It’s time for my favorite weekend of the NFL season. In Week 13, we have three games on Thanksgiving Day now, and that’s been the case for the past few seasons now. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have traditionally played every year, of course, and now we have grown accustomed to the night game, which is a rotation of teams.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family, loved ones, etc. I am thankful for you coming to read each and every week, and if you’re having success, I hope that this column has been a small part. And, if you’re having a rough season like I am, with a new guy seemingly acquiring a season-ending injury each week, well, blame somebody else – ha.
Not only do we have the three Thursday games, but for the second straight season we have a Black Friday contest, too. That’s exciting, but it can be a little hectic if you’re focused on other things, perhaps with family in town, and you forget to set your lineup. Make a point do so early, so you can worry about what’s important.
The weather forecast for Sunday Night Football in Buffalo looks exciting, too. They’re calling for light snow and/or snow showers all the way up until about 8 p.m. ET, or right around kickoff. It should make for some interesting tailgate action for Bills Mafia, and we’ll likely see the fans in the stands throwing snow in the air when celebrating. However, we might simply have just flurries or an occasional light snow shower during the game. That’s unfortunate if you were hoping for a snow-globe game, like in Cleveland last Thursday night. We’re still a few days out, though, so a lot can change.
Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.
Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.
Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 13: