Turkey Day Sleepers

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving means lots of turkey, followed by lots of sleeping. Why not have some sleepers too? Here’s some fantasy football sleeper players, Thanksgiving Day edition.

Jordan Shipley (WR) Cincinnati- The Bengals are traveling to New York to play the Jets. There’s a strong chance that the Jets are going to completely shut down the Bengals starting receivers. Darrelle Revis is expected to cover Terrell Owens, and Antonio Cromartie should be lined up with Chad Ochocinco. This could actually benefit Shipley. With the Bengals likely to be trailing big, in no part thanks to their own secondary’s problems, Shipley has a great chance to be open for some underneath routes. He is quietly averaging 48 receiving yards per game, and no team has managed to put up as many garbage time passing numbers as the Bengals.

LaDainian Tomlinson (RB) New York Jets- Just when it looked like Shonn Greene was going to get himself into an even split for carries he fumbled away the opportunity and got benched for the remainder of the game. The Bengals rank just 23^rd in the NFL against the run, and have surrendered 10 rushing scores on the year, including one in each of the last eight games. With the Jets expected to win this game, Tomlinson should see plenty of carries, and looks like a safe bet to be inserted back into fantasy lineups.

Lance Moore (WR) New Orleans- Robert Meachem and Marques Colston scored last week, so why not Moore this week? Moore is still leading the Saints in touchdown receptions, and remains their leading deep threat. The Saints offense has really started clicking lately, and facing a Dallas Cowboys secondary that has yielded the second most touchdown passes in the NFL is an intriguing Thanksgiving

Day gift.

Marion Barber III (RB) Dallas- The Cowboys could win this game, but they might have to rely on their ailing ground game more than usual. The Dallas offensive line hasn’t done it’s running backs many favors this year. They have rushed for only three touchdowns all season. Barber has two score, but is down at only 3.2 yards per carry. But there are some things to consider this week. Felix Jones is hurting, so the Cowboys might have to give Barber more carries against the Saints. Speaking of the Saints, their pass defense has been great in 2010. New Orleans ranks number two in the NFL defending the pass, and has only given up seven passing scores all season. Jason Garrett has helped resurrect the Dallas offense, but they just might try a new tactic on Thanksgiving.

Danny Woodhead (RB) New England- Never underestimate Bill Belichick. Danny Woodhead was taken off of the Jets scrap heap, and has become a viable player in the NFL and fantasy leagues. In his eight games, Woodhead is averaging 66 yards from scrimmage, and has scored 4 touchdowns. Over a full season, those numbers would come to 1053 yards and eight scores.

In Week 12, the Patriots get to play a lousy Detroit rush defense. While BenJarvus Green-Ellis remains New England’s featured back, Woodhead will still see plenty of work on passing downs, and also has a good chance of getting a receiving score.

Nate Burleson (WR) Detroit- Typical Bill Belichick defensive strategy: take one element of your opponent’s game, and shut it down. That element is likely to be the Lions best player, Calvin Johnson. That could mean a lot of opportunities for Nate Burleson to put up some good fantasy stats this week. Over his last six games, Burleson is quietly averaging 68 receiving yards a game, and has scored four touchdowns. He’s become a good fantasy option. The Patriots rank 31^st in the NFL defending the pass, so there is little chance that they will be able to keep the Lions receivers out of the end-zone.