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NFL Thanksgiving, Black Friday Capsules

Tue Nov 26 4:10pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL Thanksgiving, Black Friday capsules

--Thursday

Chicago Bears (4-7) at Detroit Lions (10-1), 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS

With a nine-game winning streak and 2-0 record in the division, the Lions are no easy prey for the Bears in the first game of the holiday tripleheader on Thursday. Chicago lost another game in walkoff fashion, 30-27 to the Vikings in overtime, their third such defeat in a five-game losing streak to deflate a feel-good 4-2 start. Signs of growth are evident for Bears rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. Facing Minnesota's notably blitz-happy defense, Williams guided the Bears to 17 points in the fourth quarter to force OT. He had his third 300-yard game of the season and hasn't thrown an interception during the ongoing five-game skid. A lasting pain point since the Bears tasted victory at London in Week 6 is execution on third downs converting 21 of 73 since the bye week. With the short and fruitless drives becoming habitual, Chicago has seen improvement with Thomas Brown calling plays the past two games, although there are signs of a weary defense late in games. No time for a breather at Ford Field. The Lions are all-gas, no-brakes with 10 total touchdowns the past eight quarters. The Bears have 12 touchdowns in their past six games. Old friend David Montgomery faces his former Bears' teammates and is doing his part to put points up for the Lions with 11 rushing TDs in 11 games. Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has more touchdowns (nine) than all Bears wide receivers combined (eight). Chicago's defense picked off Jared Goff five times in two games last season. He has 20 touchdown passes -- one TD catch -- and seven games with multiple TD passes in 2024. In recent games, the Bears' defense is getting scorched. Chicago has surrendered a league-worst 1,977 total yards since Week 8.

New York Giants (2-9) at Dallas Cowboys (4-7), 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX

Backup Tommy DeVito didn't enjoy much of his first start this season for the Giants behind an offensive line breached by the Buccaneers repeatedly. DeVito, elevated to the starting role upon the demotion and release of Daniel Jones, was sacked four times and hit early and often. But there are a couple of reasons the Giants might stick around in the rematch of their 20-15 loss to Dallas earlier this season. For starters, the Cowboys are 0-5 at home and also pushed their backup into a starting role. Cooper Rush threw two TD passes last week but he wasn't entirely responsible for Dallas putting up 34 points to upset Washington. They also had two implausible fourth-quarter kickoff return TDs and the Commanders suffered self-inflicted wounds, not the least of which was a missed extra point that would have tied the game at 27 with 14 seconds remaining. Given the state of affairs in New York, where rookie WR Malik Nabers defined the team's effort as soft, and the questionable health of DeVito's offensive line, the Cowboys are favored to sweep the two-game series from the Giants for the fourth consecutive season. Rush (knee) started the week hobbled but head coach Mike McCarthy said he was confident the QB would be ready for Thursday.

Miami Dolphins (5-6) at Green Bay Packers (8-3), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

If it's Miami on the road late in the season, we're talking temperature and the Dolphins' miserable record in sub-freezing conditions tells a depressing tale for the fish. Miami is 0-12 in its last 12 games when temps at kickoff are 26 degrees or lower and it could be at or under that number Thursday night. Green Bay's offensive line is setting the tone of late and it is built for plowing the path in front of RB Josh Jacobs, a downhill runner who is breaking tackles and taking names. Jacobs has six rushing touchdowns and three games with 95 rushing yards or more in the past four contests. The Dolphins haven't proven capable of being a run-first outfit with De'Von Achane limited to 32 yards on 10 carries last week. But he flashes big-play potential as a secondary option to QB Tua Tagovailoa. Since returning from IR, Tagovailoa has 1,043 passing yards, 10 TD passes and a completion percentage over 77. The Packers are in the primetime spotlight the next four weeks while attempting to work their way up the playoff pecking order. They've won five of the past six games with the Dolphins. This is the second consecutive game for Packers coach Matt LaFleur opposing a former co-worker in Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. He beat Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers last week. All three overlapped on staffs with the Houston Texans (2008), Washington Redskins (2011-13) and Atlanta Falcons (2015-16).

