Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com previews the Thanksgiving trio of matchups from Fantasy perspectives.
Green Bay at Detroit
Detroit has found some offensive balance by giving the ball to Kevin Smith frequently. Smith still has considerable upside and should post good numbers even if he does not come to close to last week's breakout game. He is an ideal flex play. Matthew Stafford should benefit from the added run support with fewer turnovers and look for two or more TD passes. Roll with Nate Burleson as a WR3 and expect another TD catch from Brandon Pettigrew. Calvin Johnson should burn the Packers pass defense for 100-plus yards and a TD. The Lions will try to bring a lot of pressure but Aaron Rodgers will try to make them pay with high-percentage passes to Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley. Jordy Nelson has become the top option in the red zone and is playing at an elite level right now. John Kuhn is always a threat to score if you are desperate for RB help.
Miami at Dallas
The Dolphins have been playing well recently, but expect a downturn in the passing game this week. Dallas will look to bring a lot of pressure on Matt Moore, making it a long day for the Miami QB and forcing more than one turnover. Brandon Marshall might only post adequate stats, but look for Anthony Fasano to score against his former team. Reggie Bush could disappoint in the yardage department and might also be held out of the end zone. Don't expect the Cowboys to explode offensively, but they should still wear down the Miami defense. Expect two TD passes from Tony Romo, with at least one to Dez Bryant as Miami gives Laurent Robinson a lot of respect. DeMarco Murray could be held down early, but expect him to break loose for a few sizable runs later in the game to reach 100 yards.
San Francisco at Baltimore
The status of Ray Lewis (foot) could determine just how successful the 49ers can be on offense. Frank Gore is a strong start again if Lewis misses the game, and Alex Smith can use play-action passing to keep the ball moving through the air. The 49er WRs cannot be trusted. Look for Michael Crabtree to follow a big game with a mediocre one here. Expect Smith to spread the ball around and find Vernon Davis for a TD. Ray Rice will have to work hard for his yardage this week, but cannot be reserved, as he could be useful as a receiver for Baltimore. This is likely to be a low-scoring affair, so use another QB besides Flacco if you can. Torrey Smith will command a lot of defensive respect after last week's big game and might be held down. Use Anquan Boldin for decent PPR totals.
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