Some people need yet another reason to watch football on Thanksgiving, and that need comes in the form of an NFL DFS lineup. Yes, it’s possible to win big if we can figure out the best combination of fantasy football players. Here are my optimal Week 12 DFS 50/50 picks for Thanksgiving football. The lineup is based on DraftKings pricing and falls within their $50,000 salary cap.
Top NFL DFS picks for Thanksgiving Day | DraftKings QB and RBs
50/50 lineups are different than tournament lineups. With 50/50, it’s all about hedging and maximizing floors. Boom/bust isn’t as useful as “safe.” Which players should we target at quarterback and running back?
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys ($6,900)
One of the best fantasy options you’ll find in Week 12, not to mention on Thursday. Dak Prescott is coming off a miserable outing on Sunday in Kansas City. At home against the beatable Raiders, he should rebound nicely.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys ($8,000)
The priciest Thursday running back also comes with some risk, as Tony Pollard has proven to be a very capable contributor (more on that shortly). So by starting Ezekiel Elliott, we’re hedging our bets on Dallas’ offense.
Since I believe they’ll score 30+ points, I trust Prescott and Elliott will combine for 3+ scores. That makes both startable in a 50/50 lineup.
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys ($5,600)
If this is a blowout, Pollard should be a steal. If Elliott is underutilized, Pollard should pick up the slack, making him a great DFS starter. As you can see, there are many ways the Cowboys’ backup RB can shine. He’s an efficient runner with great pass-catching chops. Pollard is a tremendous upside hedge.
Top NFL DFS picks for Thanksgiving Day | DraftKings WRs
Wideouts can dominate the fantasy landscape. Which players should we target at wide receiver on Thanksgiving?
Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears ($5,700)
We saw what Darnell Mooney could do on Sunday. Was it a fluke? I don’t think so. While another 20+ points might seem farfetched, he’s clear-and-away Chicago’s No. 1 receiver with Allen Robinson sidelined. Mooney could be a steal at this price.
Marquise Goodwin, WR, Chicago Bears ($3,800)
I pushed Marquise Goodwin on last week’s fantasy podcast, and I’ll continue to push him in a great matchup against Detroit. He’s always one play away from exceeding his value.
Bryan Edwards, WR, Las Vegas Raiders ($5,300)
In Bryan Edwards’ last four games, he’s had 13+ fantasy points twice and 0 fantasy points in the other two contests. Last week, in fact, he didn’t even get a target.
That’s almost unheard of and certainly shouldn’t be viewed as the new norm. Among all of the ultra-cheap DFS bargains, Edwards might have the most upside.
Top NFL DFS picks for Thanksgiving Day | DraftKings TE, Flex, and D/ST
How should we round out this DFS lineup? Here’s who earns the final three roster spots.
Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders ($6,400)
Darren Waller has 18+ point potential against the Cowboys. Although the Raiders’ offense has struggled, Waller is still their top offensive weapon.
David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears ($6,000)
Winning a DFS tournament requires some calculated risks. David Montgomery’s injury-plagued season has included some fantasy disappointments and some big successes. The shorthanded Bears will need him in a favorable matchup against the Lions. The question is whether he’s turned loose. I’m betting he will be.
Buffalo Bills, D/ST ($3,100)
What Jonathan Taylor did to this defense last week was nothing short of incredible. It’s hard to imagine a repeat performance from the Saints. Buffalo should be a top-five D/ST this week.