Waivers to be Thankful for
So this Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful for three things: you’re not a Chargers fan, we have three NFL games to enjoy, and it’s not New Year’s Eve.
If the Chargers were a holiday, they definitely wouldn’t be Thanksgiving. Every year, we hype them up, thinking this might finally be their season—only to be reminded they’re still the Chargers. If anything, they’re more like New Year’s Eve: full of hype and promise, but when the ball drops, you’re still sitting there with a half-empty glass of eggnog, wondering why you thought this year would be different.
That’s exactly how I felt watching Monday Night Football, minus the nog. I had all my Underdog Fantasy Herbert props lined up, paired with Quentin Johnston receiving yards plays. It seemed like a lock—just like New Year’s resolutions—but as usual, the Chargers left us wanting more.
So this Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful for three things: you’re not a Chargers fan, we have three NFL games to enjoy, and it’s not New Year’s Eve.
Quarterbacks
Drake Maye (30%) vs. Indianapolis
After a challenging game against the Dolphins, where he still managed to finish as QB17 (ahead of Jared Goff and Kyler Murray), Maye is primed for a bounce-back performance. This week, he faces the Colts, who rank as the 8th-friendliest fantasy matchup for quarterbacks, allowing 17.8 fantasy points per game.
Will Levis (18%) at Washington
Levis has delivered three straight games with 16+ fantasy points, showing consistent production. This week, he faces Washington, the 11th-best fantasy matchup for quarterbacks, giving up 17.3 fantasy points per game to the position.
Bryce Young (11%) vs. Tampa Bay
Fresh off a gutsy performance where he pushed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to the limit, Bryce Young is set for a favorable matchup this week. He faces the Buccaneers, who have struggled against opposing quarterbacks, allowing 20.8 fantasy points per game. Adding to the storyline, Panthers' OC Dave Canales will be facing his former team.
Running Backs
Gus Edwards (29%) at Atlanta
With J.K. Dobbins once again sidelined, Gus Edwards becomes a priority add in John Harbaugh's run-heavy offense. Edwards is set to handle the majority of carries, though Hassan Haskins may vulture some red-zone work. This week, the "Gus Bus" has a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who are allowing 90 rushing yards per game, setting up a solid opportunity for fantasy production.
Jeremy McNichols (0%) vs. Tennesse
With Brian Robinson potentially sidelined by an ankle injury and Austin Ekeler in concussion protocol, McNichols could step into a larger role this week. But the matchup isn’t ideal—Tennessee’s defense is one of the league’s toughest against the run, allowing just 68 rushing yards per game—McNichols offers a warm-body option.
Roschon Johnson (37%) at Detroit
It's a tough matchup, and not the ideal way to kick off your Thanksgiving, but Roschon Johnson offers some touchdown upside. If the Bears find themselves at the 1-yard line, Roschon will get first crack at punching it in, having scored in back-to-back games in short yardage situations.
Wide Receivers
DeVaughn Vele (13%) vs. Cleveland
As Bo Nix continues to improve each week, so does Vele, his clear No. 2 target in the passing game. DeVaughn has posted at least 8 fantasy points in three straight games—impressive considering he hasn’t found the end zone yet. If the touchdowns start coming, his fantasy value could skyrocket.qwqw
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (21%) at Washington
NWI has been on my Hail Mary add list four straight weeks. He’s scored 6 touchdowns in his last 7. High upsized flex option for me. Just add him and start him. Has more TDs than Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce.
DeMario Douglas (50%) vs. Indianapolis
Pop led the team in receptions on Sunday with 5 and has now strung together 4 straight games with at least 7 fantasy points. Impressively, three of those performances came against tough defenses in the Titans, Bears, and Dolphins. This week, he finally gets a favorable matchup against the Colts. Could this be the week he truly pops? Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Noah Brown (19%) vs. Tennessee
Finally! He led the team in targets with 10 and set a season-high with 6 catches. The question now is whether he can maintain this momentum heading into a matchup against the Titans.
David Moore (0%) vs. Tampa Bay
Moore is coming off a BIG performance against the Chiefs, drawing 10 targets, 6 catches, 81 yards, and a touchdown, including a nice 1-yard TD grab. He’s seen over 80% of snaps in each of his last four games, solidifying his role in the offense. This week, he’s in a great position to build on that momentum against a Buccaneers defense that has been kind to opposing receivers.
Tight Ends
Noah Gray (6%) vs. Las Vegas
Mahomes' new favorite red-zone target? It’s starting to look that way, with back-to-back games featuring 2 touchdown catches. This week, he faces the Raiders—a team Mahomes loves to dominate. Gray, fresh off a contract extension this offseason, continues to make big plays. Sorry, Swifties, but it seems Gray has become a key priority in this offense.
Luke Schoonmaker (19%) vs. New York Giants
Had 3 targets for 55 yards and big TD late in the game. Now faces the Giants on Thanksgiving who seem to be hanging on by a thread. Could the Cowboys tight ends have another red kettle celebration?
Will Dissly (54%) at Atlanta
He didn’t deliver the Monday night performance we were hoping for, but he remains one of the top waiver options this week. With Quentin Johnston struggling with drops, Justin Herbert could start relying on his more dependable hands.