Four-Down Duel: Thanksgiving Day Values

Four-Down Duel: Thanksgiving Day Values

This article is part of our Four-Down Duel series.

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Here's a look at some recommended plays on FanDuel for Week 12:

Quarterback

Eli Manning, NYG, $7400 – I know Eli hasn't been good leading up the Giants' bye week and reports say he has a "dead arm," but it's hard to ignore him at this price. Manning says his arm feels great after some rest and coming off the bye one of his top weapons, Hakeem Nicks, has to feel as healthy as he's been all season. Victor Cruz is still an elite receiver and Martellus Bennett should be healthier as well. The Giants welcome into their home stadium the Green Bay Packers who might offer the perfect recipe for Eli to have a big day. With Jordy Nelson back and Randall Cobb consistently scoring, the Packers should be able to put up points. That could mean a lot of throwing for Eli, who should have a favorable matchup. A completely healthy Green Bay squad is an above average defense but they'll be missing Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Sam Shields. That equates to less of a pass rush and a softer secondary for Manning to pick apart. Also note that at this price Eli is a bargain considering there are 10 other quarterbacks priced higher than he is. If there's one red flag here just keep an eye on the weather report in New York for Sunday.

Colin Kaepernick, SF, $5500 – I love this pick, as I'm not buying that the Saints are good on defense, even at home. Plus, we won't have to worry about Alex Smith, as Kaepernick has already been announced the starter by Niners coach Jim Harbaugh. Kaepernick looked more than comfortable Monday night against the Bears, connecting with both Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree on touchdowns. He finished the game without an interception and remains a threat to run on any given play. The Saints defense is giving up 27.3 points per game and is second worst in the league with 305 passing yards allowed per game. This matchup is too good to pass up.

Running Backs

Bryce Brown, $5800 – Right now it's hard to imagine starter LeSean McCoy suiting up for this week's tilt as he was still experiencing headaches Wednesday. As a result, it appears Brown will be in line for the start with Dion Lewis backing him up. McCoy was averaging 21.7 touches per game and the Eagles have a decent matchup this week against the Panthers. Brown has averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry for the season and Philadelphia typically likes to target the running back out of the backfield, as McCoy was averaging four catches a game. The potential for catches make Brown an even more attractive option since FanDuel operates as a 0.5 PPR format.

Jalen Parmele, JAC, $4900 – Parmele surprisingly took over the role of main ball carrier over Rashad Jennings last week against the Texans. He finished the game with 83 yards from scrimmage with one catch. While those numbers don't jump off the page, keep in mind that Parmele was going up against one of the better defenses in the league. This week he finds himself at home with a much more favorable matchup against the Titans. He's a solid play considering his low cost, especially if you're looking to fill a roster in an expert league with a lower salary cap.

Wide Receivers

Kenny Britt, TEN, $5600 – Britt hasn't found the end zone or topped 67 receiving yards in the last four games, but he should be a solid play this week. The Titans are coming off a bye week in which coach Mike Munchak said they would re-evaluate how to get Britt more involved in the game plan. A few weeks ago Britt had two touchdowns called back due to penalties, so it not like he's been a completely forgotten man. At this price, he's a perfect play in a tournament format playing the pot odds, while everyone grabs Justin Blackmon coming off his big week at the same price.

Ryan Broyles, DET, $4700 – While Broyles won't start, he will see an increased role in what should be a high scoring affair in Detroit. With Titus Young suspended for the Turkey Day game, look for Broyles to be on the field often. While Broyles has only three targets over the previous two games, he should find softer coverage with the Texans likely rolling the safety to Calvin Johnson's side. The lack of production of late is a concern, but with Young out Broyles is a solid fill-in given his low price.

Tight End

Tony Moeaki, KC, $4700 – Before you laugh at this keep in mind I recommended another tight end in this spot – Jermichael Finley – last week who paid dividends with 14.1 fantasy points. The Chiefs appear ready to throw Brady Quinn into the fire, which may help as backups often use their tight ends as security blankets. Moeaki has come on for Kansas City over the last two games with seven catches for 141 yards total. With Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin both banged up, it's possible that Moeaki will be the best receiver the Chiefs have on the field. Garbage-time production could come into play here as well.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Payne
Kevin has worked for RotoWire over a decade and has covered basketball, baseball and football. A glutton for punishment, he roots for his hometown Bills, Sabres and the New York Yankees. You can follow him on Twitter @KCPayne26.
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