Eleven games into the season, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are both 8-3, clearly out in front in the NFC East. Of course, with seven NFC teams at 7-4 or better and vying for five playoff spots (once you ignore the NFC South), sitting at even 8-3 is no guarantee of a playoff berth. But whichever team wins its Thanksgiving matchup will definitely have a leg up in the battle.
Eagles vs. Cowboys start/sit advice: Mark Sanchez, LeSean McCoy, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant
As good as their records are, neither Philadelphia nor Dallas looks like a safe bet for the playoffs, but a win Thursday would help.
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Several fantasy-relevant Eagles are on the week’s injury report, including wide receiver Jordan Matthews, tight end Zach Ertz and kicker Cody Parkey. All three are expected to be fine for Thursday afternoon. For the Cowboys, the only real fantasy concern is wide receiver Terrance Williams, dealing with a broken fingertip. He’ll almost certainly play, but considering his recent struggles, even a small reduction in value would be a killer.
The Cowboys will host Thursday’s game at 4:30 p.m. ET. Let’s look at the fantasy names to consider:
EAGLES
Start 'em: We finally saw a big game out of LeSean McCoy in Week 12, but even his struggles have largely been fine; he's averaged 11.5 fantasy points over his last six games. ... Jeremy Maclin's performance has tailed off a bit, while Jordan Matthews' has risen. Maclin still ranks as the better fantasy option, but the gap is closing, and both are good starts. ... Cody Parkey has had a ridiculous kicking season. ... Even against a good Dallas offense, you'd have to assume the Eagles' defense will continue its strong season.
Start 'em?: All that talk when he got the starting job about how Mark Sanchez could thrive as the starter might have been a bit overblown; he's struggled the last two weeks. He still has some decent upside, but he's just a QB2.
Sit 'em: You can't possibly start Zach Ertz unless things have gotten truly desperate. Look elsewhere.
COWBOYS
Start 'em: Once you get past the top group of fantasy quarterbacks, all the rest of the guys have warts, but Tony Romo has the fewest warts and the highest upside. He's a starter. ... DeMarco Murray is still right up near the top of fantasy running backs. ... Dez Bryant has played out of his mind lately. ... Jason Witten might not have elite upside, but he is producing enough that he needs to be started every week. ... Dan Bailey hasn't been kicking those 18- and 20-point games, but he's putting up solid numbers every week.
Sit 'em: It's been a really disappointing run for Terrance Williams -- 1, 0, 1 fantasy points in his last three. He's bordering on unownable status. ... The Cowboys' defense has been better than expected this season, but against a strong offense, it's a stay-away.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Jordan Matthews, Cody Parkey, Philadelphia defense, Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Dan Bailey
Start if you're desperate: Mark Sanchez
Bench: Zach Ertz, Terrance Williams, Dallas defense
