Happy Thanksgiving everybody! This Thursday holiday is without a doubt one of my favorite days of the year. Whenever it’s socially acceptable to stuff your face until you can barely get up from the table, watch football the entire day and fall asleep in front of the television, sign me up!

Thanksgiving marks a pivotal time in the fantasy football season; it means there are 2-3 weeks left in your regular season and it’s time to start planning for the postseason accordingly. If your squad is .500 or below, you’re either already out of contention or genuinely in must-win time – your playoffs basically start now. If you lose, you’re done.

If you are already basically clinched a postseason spot, then it’s time to look ahead; it’s time to figure out your lineup, backups and matchups for the playoffs. For example, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning will get a lot of teams to the playoffs, but will they be great options the final few weeks or will they be rested to prepare for the NFL playoffs? Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander, LaMont Jordan and Travis Henry appear to be essentially done for the season… these guys aren’t going to lead your team into the promise land (unless Henry avoid suspension and Jordan gets released by Oakland and signed by another team). Are they just filling up a roster spot that you could be using for somebody with more value?

It’s time to start thinking what players could have some value when you need it the most. This week, guys like Anthony Gonzalez, Kolby Smith, JaMarcus Russell, Derrick Ward and Javon Walker come to mind. Gonzalez will be playing a major role in the Colts offense the rest of the way, Smith is now the Chiefs new every-down back, Russell could start for the Raiders for the final month, Ward will likely be the Giants starter in Week 12 and Walker is expected to return after a two month-layoff this weekend.

The Weekly Forecast will get you prepped for Thanksgiving and the rest of Week 12. We’ll break down the latest on the injury report, the best and worst statistical matchups this week and some breaking changes in the depth charts heading forward. Have a great Thanksgiving and good luck with your fantasy squad.

Quarterbacks
Donovan McNabb is going to sit out Wednesday’s practice because of ankle and thumb injuries and is listed as questionable for this Sunday’s contest against undefeated New England. If he cannot go, A.J. Feeley would get the nod. It sounds like McNabb will do everything he can to play that contest. With the Patriots running up the score every week, McNabb would likely be throwing a lot so could put up some decent numbers. Continue to monitor his health throughout the week … Daunte Culpepper will start Week 12 and possibly the following week for the Raiders. But word around Oakland is No. 1 selection JaMarcus Russell could take over after that. With the Raiders 2-8, it’s time to give the kid a chance. He’s a nice pickup in keeper leagues, but don’t expect much the last month of the season … Joey Harrington will replace Byron Leftwich this week at quarterback. He’s got a personal two-game win streak, but will have to face the mighty Colts on Thursday night.

Injury List
David Carr (concussion) – might continue to backup Vinny Testaverde
Brian Griese (shoulder) – might be No. 3 QB, Rex Grossman will start
Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) – probable, will play
Byron Leftwich (ankle) – might be No. 2 QB, Joey Harrington will start
Donovan McNabb (ankle, thumb) – questionable, A.J. Feeley would replace
Steve McNair (shoulder) – will likely be emergency QB this week
Alex Smith (arm) – out for at least two more weeks, Trent Dilfer will start

Running Backs
With Larry Johnson (foot) likely done for the season and the sudden retirement of Priest Holmes (neck), the Chiefs have no choice but to turn the starting running back duties over to Kolby Smith. Holmes, who scored 66 TDs in 46 games from 2001-2003, re-injured his neck last game and decided to hang ‘em up immediately. The Chiefs have officially declared LJ, who scored 51 TDs in 42 games from 2004-2006, out for Weeks 12 and 13, and there’s a ton of speculation that he’s done for the year. With the Chiefs proven track record for their running backs, Smith is a must-own in all leagues. KC plays Oakland, San Diego, Denver, Tennessee, Detroit and the Jets in the final six weeks.

Travis Henry is expected to remain active for the Broncos until at least Monday. That’s the earliest he is expected to hear back from the league to see if he will or will not be suspended for a calendar year. If he does go down, Selvin Young will be quality RB2 the rest of the year … Grant is expected be able to start this week against Detroit in the early game Thursday. He’s been strong since taking over, rushing for 362 yards the past four games since taking over the job … With Brandon Jacobs likely out this weekend, it appears Derrick Ward will be the Giants starting RB this weekend vs Minnesota, who are allowing 76 rushing yards per game – No. 3 in the NFL. Reuben Droughns will get some action and likely the goal-line duties for the G-Men.

Stud rookie running backs Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch will likely sit out another week with their injuries. Peterson is hopeful to return in Week 13, but Chester Taylor proved he’s more than capable of handling the load with his 164-yard, three-TD rushing game vs Oakland. He’ll definitely get at least one more start, but there’s a chance Lynch could return for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. We’ll see if he’s able to practice throughout the week.

