Fantasy Footnotes: Megatron dominates; McCoy shines; Kaepernick struggles
Every gameday during the regular season, theScore's fantasy editors recap the most important news and notes from around the league.
Megatron goes off
It had been a few weeks since Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson had one of his patented monster performances, but he certainly made up for it on Thanksgiving Day.
Johnson destroyed the Chicago Bears secondary to the tune of 11 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Megatron hadn't reached 60 yards in a game since early November, so owners were waiting for a breakout like this.
It came against a weak Bears defense and a banged up secondary, but look for Johnson to continue this run with good matchups in the next three weeks.
McCoy runs wild
LeSean McCoy's slow start to the season should be a distant memory at this point, and he is picking it up at the perfect time for fantasy owners.
The Philadelphia Eagles running back ran for 159 yards and a tocuhdown against the Dallas Cowboys, giving him consecutive performances of at least 130 yards with a score.
McCoy's improved play comes right during the postseason push and owners are hoping he saved his best performances for the fantasy playoffs.
Kaepernick with a dud performance
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had a night he would like to forget Thursday.
Kaepernick completed just 16 passes for 121 yards to go along with two interceptions against the Seattle Seahawks.
Granted, it was a tough matchup, but Kaepernick can't be trusted at this point and should only be started if absolutely necessary.
Other Notable Fantasy Lines
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
34-of-45 for 390 yards, 2 TDs
When Stafford and Johnson are clicking, the quarterback's numbers can rival anyone's at the position.
Joique Bell, RB, Lions
23 carries for 91 yards, 2 TDs, 2 catches for 16 yards
He took advantage of Reggie Bush being inactive, but Bell should, at the very least, get plenty of goal line carries going forward.
Matt Forte, RB, Bears
5 carries for 6 yards, 6 catches for 52 yards
The Bears didn't want to test a stout Lions run defense. His catches made the day somewhat respectable at least.
Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears
8 catches for 109 yards
His best outing since late September. Bennett was the benefactor of a few Cutler checkdowns that he turned into decent gains.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears
9 catches for 71 yards, 2 TDs
Jeffery now has four touchdowns in the last three games.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles
8 catches for 108 yards
Even with Sanchez at quarterback he continues to produce and went over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys
20 carries for 73 yards, 6 catches for 40 yards
It was only the second time this season he didn't reach 100 yards. The fact the Cowboys fell behind didn't help his cause.
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
18-of-29 for 199 yards, 2 INTs
Romo's protection wasn't as great this week and he looks a little hesitant in the pocket because of his ailing back.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks
20 carries for 104 yards, 1 catch for 7 yards
Lynch has run for 100 yards in three of his last four games. As long as the Seahawks get a decent lead, they are going to continue to give him 20-plus carries.
Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers
3 catches for 18 yards
A tough matchup, but a rough performance after a great outing last week.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
2 catches for 13 yards
The 49ers passing attack is struggling right now, but Davis hasn't done anything all season.
Injury Ward
Reggie Bush, RB, Lions
Bush was inactice yet again with an ankle injury and it was the second week in a row he seemed confident he would be ready. With 10 days off before their next game it's likely he'll play, but it seems like the injury is more serious than he is letting on.
Waiver Wire
Theo Riddick, RB, Lions
Riddick won't get many carries, but he has some value if you are in a deep PPR league and Bush continues to miss time. He had six catches for 54 yards against the Bears and now has 21 catches out of the backfield in his last six games.