As Thanksgiving approaches, NFL fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling three-game lineup, featuring crucial matchups that could significantly impact the fantasy football landscape. The slate includes a classic NFC North rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs visiting the Dallas Cowboys, and closing out with the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Baltimore Ravens. However, injury updates on key fantasy players like Rashee Rice, Josh Jacobs, and Tee Higgins present challenges for fantasy managers as they prepare for Week 13.
Rashee Rice, the promising wide receiver for the Chiefs, left the team’s Week 12 overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts due to a suspected hamstring injury but later returned to finish strong with eight receptions for 141 yards. While both Rice and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid downplayed the injury during post-game interviews, his status remains uncertain leading into Thanksgiving. If he plays, Rice is a strong start against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the third-most passing yards per game this season. In case Rice is limited or unable to play, teammates such as Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Hollywood Brown could see increased opportunities, making them viable fantasy options.
Meanwhile, the situation with Packers running back Josh Jacobs is more complicated. After missing his first game of the season in Week 12 due to a left knee contusion, Jacobs’s availability for Thanksgiving is still in question. Emanuel Wilson stepped up in Jacobs’s absence, delivering an impressive performance with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Vikings. Given the quick turnaround to Thursday, Jacobs’s active status needs to be closely monitored. If he is cleared to play, he should be inserted into fantasy lineups; however, if he remains sidelined, Wilson becomes a reliable starting option following his standout game.
Tee Higgins from the Bengals already faced a setback as he was ruled out for the Thanksgiving game with a concussion. Higgins had been positioned for a significant fantasy performance with Ja’Marr Chase suspended but will now miss a crucial opportunity against the Ravens, impacting Cincinnati’s offensive potential. With star quarterback Joe Burrow returning to the lineup after an extended absence, Chase will likely be Burrow’s primary target. In deeper leagues, players like Andrei Iosivas, along with tight ends Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant, may offer some upside as potential replacements in Higgins’s absence.
As fantasy owners navigate these injury concerns, it’s essential to keep a close watch on any late-breaking updates leading into the Thanksgiving games. With plenty of excitement and uncertainty surrounding these matchups, there’s hope for thrilling performances from the assets that remain available, keeping the spirit of competition alive during the holiday festivities.