Insights and Tips for Dominating the Turkey Day DraftKings Slate
Thanksgiving week is here, and as any devoted football and DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) fan knows, this is one of the most exciting times of the NFL season. Not only do you get to enjoy four jam-packed days of football, but you also have a special opportunity to dominate the Thanksgiving DFS slate on DraftKings. In this post, we’ll break down key strategies to keep in mind, as well as insights from the experts to help you build the perfect DFS lineup for this festive week.
Understanding the Thanksgiving Day Slate
Thanksgiving’s DFS slate is unique because it encompasses only three games, compared to the usual Sunday slates. This concentrated sample size makes it more challenging and, at the same time, more exciting because “anything can happen.” With only six teams in play, finding those hidden gems and structuring your lineup becomes even more critical. As guest Quinten mentioned during the podcast, it’s more akin to a primetime showdown lineup than a full Sunday slate, making it a completely different beast to tackle.
Key Strategies for Thanksgiving Day DFS
Get Weird with Your Lineups
One of Quinten’s main tips was to “get weird.” In a three-game slate, weird things happen, and those unexpected outcomes can be your ticket to a winning lineup. Citing an example from last year, he mentioned how top-tier players like Cee Dee Lamb were outscored by more obscure players like Curtis Samuel. So, feel free to diversify your picks. Embrace the underdogs, the second-stringers, and those players who might not be in anyone else’s lineups.
Order Matters
Another key piece of advice was to pay attention to the order of the games. The Thanksgiving slate offers breaks between each game, allowing you to reassess and adjust your picks as more information becomes available. If your initial lineups aren’t performing as expected, leverage this time to swap out underperforming players for those with higher upside in the remaining games. This mid-game adjustment can serve as a game-changer for your lineup’s success.
Breaking Down Each Game
Bears vs. Lions
Detroit is heavily favored in this matchup by 10.5 points, but both Quinten and Judy believe that the Bears can make it more competitive than the spread suggests. Caleb Williams, Chicago’s QB, has shown promise, and it’s likely he’ll be playing from behind, making him a valuable pick. They both agreed that Williams’ increased rushing opportunities and the offensive changes led by Thomas Brown make him even more appealing.
On the Lions’ side, David Montgomery is worth considering, especially with the potential “revenge factor” against his former team. There’s also buzz around Detroit’s deep-threat receiver, Jameson Williams, who could thrive against the Bears’ secondary.
Giants vs. Cowboys
Dallas is favored by 3.5 points in this matchup, but with the Giants’ QB situation up in the air, this game could go in several directions. Judy and Quinten discussed the possibility of Drew Locke stepping in, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Even with the uncertainty, certain Giants players like rookie wide receiver Neighbors and running back Tyrone Tracy could offer value. On the Dallas side, C.D. Lamb and their tight ends, especially Shoemaker, stand out as solid picks.
Dolphins vs. Packers
Initially appearing as a high-scoring game, weather conditions (18 degrees in Green Bay) could significantly impact Miami’s performance. Historically, the Dolphins struggle in cold weather, making this a prime opportunity to lean towards Packers’ players. Josh Jacobs surfaces as a must-play, given his recent form and the game conditions. Additionally, considering options like Christian Watson or Dontavian Wicks as deep threats could diversify your lineup effectively.
Join the Free Contest!
We’re hosting a free DraftKings DFS contest this Thanksgiving week, complete with a prize pack! Whether you’re a seasoned DFS player or a newcomer looking to spice up your football viewing, join in and put these insights to the test!
