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DraftKings Thanksgiving Picks & Optimal Lineups for Bears-Lions Showdown

Single Entry/Cash Lineup

– CAPTAIN: Chase Daniel ($9,300)
– Kenny Golladay ($10,600)
– Matthew Stafford ($9,400)
– Tarik Cohen ($8,600)
– Theo Riddick ($7,600)
– Bruce Ellington ($2,800)

Lineup if Trubisky plays:

– CAPTAIN: Matthew Stafford ($14,100)
– Mitchell Trubisky ($11,200)
– Kenny Golladay ($10,600)
– Theo Riddick ($7,600)
– Cody Parkey ($3,600)
– Bruce Ellington ($2,800)

I'm fully expecting most to see a "safe" lineup including Chase Daniel and Bruce Ellington and have quite a few questions, which is fair. To be clear, I don't just view Daniel as salary filler, and while that may be a riskier approach than some opt to take, I think he can put points on the board.

The Lions have allowed 2,597 yards and 22 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks while intercepting just four passes all year. In short, the Detroit pass defense isn't striking fear into the hearts of the Bears offense right now, with or without Trubisky. Daniel's price is low to the point where I don't believe he just hits value, I think he'll roll over it.

Another interesting aspect of this lineup is the four Lions players together, a move typically more focused on 150-max games. With how unique and strange this showdown game is, I'd actually be fine using this lineup in a tournament. But to be clear, Matthew Stafford throws the ball a ton and with Kerryon Johnson likely out, that's not going to change.

It actually wouldn't be surprising if Stafford's attempts go up, which is eye-opening since he's thrown at least 36 passes in each of the past four games. Kenny Golladay is going to get his work, which I spoke about before, and I don't think the Bears will be able to shut him down. Then we'll pair that up with Theo Riddick as a safe option and pass-catching safety valve for Stafford against a Bears defense that can create pressure.

Ellington, if he's healthy and active, has surpassed TJ Jones in Stafford's eyes it seems. I think he's a fine play and will provide a safe floor. I have no problem with him in all formats and think what we saw from him last week was just a start.

One name I want to mention from the second line (if Trubisky plays) is Anthony Miller, as he's an interesting name. Miller is priced just $800 below Tarik Cohen and above Riddick by $200. Most will likely look at those two ahead of Miller so I may have more ownership in him than the field. He caught just 2-of-3 targets for 25 yards last game, but the man has a knack for the end zone this season.

Miller has scored in four of the last six games and five of the last eight. He's also received at least six targets in four of five games, with the lone exception being that last game in which the Bears had a lead against the Minnesota Vikings.

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The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions square off to start the Thanksgiving action in Week 12 and we broke down the DraftKings showdown picks and optimal lineups.