Thanksgiving is a day full of food, football and fantasy contests. Not only are you encouraged -- obligated, really -- to sit in front of the television and enjoy the games during and after a giant meal, but it occurs at a time when the schedule still means something for most teams, both real and imagined.
While you take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life (and you really should do that) you can also wave a turkey leg in salute of the good things happening in the NFL.
Be thankful for Peyton Manning. Following his record-breaking regular season in 2013, most analysts started their 2014 predictions with "while he won't approach last year's numbers." Well, guess what? He's approaching last year's numbers. Close enough, anyway: On pace for nearly 5,200 yards and 50 touchdowns. It almost doesn't seem possible. Be thankful you get to see him play in what, inexplicably, seems to be the prime of his career.
Be thankful for receivers like Mike Evans, Martavis Bryant and Odell Beckham, Jr. Should be fun watching these guys for the next decade or so, not to mention watching them score points for your team. Just when it looks like some of the top receivers are slowing down, a new crop is right there to pick up the slack.
Be thankful for the waiver wire. From spot starters to legitimate fantasy saviors, most leagues had an abundance of undrafted talent available. If you were paying attention (and got a little lucky) you could replace just about any position on your team and not miss a beat.
Be thankful for Josh Gordon. I know, it was just one week. He could get hurt of disappoint the rest of the year. But after taking up a valuable roster spot and providing nothing most of the season, seeing him unleashed in his first game back was like opening a present on Christmas Day. Now we'll see if the present came with enough batteries to last through the fantasy playoffs.
Be thankful for the Philadelphia Eagles. This one is directed at Mark Sanchez. The City of Brotherly Love has rejuvenated his career. Same thing with Legarrette Blount and the New England Patriots. Where would he be without them?
Be thankful for automatic playoff berths for division champions. If your favorite team is in the NFC South, you should raise a glass to still being in the playoff hunt. Every team -- even the 2-9 Buccaneers -- are still contenders to not only make the playoffs, but host a game. A lot of good teams in more-competitive divisions won't be thankful, but for those four, it's a great time to be 4-7 or worse.
Be thankful to be in leagues that matter. Give some thought to your less-fortunate fantasy brethren who are either stuck in leagues with strangers, or owners who don't really care. I had one league dissolve after week 9 because the Commissioner got the settings wrong, and everyone simply got their money back and went their separate ways. It was like nobody cared.
Instead of getting frustrated, I became grateful for leagues where people actually want to be part of something fun. If you're in one of those, regardless of your record, be very thankful.
Be thankful for your family, who puts up with your hobby. It can take up hours during your week, ruin your Sunday and keep your Monday nights occupied for months. All for a possible payout that, in most cases, is embarrassibly low when calculated in dollars per hour.
But they nod their heads politely when you discuss the finer points of a potential trade and pretend to root for (or against) players in games that don't matter to them. Or perhaps they shake their head as you debate which quarterback to start all week long. Maybe they just let you do your thing and count the days until February. However they respond, you should probably be thankful.
Everyone needs a hobby or a way to relax, but sometimes we can go overboard with fantasy football. Every minute we spend on pretend teams is a minute we don't spend doing something else with loved ones. Nothing wrong with that, but let's appreciate their patience and support, and make sure we let them know how important they are. And Thanksgiving is a great time to do that.
At least during TV timeouts. I'm kidding. I am kidding, right? Anyway, good luck this week.
What has you thankful this football season? Share your thoughts below.