Start or Bench?

Green Bay at Detroit

Start: Kevin Jones, DET – In his last 4 games against the Packers, Jones has averaged 112.5 total yards per game, along with 2 TD’s. The Lions are 1-5 in their last 6 Thanksgiving Day games, with the only win coming in 2003 against Green Bay. Look for Rod Marinelli’s crew to come up with a ground-game based attack to keep Favre and company off the field as much as possible in the first of three Turkey Day games tomorrow (yes, I ordered the NFL Network yesterday)…
Prediction: 20 carries, 80 yards rushing, 3 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD’s.

Bench: Ryan Grant, GB – Due to the massive amount of injuries this year, most Grant owners will probably have to start him anyways, but the Lions have actually been pretty solid in stopping the run this year, allowing only 3.6 YPC, 3^rd best in the NFL behind Baltimore and Minnesota. I can’t see the Packers focusing on milking the clock in a game that will be watched by just about everyone, as Favre will be throwing the ball early and often, with over 550 yards and 4 TD’s in his two Thanksgiving games against the Lions…
Prediction: 18 carries, 60 yards, 2 catches, 14 yards, 0 TD’s.

New York Jets at Dallas

Start: Jason Witten, DAL – With Patrick Crayton possibly out after suffering an ankle sprain last week against Washington, Witten may see more looks than usual from Romo in Turkey Day game #2. And considering that he has played far better in odd numbered years on Thanksgiving, I figured I’d give him the nod this week. In 2003 and 2005, he had a total of 17 catches for 140 yards and a TD. In 2004 and 2006, he had a total of 4 catches for 47 yards and 0 TD’s. Look for him to put up strong #’s against the woeful Jets...
Prediction: 6 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD.

Bench: Thomas Jones, NYJ – Jones’ owners were finally rewarded by a surprisingly huge game against PITT last week (how many of you actually started him though?). This week the Jets will likely be down big early on, forcing them to abandon the running game and relying heavily on Kellen Clemens, who will likely be without the services of Coles as well. Don’t expect anything more than around 60 yards rushing from Jones in what may be an ugly blowout...
Prediction: 16 carries, 59 yards, 2 catches, 17 yards, 0 TD’s.

Indianapolis at Atlanta

Start: Warrick Dunn, ATL – In what has been a surprising turn of events, Dunn has become startable in most fantasy leagues for the past few weeks, averaging 104 yards per scrimmage in his last 3 games, along with 2 TD’s. Like the GB-DET game, look for Petrino to try to keep Peyton Manning off the field as much as possible, especially considering that A.) Harrington is starting again, and B.) Indy’s pass defense is allowing the least amount of yards through the air in the NFL this year. Norwood may get a handful of carries, but I like Dunn to have a solid game against an INDY rush defense that is allowing just under 4 yards per carry, along with 100+ yards per game…
Prediction: 22 carries, 82 yards, 3 catches, 19 yards, 0 TD’s.

Bench: Adam Vinatieri, IND – Yeah, yeah, I know. But c’mon, something isn’t right with “The Greatest Clutch Kicker In History”. We were watching the game in the parking lot in Buffalo last Sunday, and although our entire area were Pats fans, no one seemed to have much confidence any time Vinatieri lined up for a FG. And considering that in the past two weeks, Adam is 2 for 6 on FG attempts, INDY should definitely be concerned…
Prediction: 2 FG’s, 3-4 Extra Points, 2 Misses.

We'll be back on Friday to recap these predictions, along with Sunday's games...