--Friday

Las Vegas Raiders (2-9) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-1), 3 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime

Normally cool and collected Chiefs coach Andy Reid nearly witnessed the coronary in Carolina courtesy of Bryce Young and the Panthers, who darted back into the game Sunday from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to force a game-ending field goal by Kansas City's fill-in kicker Spencer Shrader. As if there was a reason needed to take the Raiders seriously, Las Vegas beat Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City on Christmas Day last season. Reid is 19-4 against the Raiders with the Chiefs and Mahomes is 11-2 since becoming the starter in 2018. Mahomes will become the Chiefs' all-time leader in TD passes with his next score, breaking an existing tie with Len Dawson (237). Mahomes has an entertaining history with Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, largely out of respectful competition. Crosby's stamina will be tested by the Chiefs' methodical offense. Kansas City is first in the NFL in 10-play drives (32) and third-down percentage (52.7), areas where the Raiders' defense is below-average. Las Vegas is No. 22 in the NFL in third-down defense and allowed 104 total points in the past three games. Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell is preparing to start Friday and make his first appearance since a thumb injury sent him to IR Week 7. O'Connell returns to an offense leaning heavily on rookie TE Brock Bowers to produce. He leads the team with 74 receptions, 744 yards and three TD catches. He had five receptions for 55 yards in the Raiders' 27-20 loss to the Chiefs on Oct. 27.

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Player Notes
Dexter Lawrence Nov 26 5:20pm CT
Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants placed linebacker Azeez Ojulari (toe) on injured reserve Tuesday. He is now slated to miss a minimum of four games. Ojulari has been a bright spot for a Giants team devoid of talent or direction in 2024. He has recorded six sacks and 28 total tackles in 11 games played this season. The Giants defense has been solid this season behind the play of Ojulari and other solid defenders such as defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II and linebacker Brian Burns. Unfortunately, the offense has lagged far behind the defense and it seems as though Giants coaches are losing the locker room on both sides of the ball. Before his injury, Ojulari was tied for second on the team in sacks with Burns. He is also third in tackles for loss with seven. The Giants do not have a lot of depth behind Ojulari so things only seem to be getting worse for this franchise in 2024.

From RotoBaller

James Robinson Nov 26 5:10pm CT
James Robinson

The Washington Commanders have brought in free agent running backs James Robinson and Boston Scott for workouts. The Commanders are thin at running back with Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) both exiting the team's Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with injuries. Robinson and Scott have both enjoyed success in the past. Robinson most recently played in one game for the Green Bay Packers in 2023 while providing depth on their practice squad. He is known for rushing for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns as an undrafted rookie running back in 2020. Scott spent the first six years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent time on the practice squads of both the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Both players are quality backs that would provide a steady veteran presence in the locker room. Neither would move the needle much in fantasy. Instead, fantasy managers should turn to Jeremy McNichols as insurance in the Commanders' backfield.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Nov 26 3:50pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (back) was listed as limited for the second straight day on Tuesday on the team's estimated practice report. The Giants held a walkthrough practice, so Johnson's participation is a projection. New York plays the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday on Thanksgiving on a short week, so it's likely they are giving the 23-year-old rookie a little rest as he battles through a back injury. It's hard to trust any of the Giants' pass-catchers with quarterback Tommy Devito (forearm) now running the offense, but Johnson has seen his role as a receiver grow lately and is at least worth a look as a TE2 sleeper in deeper leagues if he's active against Dallas. He's been targeted at least six times the last three games and has translated that into 10 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 26 3:40pm CT
Austin Seibert

The Washington Commanders placed kicker Austin Seibert (hip) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, meaning he will have to miss at least the next four games. Seibert was held out of action in Weeks 10 and 11 due to a right-hip injury and returned for the Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, where he missed a 50-plus yard field goal and two extra-points -- one at the end of the contest that would have tied the game. The 28-year-old didn't look right and now won't be eligible to return to Washington until the regular-season finale in Week 18 versus the Cowboys. With Seibert on the shelf, the Commanders will most likely bring Zane Gonzalez back to the active roster after he filled in for Seibert in Weeks 10 and 11. The 29-year-old Gonzalez made his return to the NFL this year for the first time since 2021 and went 3-for-3 on FGs and 4-for-4 on extra points in his two games recently for Washington.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dulcich Nov 26 3:40pm CT
Greg Dulcich

Former Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich was claimed off waivers on Tuesday by the New York Giants, according to a source. Dulcich caught just five of 12 targets for 28 yards and no touchdowns in the first four games this year but has been a healthy scratch for Denver the last eight games. He'll now get a fresh start in the Big Apple and will serve as depth at the position behind rookie Theo Johnson (back), Chris Manhertz and Daniel Bellinger. The 24-year-old probably will not be active for the team's Thanksgiving game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. When Dulcich gets himself familiarized with the Giants' offense, he'll have a tough time finding snaps for the rest of the 2024 season. Injuries limited him in his first two years with the Broncos and he caught 41 of 71 targets for 464 yards and two touchdowns in his 16 games (10 starts) with the team.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Nov 26 3:30pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he thinks the usage of tight end Taysom Hill the last few weeks is trending toward where the team wants it to be the rest of the season. "I think sprinkling him a little bit everywhere is when we're at our best," Rizzi said. The Saints are coming off their bye week, with Hill most notably going off for a career day in the Week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns, catching eight of 10 targets for 50 yards while also carrying the ball a season-high seven times for 138 yards and a whopping three rushing touchdowns. In addition, he completed one pass for 18 yards and an interception while returning a kickoff 42 yards. While fantasy managers can't expect a repeat of the 34-year-old's big day in Week 11, Hill has the ability to operate as a TE1 in fantasy the rest of the way with receiver Chris Olave (concussion) still on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Shrader Nov 26 2:20pm CT
Spencer Shrader

