The calendar has turned to November and it’s just days away from December. But, it’s also the point of no return for fantasy football. If you’re sitting atop the standings at 10-1 or you’re all but locked into a playoff spot, it’s likely you’re rostering some of the players below. Give thanks to them at the dinner table this year.
But before you do that, bring your sit/start questions and crack your first beer with The Wolf and The Truth on Thursday morning at 10:30 AM EST as they preview the Thanksgiving slate and fantasy football Week 12.
APPETIZERS
These are the quick bites you didn’t expect to be ready, but fill the rumble in your stomach while the bird cooks in the oven.
James Conner
The NFL rushing TD leader with 12 through 11 weeks, with another through the air, makes James Conner one of the seasons’ more surprising stories. Being tied to Kyler Murray and the blazing offense in the desert doesn’t hurt, but Conner has played his way into an every-week role with his nose for the end zone.
Marquise Brown
The Baltimore Ravens’ transition from a ground and pound team to a more balanced attack has made Marquise Brown one of the season’s biggest draft-day bargains; as he’s been a beneficiary of Lamar Jackson’s increase in pass attempts (309 through nine games). Brown is sizzling with 52 catches for 719 yards and 6 touchdowns.
SIDE DISHES
Side dishes have priority table placement compared to the appetizers since they accompany the main course. They are the staples that everyone expects at Thanksgiving Dinner.
Ja’Marr Chase
Half-PPR’s WR4 through 10 weeks is the rookie phenom, Ja’Marr Chase. It seems like concerns about catching an NFL football were a product of a tryptophan-induced dream. Chase has set the league ablaze reuniting with former LSU teammate, Joe Burrow. The former Tiger has found the end zone in seven of 10 games this season, including a game with over 200 yards receiving. Chase should be sitting at your Thanksgiving table for many years to come.
Hunter Henry
While no one will mistake him for Gronk, Hunter Henry has been a bright spot for the dart throw position outside of your big three (or four if you include Mark Andrews). Henry even leads the position with seven receiving scores through 11 weeks. Mac Jones’ continued development could be an indication of even bigger things to come for Henry, who serves as the team’s clear top red-zone option. Those who waited on tight end and took a chance on Henry are feeling full and happy.
MAIN COURSE
The main course is what everyone expects. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. These are the players paying off their high draft capital and are matchup-proof locks in your lineup every week.
Jonathan Taylor
“Home Improvement” as I’ve nicknamed him, has been a fantasy stud for managers this season. The overwhelming RB1 has left the league in his wake through 11 weeks. With over 1,400 total yards and 15 total touchdowns, Taylor has put fantasy managers on his back this season.
Cooper Kupp
Did anyone expect this from Cooper Kupp, even with the upgrade from Goff to Stafford? He is fantasy’s WR1 and is showing no signs of slowing down. The season-ending injury to Robert Woods should only increase Stafford’s reliance on Kupp in the Rams O. With over 100 targets and 85 catches for 1,141 yards through week 10, Kupp is the king turkey of 2021 fantasy football so far, leaving fantasy managers full and satisfied.
DESSERTS
Desserts are the unknown piece of Thanksgiving dinner, varying greatly depending on the household you attend for turkey day. These are players that were irrelevant in early August but have become the cherry on top of fantasy rosters this season.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Just like we drew it up. RB10 status for Patterson in a Falcons offense that was supposed to feature Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts. Patterson has put up almost 800 total yards and 7 TDs through 10 weeks of the season. The swiss army knife is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Melvin Gordon III
Boring apple pie. If it’s the only dessert, you’ll eat it, and be happy. The same goes for plugging Gordon into your fantasy lineup this season. The RB15 has compiled almost 700 yards and 7 TDs in a season where rookie Javonte Williams was supposed to take over the Denver backfield. Gordon has shown he still has something left in the tank.
Who are the players you’re most thankful for this season? Tweet them to us @RotoStreetWolf or @RotoStJournal. Try not to miss out on time with family and friends by staring at your fantasy app during Thanksgiving this year….refreshing isn’t going to change your matchup result for the week, or magically give your players more fantasy points. Believe me, I’ve tried.
