You have to love Thanksgiving NFL games. All tripped out on tryptophan, you and your cousins staring glazed-eyed over your overstuffed bellies, or sneaking a peak at TV on mute in the background that mom doesn’t know about, from your strategically placed chair at the dining table.
 

This year the NFL upped the ante by actually giving us games that mattered. While not all the storylines may have played out quite as dramatically as we would have hoped, there was plenty to take away from the Turkey Day games.  Since we have all this goodness from Thursday and because life dragged me away from this column for two weeks (my apologies, I hate it when life does that to me) here is a quick hitter to get the jump on your league this week.

Packers/Lions

What we learned:  This game was overflowing with the holiday spirit. We had the ever-delightful Ndamukong Suh stomping  (literally) on his opponent and then trying to explain how he was just trying to get his balance. Suh is a singular talent, and his  presence elevates the Lions defense to the upper tier of the NFL. But, he has to reel in his anger issues if he wants to become  the player he can ultimately be. There is a two game suspension coming down the pipe for the massive DL at the worst  possible time for a Lions team heading in the wrong direction after a dynamic start.

There was also this Detroit special: Upon Greg Jennings hauling in his 2^nd quarter TD, he kneels down to pray and a Lions fan  in the stands behind him can be seen clearly yelling “You Suck”. Stay classy Detroit.

Matthew Stafford looks healthy. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the momentary feel good story Kevin Smith.  Remember: It was injuries, not lack of talent, that shortened his career. You gotta’ feel for the guy, and for all those fantasy   owners that used their #1 waiver position to pick him up, only to watch him fall. The injury doesn’t look serious and he was  rolling up another big day before he went down. With Jahvid Best out for the season, Smith should still pay dividends down the  stretch.  But, lower those sky-high expectations.

What we think we learned: It was very obvious to see the Lions were on edge in this game. You have to wonder if they are ready for the big stage just yet.

One reason Smith has looked great was the Lions O-line opening huge holes for the RB. Even after Smith went out, Lions RBs were well down the field before they were first touched by defenders.

Just when the Jordy Nelson buzz was reaching dizzying heights, the post-dessert sugar crash hit hard. Here’s the deal: If you have a Packers WR on your roster, you are starting them. You just have to accept that, outside of Greg Jennings, you can’t count on any regular productivity.

The same cannot be said for Jermichael Finley, who has got to be the most over-hyped, fantasy prospect in years. He’s very athletic, and he’ll have his occasional games, but the next great TE? No sir, not with those hands.

How can the already certified crappy band, Nickelback, get even crappier? By having their half-time stage take so much time to get off the field that it holds up the start of the second half.  Booooo!  Boooooooooooo!

Dolphins/Cowboys

What we learned:  Someone please help me out: When did Black Friday go from a day of shopping deals to a national holiday? On a related note, the lady from the Target commercial is terrifying. I know they are going for a whole ironic thing, but Jeez Louise, she is sc-ar-ry.

You know what else is scary? Laurent Robinson’s rise for Dez Bryant and Miles Austin owners. This is flying way under the radar, but Tony Romo does not have eyes (nor chemistry) for Dez Bryant. Robinson is an Austin clone, and Romo has locked in on him. This is no fluke folks.

I’m all aboard the Murray train, all aboard. One caveat: Murray is just a rookie with an injury history.  So, please, I implore you - Felix Jones is a MUST HAVE handcuff for Murray owners.

What we think we learned:  It’s been a while since a newbie has joined the “Kickers That Will Get Drafted By Someone In Your League Too Early” club. Let’s give a warm welcome to Dan Bailey!

Let’s dive a little deeper on Matt Moore, shall we? Here is the thing: This happens. It’s not in any way unprecedented for a pedestrian QB finding himself in the right situation, with the right team and coaching to get hot for a season. I don’t think Moore is any long-term answer in Miami, but I believe the confidence and success the Dolphins are seeing with him at the helm is for real. You can believe in decent returns from the Miami running game, the return of Brandon Marshall to the upper end of WRs and, yes, Matt Moore as a serviceable fantasy QB2. Remember, he spent his previous season playing for some bad Carolina Panther’s teams.

49ers/Ravens

What we learned: Um…both these defenses are very good? The Ravens offense is slightly better than the 49ers offense? It is difficult to tell which Harbaugh brother is which? Tryptophan is taking over, making me very sleepy. Or it could be watching these offenses try to move the ball.  Either way, let’s wrap this up shortly.

What we think we learned: Ray Lewis’ presence (or lack there of) in the Ravens line-up should in no way shape your opinion of starting their intimidating and sack-rich Defense.

One note before I go: Is there anything better than being a sports fan heading into the holiday season? What a GREAT time of year for football. Rumor has it it’s not a bad week to be an NBA fan either. What would we do without sports? Probably be forced into more awkward conversations with Aunt Helen about why you haven’t had kids yet.

If this is your first time checking out my column I encourage you to go back and read the previous weeks.  It will give you a greater sense of trends. Also, you can leave comments making fun of my wrong predictions. Always good times.  See you in a few days!

The views and content in this article are not necessarily the opinion of Fantasy Football Champs, www.FFChamps.com, and its in-house experts.