Injury List
Shaun Alexander (knee, wrist) – expected to miss Week 12, Maurice Morris will start again
Chris Brown (ankle) – questionable, might be LenDale White’s backup
Michael Bush (leg) – taken off PUP, uncertain when he’ll be activated
Frank Gore (ankle) – expected to start
Ryan Grant (ankle) – probable, likely will play Thanksgiving
Ahman Green (knee) – questionable, Ron Dayne and Darius Walker would compete for playing time
Travis Henry (ribs) – questionable, Selvin Young would replace
Priest Holmes (neck) – out for the season, expected to retire
Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) – doubtful, Derrick Ward expected to start
Larry Johnson (foot) – likely out for the season, Kolby Smith will replace
Marshawn Lynch (ankle) – questionable for Week 12, Anthony Thomas would replace
Laurence Maroney (foot) – questionable, expected to start
Willie Parker (hip) – probable, expected to start on MNF
Chris Perry (ankle) – off PUP list, uncertain when he’ll be activated
Adrian Peterson (knee) – out, but might return in Week 13, Chester Taylor will start again this week
Michael Pittman (ankle) – questionable, expected to backup Earnest Graham
Derrick Ward (ankle) – expected to start, Reuben Droughns is backup
Brian Westbrook (knee) – questionable, expected to start

Wide Receivers
Marvin Harrison will sit out another contest and there remains a lot of doubt if he’ll be able to play again this season because of the lingering knee pain. With Aaron Morehead now out for the season, it’s possible that Anthony Gonzalez could start at wideout along side Reggie Wayne. The rookie missed the past two weeks because of a thumb injury. He scored eight TDs for The Ohio State University last year and could play a prominent role in the Colts offense down the stretch.

Javon Walker, who hasn’t played since Week 3 because of a knee injury, could return to the Broncos lineup this weekend. He came through for 17 receptions and 220 yards in the first two weeks, so be sure to scoop him up if somebody gave up on him … Coles will sit out Thanksgiving’s afternoon contest vs Dallas and could miss more time afterwards. Brad Smith will start along side Jerricho Cotchery and are both decent options against the high-powered Cowboys on a holiday. Dallas is going to find the end zone - if the Jets want to compete they will be forced to do a lot of throwing.

Injury List
Troy Brown (knee surgery) – return uncertain
Isaac Bruce (hamstring) – probable, likely will play
Plaxico Burress (ankle) – expected to start
Michael Clayton (ankle) – questionable, might return this week
Laveranues Coles (ankle) – doubtful for Thanksgiving, Brad Smith would start
Terry Glenn (knee surgery) – out indefinitely
Anthony Gonzalez (thumb) – back for Week 12, might start
Marvin Harrison (knee) – doubtful, game-time decision again
Joe Horn (hamstring) – questionable, likely will not play
Chad Johnson (knee) – probable, will start
Ashley Lelie (quadriceps) – might return in Week 12
Brandon Lloyd (shoulder) – out for the season
Aaron Morehead (back) – out for the season
Santana Moss (heel) – probable, expected to start
Antwaan Randle El (heel) – probable, expected to play
Steve Smith (NYG) – doubtful for Week 12
James Thrash (ankle) – out indefinitely
Javon Walker (knee) – might return in Week 12

Tight Ends
Injury List
Dallas Clark (concussion) – questionable,
Owen Daniels (ankle) – questionable, likely will play
Bubba Franks (knee) – out, Donald Lee will continue to start
Todd Heap (hamstring) – questionable, status uncertain
David Martin (ankle) – questionable, Justin Peelle would replace

Matchups for Week 12
Toughest against the pass
1. Pittsburgh (157.4 YPG) – John Beck, Marty Booker, Ted Ginn Jr.
2. Indianapolis (164.6 YPG) – Joey Harrington, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins
3. Tampa Bay (173.0 YPG) – Jason Campbell, Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El
4. Oakland (183.2 YPG) – Brodie Croyle, Tony Gonzalez, Derrick Bowe
5. Miami (184.6 YPG) – Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes (questionable)/Nate Washington

Easiest against the pass
32. Minnesota (285.9 YPG) – Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey
31. Cleveland (272.8 YPG) – Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter
30. Detroit (256.7 YPG) – Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings
29. New Orleans (251.2 YPG) – Vinny Testaverde, Steve Smith, Drew Carter
28. Cincinnati (248.2 YPG) – Vince Young, Roydell Williams, Justin Gage

Toughest against the run
1. Pittsburgh (72.0 YPG) – Jesse Chatman, Ricky Williams?
2. Baltimore (73.7 YPG) – LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner
3. Minnesota (75.9 YPG) – Derrick Ward, Reuben Droughns
4. Tennessee (77.1 YPG) – Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson
5. Dallas (86.8 YPG) – Thomas Jones, Leon Washington

Easiest against the run
32. New York Jets (152.2 YPG) – Marion Barber, Julius Jones
31. Denver (151.0 YPG) – Cedric Benson, Adrian Peterson
30. Miami (149.7 YPG) – Willie Parker, Najeh Davenport
29. Oakland (144.2 YPG) – Kolby Smith
28. Cleveland (137.8 YPG) – Ahman Green (questionable)/Ron Dayne, Darius Walker

Week 12 Schedule
Thursday, Nov. 22
12:30pm ET Green Bay @ Detroit
4:15pm ET New York Jets @ Dallas
8:15pm ET Indianapolis @ Atlanta

Sunday, Nov. 25 1:00pm ET
New Orleans @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Jacksonville
Oakland @ Kansas City
Seattle @ St. Louis
Tennessee @ Cincinnati
Washington @ Tampa Bay
Minnesota @ New York Giants
Houston @ Cleveland

Sunday, Nov. 25 4:05pm ET
San Francisco @ Arizona

Sunday, Nov. 25 4:15pm ET
Baltimore @ San Diego
Denver @ Chicago

Sunday Nov. 25 8:15pm ET
Philadelphia @ New England

Monday, Nov. 26 8:30pm ET
Miami @ Pittsburgh