Kids just busted through the door, covered in glitter and looking to decorate as a kickoff for the big holiday weekend. Translation? There’s a bottle of Kentuckian brown water calling my name, and the second this turkey timer right here buzzes, I’m out. 

Like I tell them all the time … sometimes you get what you get, and you don’t get upset. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FANTASY LIFE FAMILY! 

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Now that it’s Black Friday—see the box below for our Cheat Sheet—it’s time to take a few moments away from that megadeal on that big screen TV for a look ahead to Sunday’s action.

Week 13 NFL Sunday Blitz

49ers vs. Browns

Cleveland’s riding high from a first-chapter longshot win in rookie QB Shedeur Sanders’ story arc — except that was against the woeful Raiders and this is Kyle Shanahan’s brain trust we’re talking about. Can the Niners’ hobbled defense make it two strong outings in a row or will Showtime go for back-to-back Brown dubs? Sorry to be too anti-climactic, but at this stage I’d be borderline shocked if Sanders even plays second-string somewhere in 2026.

Jaguars vs. Titans

Will the real Jacksonville Jaguars please stand up? If the Jags want consideration as a serious contender, they’ll need to crush Tennessee Sunday. Starting Parker Washington hinges on Brian Thomas’ status—which I am expecting, though waiting another week to start in fantasy regardless. The thing I’m most excited for is easily the encore of Brenton Strange, who looked like a beast back to peak powers with three explosive plays at Arizona. Add him now for your stretch run.

Texans vs. Colts

Houston versus Indianapolis reminds me of the saying: “Hurry up to do nothing.” I’m honestly irrationally excited for a game that might not eclipse 25 total points, the way DeMeco Ryans’ defense is playing. Obviously start Nico Collins and Jonathan Taylor, but deep down in my heart of hearts, I’m preparing for another major disappointment.

Saints vs. Dolphins

At a glance, this one could appear to be a holiday stinker—but as the industry’s high man on NO’s rookie QB Tyler Shough, I’m emotionally invested. Nothing like a bad defensive matchup to kickstart the fantasy juices. Call me crazy, but there’s a +60-point shootout brewing in South Florida. Start everyone in this game …

Falcons vs. Jets

Do we really have to dignify the Jets with any focused attention up against the holiday clock? In a race for the most chronically disappointing team of the century, it’s the Jets versus the Falcons. Yay. Start your studs and fade the rest. If anything, New York’s John Metchie III is pretty interesting in a pinch for the deepest formats—he’s now playing in 2-WR sets to go with a handful of slot targets every game.

Cardinals vs. Buccaneers

Man, I can’t wait to see the … Cardinals? Go figure—fits this wacky season like a kitchen mitt. Tampa’s on the downslide of late, and my inner monologue is telling me Baker Mayfield could miss this one (or be wildly ineffective if he doesn’t). Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett to Michael Wilson’s the new greatest show on turf. The question hanging over fantasy managers like the darn sword of Damocles is obvious. Will Marvin Harrison Jr.’s return end the party in the desert? Nobody knows, but probably yes.

Rams vs. Panthers

Remember when Matthew Stafford’s back caused such an issue during the preseason, he started taking parking lot naps in a spaceship? Yeah, me neither. Well, Sean McVay’s recent love for 13-personnel went out the window with Tyler Higbee’s ankle injury. Anyway, balance gets restored to the universe with Puka Nacua in an every-down role, making over a dozen catches Sunday. 

Vikings vs. Seahawks

Talk about polar opposites. A late slam sidelined Vikings’ QB J.J. McCarthy for this contest, and we hope he gets well soon. Whether or not it’s mercifully sparing us from being subjected to any more of his game tape is another story for a different day. A hero’s applause for rookie Max Brosmer, by the way, about to make an NFL debut versus a top-flight defensive unit that’s likely going to eat his lunch. Can’t believe I'm saying this, but I’d be looking for a healthy Justin Jefferson replacement. 

Bills vs. Steelers

Since we’re asking honest questions—what in the world happened in the Keon Coleman saga to thrust this young man from clubhouse favorite to persona non grata? Mind you, this is for a team with Super Bowl aspirations that, I don’t know, maybe could use a first-round pick with the potential to go (8-112-1) in a big Week 1 victory against the Ravens.

In related and not in any way depressing news, Buffalo waived Elijah Moore to sign Brandin Cooks. Laugh all we want, there’s a plane of the multiverse where Cooks wins leagues this winter (ducks).

Raiders vs. Chargers

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Sorry that’ll do it folks. That timer means my kids have annoyed me off the computer before I could finish explaining how Kimani Vidal breaks this Sunday’s slate! Please be safe this weekend, have fun, never drive drunk, and for goodness’ sake, reach out to someone you miss and say something nice.

GOOD LUCK!

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(Boldly) Predicting Week 13: RJ Harvey Breakout Incoming

J.K. Dobbins' season-ending injury in Week 10 appeared to open the door for the long-awaited RJ Harvey breakout. The Broncos rookie had repeatedly flashed in small samples, offering a glimpse of the Alvin Kamara-esque upside fantasy managers dreamt of when Sean Payton drafted Harvey in the second round this year. 

Alas, the breakout was not to be, at least not imminently. Harvey handled the lion's share of the Denver backfield in Week 11, finishing with 11 carries for 30 yards and 3 catches on as many targets for another 30. The 8.0 fantasy-point output was good for only an RB37 finish on the week. Jaleel McLaughlin handled 6 carries and bogarted the team's only carry inside the 5 (and scored). 

Still, the matchup against the Chiefs was less than ideal, and the usage was absolutely encouraging. If Harvey has inherited Dobbins' RB1a workload—which it appears he has—it's safe to assume the dynamic rookie can at the very least replicate the oft-injured veteran's 11.6 fantasy points per game (RB23). But there is clearly more upside here. The real question is whether Harvey's big-play ability can make up for a clear preference for Dobbins (or McLaughlin, smh) around the goal line. 

In Week 13, the Washington Commanders should allow every opportunity for Harvey to demonstrate the difference between himself and the former UDFA stealing his red zone work. The Commanders are the fifth-worst defense in adjusted fantasy points allowed to running backs. They've allowed three receiving TDs to RBs—tied for the sixth-worst mark in the league—while Harvey has splashed paydirt four times through the air on just 32 targets. Over the past two games, Washington has been gashed by fellow dual-threat backs De'Von Achane and Jahmyr Gibbs to the tune of RB6 and RB3 performances, respectively.

The Broncos are 6.5-point favorites on the road this week. Fresh off a bye and riding an eight-game winning streak, Payton should call Harvey's number early and often on Sunday night. Big plays are likely, with the potential for multiple scores. 

Bold prediction: RJ Harvey scores twice en route to a top-three fantasy finish.

Your Cheat Sheet For Today’s Eagles vs. Bears Game

Nothing celebrates commercial culture in America quite like Black Friday. It’s a day where you’re encouraged to spend oodles of your hard-earned dollars, albeit at discounted rates.

Shopping may not be for all of us, but the NFL on Black Friday? That’s something we can get behind.

The NFL will take over the day after Thanksgiving for the third consecutive season, this time featuring a matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are currently leading their respective divisions at 8-3, and it puts them behind only the Rams in the conference standings. The Eagles are listed as seven-point home favorites, while the total for this contest sits at 44.5 points (UPDATED odds can be found here).

The goal for this piece is to be a one-stop shop for all your NFL Black Friday content: game analysis, fantasy targets, and prop bets. Let’s dive right in.

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