EVERYONE loves a good Thanksgiving feast. The best spread has all the essential choices, just like your fantasy roster. Let’s take a peek at this weekend’s holiday fantasy feast.
Uncle Brandon Jacobs usually brings the gravy, but with Jacobs down with a hamstring problem, cousin Reuben Droughns will be the sauce in the Giants’ running game this week. Too bad he has to cook it in the Minnesota kitchen. Don’t invite Droughns to your dinner table this week.
At least the mashed potatoes should be good. Ron Dayne is sort of plain, like potatoes. But every so often, with just the right mixture of timing and match-ups, Dayne provides a full plate. Against a pitiful Cleveland run defense, and in an effort to keep the ball away from the potent Browns offense, expect a big helping of Dayne.
Cedric Benson will be the stuffing this week. Normally he’s forgettable. You don’t often shop exclusively for his stuffing. But on this particular day, dinner won’t be complete without it. Benson is running against a weak Broncos defense, and Denver has a short week following a Monday night game.
Steve Smith has been invisible the past few weeks, with QB problems and some tough matchups. But the Panthers WR should get to eat some pumpkin pie this week against a generous Saints secondary. Smith will be a good dessert this week, but he will spoil quickly in the weeks to come.
If there’s one item that often gets left untouched on a holiday buffet table, it’s the fruitcake. Santana Moss had his first big game of the week last week, but leave him on your bench this week. A matchup vs. the tough Buccaneers will leave a bad taste.
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without the meat. And Peyton Manning will put the turkey in your Turkey Day. Coming off a series of bad outings – late vs. the Patriots, his stinker in San Diego and last week’s escape vs. Kansas City – expect Manning and the Colts to cook the Birds tonight. Reggie Wayne will be the glaze on Manning’s turkey, and Joseph Addai will be his cranberry sauce.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Eat well.
Last week’s Survivor pick: Indianapolis over Kansas City. This week’s pick: Dallas over Jets. Record: 10-1. [email protected]