Happy Thanksgiving fantasy fans.  Here at the Big Red Sports Machine, we have a lot to be thankful for.  We’ve qualified for the playoffs in each of our three fantasy leagues (real men play in multiple fantasy leagues) and we’re past the halfway point to the ’15 Draft Party…err, I mean we’re thankful for our family and friends.   But being thankful isn’t going to be enough to get you in the playoffs.  That’s why we’re here.  So let’s get right to it.

Daniel Herron, RB Colts (44%)

Meet the Colts newest starting back, just in time for (your fantasy) playoffs.

With Ahmad Bradshaw out, Herron steps up as the next Colts running back to outplay Trent Richardson.  He’s in line for at least a 50/50 split, and could see more action as he’ll be starting.  Last week he had 12 rushing attempts to go along with 5 receptions.  Look for those numbers to increase this week.

The Colts play a high octane brand of football, are unstoppable at home, and are playing the forever-dysfunctional Washington Redskins.

Herron offers great upside as a flex/RB2.

Jarvis Landry, WR Miami (36%)

Tannehille’s newest weapon.

In any other year, Jarvis would be getting much more attention for his play as a rookie receiver.  But with Sammy, Mike Evans, and ODB making headlines, it’s easy to see how Jarvis got lost in the shuffle.  But his play over the last few weeks has not gone unnoticed by The Machine.

Jarvis has had 4 straight double digit games, including an impressive 2 touchdown performance against Denver last week.  His role in the offense is increasing daily, and he has established great rapport with (the vastly improved) Ryan Tannehill.  Also working in Jarvis’ favor is the Dolphins opponent this week, the forever-dysfunctional New York Jets.  Jarvis has scored in three of the past four games.  Look for that streak to continue Monday night.

Owen Daniels, TE Baltimore (45%)

Meet your starting tight end and accountant.

If you’re in a pinch at TE (perhaps you need a replacement for Dwayne Allen) Owen could serve as a serviceable stop gap.  He only has 3 tds on the year, but is still involved in the offense, getting between 4-9 targets each week.  With defenses having to focus more on the ageless wonder that is Steve Smith, that opens some lanes for Owen.

Alex Smith, QB Chiefs (38%)

Great matchup at home.

If you’re a Phillip Rivers/Cam Newton/Andy Dalton/Eli Manning owner, you may want to hand the rains over to Alex this weekend.  KC is home against Denver in what would be the game of the week (but for Green Bay/New England).  Anyway, lost in all the Peyton Manning fawning is that Denver’s defense sucks.  They have given up the fantasy points to quarterbacks.  The Dolphins exposed them last week (in Denver), as Tannehille threw for 3 tds and ran for 1.  Smith is equally shifty, and we like his chances to gain a few points on the ground.

Bonus Advice:

Fool’s gold

Do not pick up any of the following New England Patriots:  Jonas Gray, Legarrate Blount, Tim Wright.  Don’t believe the hype, but believe this:  Bill Belichick hates fantasy football, and he will fuck with you just because he can.  Two weeks ago, everyone rushed to the waiver wire to pick up Jonas Gray, fresh off his 201 yards (37 attempts), 4 touchdown performance.  How did he follow that up:  0 yards on 0 attempts.

It’s a Belichick trap!

Tim Wright (the other TE) had 2 touchdowns last week, as did newly signed LeGarrette Blount.  However, don’t be fooled.  Belichick wants you to waste a roster spot on them this week, just to show you that he doesn’t need to use them on his roster.  It’s too unpredictable to know which Patriot (not named Brady or Gronk) will be a regular contributor.  Consider yourself warned.