The excitement is building as the NFL gears up for another thrilling Thanksgiving Day lineup in 2024! Week 13 promises a feast of football with a tripleheader featuring three of the four NFC North teams. Fans can look forward to the action starting with the Bears taking on the Lions at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the Giants facing the Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox, and wrapping up with the Dolphins battling the Packers at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
As we dive into these matchups, fantasy football enthusiasts have plenty to consider. Whether you’re strategizing for seasonal leagues or looking for the best insights for daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests, this breakdown will help you navigate the tricky waters of lineup decisions.
Matchup Breakdown: Key Players to Start and Sit
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears starts and sits
Start: WR D.J. Moore, RB D’Andre Swift
Sit: QB Caleb Williams, WR Keenan Allen, WR Rome Odunze, TE Cole Kmet, Bears D/ST, K Cairo Santos
Sleeper: RB Roschon Johnson
D.J. Moore has been on fire lately, especially with interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown at the helm. He stands out as the primary target in the passing game, particularly against a Lions defense that has shown improvement but can still be vulnerable. D’Andre Swift, facing his former team, might not find much room to run, but his potential as a checkdown option makes him a valuable asset in a negative game script. On the flip side, Caleb Williams is coming off a strong performance but is less reliable away from home.
Detroit Lions starts and sits
Start: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, RB David Montgomery, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, QB Jared Goff, Lions defense/special teams
Sit: TE Sam LaPorta, WR Jameson Williams
Sleeper: K Jake Bates
Jahmyr Gibbs has been a revelation, and David Montgomery should bring extra motivation in this matchup. Both are primed for success against a Bears defense that can struggle against the run. Amon-Ra St. Brown remains a reliable target, especially in the slot, while Jared Goff can capitalize on the Bears’ secondary vulnerabilities. However, LaPorta’s matchup may not favor him, making him a risky start.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants starts and sits
Start: WR Malik Nabers, RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Sit: QB Tommy DeVito/Drew Lock, RB Devin Singletary, K Graham Gano, WR Wan’Dale Robinson
Sleepers: TE Theo Johnson, Giants D/ST, WR Darius Slayton
The Giants are in a unique position with their quarterback situation. If Drew Lock takes the reins, expect a boost in downfield opportunities for receivers like Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been getting significant touches, making him a must-start over Devin Singletary. The Giants’ defense has shown promise, particularly with a solid pass rush, which could limit the Cowboys’ offensive output.
Dallas Cowboys starts and sits
Start: WR CeeDee Lamb, K Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys D/ST
Sit: QB Cooper Rush
Sleepers: RB Rico Dowdle, TE Luke Schoonmaker
CeeDee Lamb has been a consistent performer, and with the Giants’ shaky quarterback situation, the Cowboys’ defense could shine. While Cooper Rush had a decent outing last week, this matchup may not favor him for downfield throws. Instead, look for Lamb and Schoonmaker to thrive in short-to-intermediate routes.
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers
Miami Dolphins starts and sits
Start: RB De’Von Achane, WR Tyreek Hill (if he plays), TE Jonnu Smith
Sit: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Raheem Mostert, K Jason Sanders, Dolphins D/ST
De’Von Achane needs to be a focal point for the Dolphins to succeed, especially in the potentially harsh weather conditions. If Tyreek Hill is healthy, he remains a must-start; however, monitor his wrist injury closely. Jonnu Smith has been a reliable target in crucial situations, making him a valuable asset. On the other hand, Tua Tagovailoa faces a tough matchup, and Waddle’s inconsistency makes him a risky play.
Green Bay Packers starts and sits
Start: RB Josh Jacobs, WR Jayden Reed
Sit: QB Jordan Love, WR Christian Watson, WR Romeo Doubs, WR Dontayvion Wicks, TE Tucker Kraft
Sleeper: Packers D/ST
With temperatures expected to dip into the high 20s and a chance of snow, the Packers will lean heavily on Josh Jacobs. His power-running style is perfect for the conditions. Jayden Reed should see plenty of targets, but it’s tough to trust Jordan Love against a Dolphins defense that can apply pressure. The Packers’ defense could also make some big plays, adding to their fantasy value.
DFS Strategy: Thanksgiving Day Lineup Picks
FanDuel NFL Thanksgiving cash game lineup picks
- QB: Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock, Giants $6700/$6,400
- RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions $8,400
- RB: Josh Jacobs, Packers $7,800
- WR: D.J. Moore, Bears $6,700
- WR: Jayden Reed, Packers $6,900
- WR: Darius Slayton, Giants $5,400
- TE: Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys $4,000
- FLEX: De’Von Achane, Dolphins $9,000
- D/ST: Packers $4,200
DraftKings NFL Thanksgiving tournament lineup picks
- QB: Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock, Giants $4,500
- RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions $7,500
- RB: Josh Jacobs, Packers $7,000
- WR: D.J. Moore, Bears, $5,600
- WR: Jayden Reed, Packers $5,700
- WR: Rome Odunze, Bears $5,000
- TE: Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys $3,400
- FLEX: De’Von Achane, Dolphins $7,700
- D/ST: Packers $3,000
The strategy behind these lineups is to maximize the potential of players like Gibbs, Jacobs, and Achane while keeping costs low at quarterback and tight end. The Packers’ defense is poised for a strong showing at home, especially in conjunction with Jacobs and Reed. As always, keep an eye on injury reports and weather conditions leading up to game day to make the best lineup decisions. Enjoy the games and happy Thanksgiving!
