Thanksgiving Week is here, and the NFL season is just flying by. That being said, Thanksgiving Day games are a bunch of fun and should produce some good performances to kick off your fantasy week. There are no teams on bye this week, so hopefully the majority of you fantasy managers can take a sigh of relief. That being said, if you are still in a position where you need to make a tough streaming decision, we’ve got you covered. Fantasy playoffs are right around the corner, and with many byes coming in Week 14, this week can be super important in making or breaking your season. As is customary, to qualify as a streamer, the players we will look at are owned and started in less than 50% of leagues (using ESPN percentages). Let’s dive right in!
QB Streamer: Bryce Young CAR
Shockingly enough, Bryce Young has been able to string together a couple of solid performances, his most impressive coming last week against a stout Kansas City Chiefs defense where he posted 263 yards and a touchdown. The second-year quarterback will look to build off of his best performance of the season so far, as the Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. Now, the Bucs were able to shut down the Giants and Tommy DeVito last week, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that their defense has been very vulnerable to the quarterback position throughout the season. Young should be very available in leagues where he is looking to continue his improvement, taking on a defense that has allowed over 23 fantasy points per game to the quarterback position.
Honorable Mention: Russell Wilson PIT
RB Streamer: Gus Edwards LAC
Gus Edwards should see a far more expanded role in Week 13, following an injury to fellow running back J.K. Dobbins in a Monday Night Football loss against their former team. With an MCL sprain, Dobbins should miss some time, and Gus Edwards should be the main beneficiary, allowing him to slot in as the bell cow for the Chargers. Although Edwards has struggled to be efficient this season, it shouldn’t keep him from being the primary ball carrier for this offense for at least the next week or so. He is pretty available in leagues considering he has been a letdown this season, but the volume he should receive will be undeniable, making him a solid flex/stream this week.
Honorable Mention: Roschon Johnson CHI
WR Streamer: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN
I believe it is time for us to finally give Nick Westbrook-Ikhine some attention, considering he has scored in six of the Titans’ last seven games. Assuming his scoring spree would have come to an end by now, I was holding off on recommending him as a streamer, but it appears he may just keep making it happen. He has cemented himself as a red zone target for this offense and continues to find the endzone, including some long touchdowns in recent weeks. This week the Titans are going up against a somewhat vulnerable Commanders secondary, who have allowed 13 receiving touchdowns to opposing wide receivers this season. Will Levis likes to look Westbrook-Ikhine’s way, and he can make the most of his opportunities, which he should see a handful of as he tries to find the painted area yet again.
Honorable Mention: Marquez Valdes-Scantling NO
TE Streamer: Noah Gray KC
In an attempt to find a tight end that is available on virtually every fantasy waiver wire but could still have a case to get a spot start, Noah Gray seemed like the best suitor. I know that this is an awkward one for obvious reasons with Travis Kelce being in the picture, but Noah Gray has seen an uptick in volume as of late. In the past two weeks, he has racked up 8 receptions on 9 targets for 89 yards and four scores. Patrick Mahomes has shown he is consistently willing to trust Gray and should continue to do so as the Chiefs face the Raiders, whose defense has allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this year. Gray’s wide availability has multiple correlations, the main one being the 9x Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce leading the depth chart, but I think you can slot in Noah Gray as a high-risk-reward play if you are looking for a dart throw at tight end this week.
Honorable Mention: Juwan Johnson NO
K Streamer: Brandon McManus GB
The Packers are finally able to enjoy and reap the benefits of a consistent kicker they can rely on. Brandon McManus has not missed a field goal or an extra point since he was brought on by the Packers in Week 7. In last week’s game against the 49ers, McManus went 5/5 on extra points as well as nailing his one-field goal attempt. In Week 13, he should see numerous opportunities against what a high-octane matchup against the Dolphins on Thanksgiving night should be. McManus is super available in leagues and should prove to be a solid streamer this week.
Honorable Mention: Chase McLaughlin TB
D/ST Streamer: Dallas Cowboys D/ST
The Dallas Cowboys as a collective unit has had an extremely disappointing season, but their D/ST had a dominant performance last week against what has been a solid offense in the Commanders. They tallied a “slight” four sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and two special teams touchdowns. In Week 13, they should continue to carry the team against the New York Giants, who have had an equally embarrassing 2024 campaign. On Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys should show up to play and take advantage of an exposed Giants team with an inexperienced QB likely getting another start.
Honorable Mention: Cleveland Browns D/ST
Check out this video for some Thanksgiving Start and Sit Advice
