Operation Domination Football · Fantasy Football Advice Network

Week 13 Injury Fallout & Start/Sit Impact | Thanksgiving Fantasy Football Updates

November 27, 2025·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Dan Mader reveals why you must put injured players in your flex spot this Thanksgiving weekend.

This episode focuses on the Week 13 NFL injury report and its fantasy football implications. Hosts Dan Mader and Dr. Brian Scott analyze key player injuries ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday games. They emphasize the strategic need for lineup flexibility due to the condensed game schedule. Baker Mayfield has a low-grade AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder, creating a 50/50 chance he plays against the Falcons. Lamar Jackson is managing a toe injury but is expected to start against the Bengals on Thanksgiving night. J.J. McCarthy remains in concussion protocol, with reports indicating Max Brosmer will likely start for the Vikings. C.J. Stroud practiced fully and is nearing clearance from his concussion protocol. Jaxon Dart practiced in full and is progressing through concussion protocol ahead of the Giants' Monday night game. Aaron Rodgers, with a wrist injury on his non-throwing hand, could play depending on the Steelers' decision. Jayden Daniels is practicing after his elbow dislocation but may not return until Week 14 or 15. Josh Jacobs is set to return from a knee issue for the Packers' Thanksgiving game. Ashton Jeanty sustained an ankle scare but practiced in a limited capacity and is expected to play. Bucky Irving is practicing in full and is anticipated to reclaim his early-down role for the Buccaneers. Austin Ekeler has entered his 21-day practice window but may share work with Chuba Hubbard if he returns. Isaiah Pacheco is likely to return from his MCL sprain, though the hosts express concerns about his matchup and touchdown upside. The hosts advise placing injured players in flex spots to maintain lineup flexibility for the Thursday and Friday games. They note that Teddy Bridgewater, if he starts for the Buccaneers, downgrades pass-catchers not named Mike Evans. A key insight is that Jayden Daniels, upon return, might be a high-end QB2 due to potential limitations in his rushing usage. The discussion reveals that Justin Jefferson's fantasy floor remains high even with a backup quarterback. They suggest Jaxon Dart's return boosts tight end Trey McBride as a top-12 option due to his target volume. The hosts highlight that the Chargers' offensive line issues and Raiders' run defense temper expectations for Austin Ekeler's immediate production. An interesting claim is that Isaiah Pacheco's role resembles a "poor man's version" of the Seahawks' backfield, with Jerick McKinnon vulturing goal-line work. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending injury expertise with fantasy strategy. The style is advice-driven, offering clear start/sit recommendations based on the latest updates. Fantasy managers navigating Week 13 lineup decisions, especially with injured stars, will find this episode essential. Listeners seeking in-depth medical analysis or those who have already set their lineups might skip it.

As heard by us

A timely Week 13 injury and lineup update with a holiday rush and a few betting promos mixed in.

The episode keeps to injury updates and lineup calls, with Week 13 urgency doing most of the work. Brock Bowers' ankle scare gets the clearest attention, then the conversation shifts to Bucky Irving's possible return and what that means for Sean Tucker and Rachaad White.

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Why you'd press play

Need a Thanksgiving-week fantasy reset before lineup lock?

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