Kansas City Chiefs rookie kicker Spencer Shrader (hamstring) will not participate in the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday. On a short week -- the Chiefs play the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders this Friday -- Shrader's availability is now in question. Harrison Butker (knee) is on Injured Reserve, so the 25-year-old was scooped up off the New York Jets' practice squad and has served as KC's kicker the last two games. He's held his own for the Super Bowl champions, converting on all three of his field-goal tries and all six of his extra-point attempts. As insurance, the Chiefs added Matthew Wright to their practice squad on Tuesday. The Raiders have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, so whoever is kicking for Kansas City on Black Friday is at least worth a look as a streamer at the position in Week 13. Whether the Chiefs activate Wright to the active roster will be a telling sign for Shrader this week.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Nov 26 2:00pm CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock took some first-team reps in Tuesday's practice, which is unusual for a QB2 in Brian Daboll's system. Starting Tommy Devito is dealing with an arm ailment but is expected to start on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the second-year signal-caller threw for just 189 yards and led the Giants to seven points against the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in Week 13, so another lackluster performance could result in Lock taking over the QB1 duties. That said, fantasy managers in two-QB and Superflex leagues should consider stashing Lock in case he's called into action. He has limited upside in single-QB formats, but any starter has value in the aforementioned league setups.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Wright Nov 26 1:50pm CT
Matthew Wright

The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Matthew Wright to the practice squad on Tuesday, according to Chiefs beat writer Matt Derrick. Harrison Butker (knee) is on the Injured Reserve list, and fill-in kicker Spencer Shrader (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury. Wright kicked in two games for the Chiefs in 2022. Overall, he has attempted kicks for five NFL squads, connecting on 43 of his 50 field goal attempts and 38 of his 40 extra point tries in 21 games. Shrader has averaged 7.6 fantasy points per game in the absence of Butker, so if Wright draws a start for K.C., he's unlikely to be a high-end kicker option in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 26 1:50pm CT
Zonovan Knight

The New York Jets are signing Zonovan Knight to the practice squad, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero. "Bam" Knight was signed by New York as an undrafted free agent out of the 2022 NFL Draft class and rushed 85 times for 300 yards and a touchdown as a rookie with the organization. He spent last season with the Detroit Lions but has not been with a team in 2024. With Breece Hall and Braelon Allen healthy heading into Week 13, this is probably a mere depth signing and can be ignored for fantasy football purposes.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Nov 26 1:40pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (shoulder) is trending toward playing on Thursday against the Chicago Bears, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell said he "feels pretty good" about Montgomery's status, and the veteran running back wanted to go back into last week's game after suffering a minor shoulder ding, but the team held him out as a precaution. The 27-year-old has scored at least one rushing touchdown in nine of 11 games this year and has reached double-digit fantasy points in 10 of those contests. Assuming he suits up against his former team on Thanksgiving, he's a must-start RB2 option against the Chicago defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points per game to ball carriers.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 26 1:20pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he has not decided if he wants to play in 2025 yet. On a Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee show, the future Hall of Famer said his No. 1 option would be to return to the Jets if he plays, but there is still uncertainty ahead. There have been several reports of drama with Rodgers within the New York organization, but Rodgers said he has not spoken to people who would know his plans for the upcoming season. Either way, things are not panning out as Rodgers hoped this season, as head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas have been fired before Week 12. The Jets are a longshot to make the playoffs this season after getting out to a 3-8 start. Rodgers has thrown for 2,442 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Aidan Hutchinson Nov 26 1:20pm CT
Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions are releasing third-year pass-rusher James Houston on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The 2022 sixth-round pick out of Jackson State registered eight sacks in just seven games as a rookie but has recorded only one sack in his last 10 games and has been in and out of the Detroit lineup. The team traded for veteran Za'Darius Smith a few weeks ago to help mend to loss of Aidan Hutchinson, so it appears there was no role on the defense for Houston moving forward. Because of his promising 2022 campaign, another team might be interested in bringing him in.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Nov 26 12:50pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team is still gathering facts after wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was arrested on Monday on suspicion of DUI and they have not made a decision regarding whether Robinson will play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. The 30-year-old has essentially become LA's No. 3 wideout behind Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, so if Robinson doesn't suit up this weekend, it would open up more playing time for Tutu Atwell and Tyler Johnson. Through 11 games in 2024, Robinson has 26 receptions for 384 yards and a career-high six touchdowns on 50 targets in his second year with the team. In Sunday night's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, he caught just two of three targets for 15 yards but was able to find the end zone for the sixth time this year. Check back later this week to see if Robinson will be available against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Tommy DeVito Nov 26 12:30pm CT
Tommy DeVito

