Week 8 vs. Jacksonville
Thomas got into the end zone last week for the second time this season, but caught just three passes for 20 yards. He did see seven targets and will now face a Tennessee defense that just allowed 11 receptions for 129 yards and a score to Indianapolis' tight ends. All that said, Thomas is dealing with an ankle injury on a short week, which makes this a difficult call. Check his status on Thursday if you're intent on starting him, but this could be a game-time decision for a player not exactly known for playing through injuries.
Week 7 vs. Oakland
Thomas returned from his elbow injury that sidelined him since Week 3 and caught two passes for 28 yards. He should be even better this week. Oakland has had some rough games against tight ends this season, allowing more than 100 yards receiving to the position twice already. Thomas is a borderline No. 1 tight end start.
Week 6 at Chicago
Thomas sat out the game in London and has now had three recovery weeks, so he should be good to go this week. But which Thomas are you going to get? The one who was solid in Weeks 1 and 2 or the one who had two catches for 13 yards in Week 3? Chicago hasn't allowed more than 58 TE receiving yards in a game this season, though the Bears have given up two scores to the position. Thomas is a low-end bye-week starter this week in the hopes that he's healthy.
Week 4 vs. Indianapolis
Thomas was limited to two catches for 11 yards last week against the Ravens and is dealing with an elbow injury. He has 18 targets through three games, which isn't bad, but there are better options available this week, all things considered (even against an Indianapolis pass defense that has given up 15 tight end catches the first three weeks of the season).
Week 3 vs. Baltimore
Thomas produced 71 yards on four receptions last week, and has now put up two solid efforts to open the season after finishing strong last year. He's worked his way into the conversation as a starting-quality fantasy tight end in all formats. That said, Baltimore is traditionally tough on opposing tight ends. But feel free to start Thomas, who is more athletic than most tight ends. He's a bulked up WR playing the TE position.
Week 2 at San Diego
Five catches for 64 yards and a score was a good start to the season to Thomas. He sprained an ankle, but appears to be OK. That's the good news. The bad? He saw the same number of targets as Allen Hurns - 5 - compared to 15 for Allen Robinson. The Chargers allowed eight catches for 94 yards last week to Kansas City's tight ends. You can expect the Jaguars to try that plan of attack as well. Coming off last week's game, Thomas is a decent start this week at the tight end position.
Week 1 vs. Green Bay
Overall, Thomas had a nice second half last season, scoring in four consecutive games during one stretch and five times overall. But he's a little hit-and-miss, as his identical 2-12-0 lines in the final two weeks would suggest. Thomas is a low-end starter in all formats until he proves otherwise.
2016 Fantasy Outlook
Thomas missed four games in his first season in Jacksonville, but still managed 79 targets (the second-best total of his career). Still, he didn't come anywhere near matching his Denver days in catching just 46 passes for 455 yards and five scores. With a year in the Jaguars system under his belt, Thomas should be better. He's currently being taken as the No. 11 tight end with an ADP of 98. That sound about right for a player whose value has always been tied into his scoring after back-to-back 12 TD seasons in 2013 and 2014. It's doubtful he approaches that in Jacksonville, but he should at least catch more passes this year.
Week 17 at Houston
Thomas had been rolling along of late until last week's outing in which he got just two targets, turning them into two receptions for 15 yards. Thomas had one of his better outings of the season against Houston earlier this year, hauling in seven passes for 78 yards and a score. That was one of just five tight end scores the Texans have given up this season, but he remains a solid option if you don't have one of the TE studs.
Week 16 at New Orleans
Thomas had his scoring streak stopped at four games last week, but was still productive, catching six passes for 79 yards. He should have a field day against New Orleans' defense. The Saints have given up more passing yards to tight ends than any team in the league. Thomas is finishing this season with a flourish and that should continue this week.
