bears due to a thigh injury, Ravens WR Marquise Brown delivered a limited practice performance Wednesday. The injury is not believed to be serious, so Brown’s limited participation is encouraging for his Week 12 availability. What’s more concerning though, is if Lamar Jackson will suit up, as the quarterback is apparently still suffering from a non-Covid related illness. Monitor the status of Brown and Jackson as the week goes on, but if both are able to go, start Brown confidently as a WR2 with a high ceiling based on his down-the-field rapport with Jackson.

  • RB Devonta Freeman BAL

Devonta Freeman has been one of the most under-the-radar surprises in fantasy over the past month. In his last four games, the veteran running back has been a focal point of Baltimore’s offense, compiling 260 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs. Averaging 4.6 YPC, Freeman lines up as a solid flex play in Week 12 against a middling Cleveland Browns defense. While his ceiling may be limited, you could find worse flex plays. 

  • RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson ATL

After missing last week’s Thursday night blowout loss to the New England Patriots due to an ankle injury, Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson was spotted back at practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited fashion. With an extended rest time, Patterson’s Sunday availability is encouraging. Assuming the veteran is able to play, he slots in as a low-end RB1 against a struggling Jaguars defense. Monitor his status as the week goes on.