New York Giants quarterback Tommy Devito (forearm) will test his right forearm in practice on Tuesday but will be listed as a limited participant. Backup Drew Lock will also get some repetitions as the team prepares to face the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving on Thursday. Head coach Brian Daboll said he's "hopeful" that DeVito plays in Week 13, but it's not 100% that he'll be active. DeVito came out of the Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat up, but now we know specifically that it's his throwing forearm that is bothering him. The 26-year-old wasn't listed on the injury report on Monday but is now up in the air for this week. Either way, the Giants offense might be in trouble against a Dallas defense that surprised by beating the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Whoever is starting under center for the G-Men on Thanksgiving will be a desperation QB2 in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Mike Edwards Nov 26 12:20pm CT
Mike Edwards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) will miss time with a pectoral injury that he suffered in the Week 12 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, but there's a chance he could return this season, according to sources. Everything will depend on how well Whitehead heals and if the Bucs are able to make a run to the playoffs. Whitehead will avoid surgery and isn't definitively out for the year. Initially, there was a fear that the 27-year-old defensive back suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which almost certainly would have ended his season. It's good news for Tampa's secondary, but they will still be without Whitehead for a significant amount of time. The former fourth-rounder in 2018 out of Pittsburgh had posted 76 tackles (47 solo) and three pass breakups in 11 games in his first year in Tampa. Mike Edwards will likely be elevated to a starting role with Whitehead out.

From RotoBaller

Stanley Morgan Nov 26 12:10pm CT
Stanley Morgan

The Tennessee Titans signed wide receiver Stanley Morgan to their practice squad on Tuesday. Morgan was let go by the New Orleans Saints at the end of August in training camp after he signed with the team back in March. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Nebraska made his NFL debut in 2019 with the Cincinnati Bengals and played all five of his NFL seasons with the organization, totaling just five receptions on 15 targets for 29 yards in 51 games played (one start). He appeared in three games with Cincy last year but wasn't targeted at all on offense. In Tennessee, he'll likely stay on the practice squad unless an injury to the receiving corps forces him onto the active 53-man roster. Morgan remains far from the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 26 11:30am CT
Daniel Jones

Former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones officially cleared waivers on Monday and is an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with any team. Jones prefers to sign with a playoff contender, with potential destinations being the Baltimore Ravens or Minnesota Vikings, according to sources. He has reportedly already eliminated the Las Vegas Raiders, who just lost quarterback Gardner Minshew II (collarbone) for the rest of the season, as an option. A team would have had to claim the balance of Jones' contract ($11,833,333) for this year and the $23 million in injury guarantees after this season if they wanted him off waivers. The former sixth overall pick in the 2019 out of Duke spent six seasons with the Giants and really only had one solid season in the first year with Brian Daboll as head coach in 2022. Jones will likely have to serve in a backup role if he signs with a contender.

From RotoBaller

Jabrill Peppers Nov 26 11:20am CT
Jabrill Peppers

New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers was removed from the commissioner's exempt list on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty in October to charges including strangulation and drug possession, the NFL announced. Peppers will now be eligible to participate in all team activities, including games. His attorney told a judge that Peppers had rejected a $10.5 million demand made by the plaintiff in connection with a possible lawsuit. A jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 22. The 29-year-old will return to practice this week and could be active on Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. According to police, a woman alleged that Peppers hit her, choked her "at least six times," took off her clothing and put her outside. He's in his third season with the Pats and eighth season overall in the NFL. In four games in 2024, Peppers has 23 tackles (11 solo), one pick and two pass breakups.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Nov 26 11:10am CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) will return to practice this week. However, McVay indicated that it's unlikely that Higbee will be available to make his 2024 debut on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. The Rams are opening Higbee's 21-day practice window to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list after he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee in the playoff game against the Detroit Lions back on Jan. 14. The 31-year-old is finally ready to return to the practice field, but it might take him a little bit before the Rams are comfortable using him in a game. And when he is finally active on game day, both Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen could continue to have roles as the Rams ease Higbee back in. Higbee should eventually take over as LA's starting tight end, but fantasy managers should temper expectations.

From RotoBaller