Week 8 – Julius Thomas vs. San Diego Chargers
With WRs Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker combining for 14 receptions and four TDs on Sunday night, Julius Thomas was held to four grabs for 27 yards – his lowest total since Week 3 at Seattle and the first time this season he was not in the end zone. Julius is still a big part of the Broncos passing attack and has nine scores already. Keep on starting him.
Week 7 – Julius Thomas vs. San Francisco 49ers
“It’s so easy” could be heard on the TV audio after Julius Thomas second TD reception last Sunday at the Jets. The big TE collected four grabs for 51 yards and has now scored nine times – tied for the most by any player in history through five games. With Peyton Manning needing only three touchdown tosses to break Brett Favre’s NFL record, look for another big game from Thomas on Sunday night in primetime, even facing a good 49ers defense.
Week 6 – Julius Thomas vs. New York Jets
Julius Thomas caught the first and last of Peyton Manning’s four TD performance last Sunday versus Arizona. Thomas collected six catches for 66 yards on the day and has scored in all four of Denver’s ’14 games. Julius was, however, involved in a chop block that set him back some money, but no missed time. Of his 20 receptions in this season, seven have resulted in TDs. Thomas should keep it going this week at The Meadowlands against a Jets defense that yields 238 passing yards per game.
Week 5 – Julius Thomas vs. Arizona Cardinals
In Seattle two weeks ago, Julius Thomas was held to only 17 yards on three receptions, but scored his fifth TD of the season on a fourth quarter shuffle pass. Of Peyton Manning’s eight TD tosses in ’14, seven of them have gone to TEs, with Jacob Tamme collecting the other two. Thomas is a must start, even versus a Cardinals defense that is fifth best in total yards allowed.
Week 3 – Julius Thomas vs. Seattle Seahawks
What a start Julius Thomas is off to in ’14. He scored his fourth TD already versus the Chiefs last Sunday, totaling 39 yards on four grabs. Even with the Denver offense spending much of the day on the sidelines as Kansas City was eating up the clock, the big TE had a good day including catching the first quarter score. Antonio Gates scored three times last week against the Seahawks, so be sure Thomas remains in your lineup.
Week 2 – Julius Thomas vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Julius Thomas got off to a great start last Sunday against the Colts, grabbing seven passes for 104 yards and three TDs – all in the second quarter. Peyton Manning looked for the athletic TE eight times and Julius showed why he’s one of the best in the game at his position. Thomas played in only one of the two games against the Chiefs last season, registering 43 yards and a TD in a Denver victory. After his performance in Week 1, do you even have to question whether to start him on Sunday?
Week 1 – Julius Thomas vs. Indianapolis Colts
After a huge ’13 season, Julius Thomas will again be a featured part of the Denver offense, especially with Wes Welker out. In the loss to the Colts last season, Thomas totaled 41 yards and a TD and should see plenty of looks from Peyton Manning in the opener. Julius definitely needs to be in your starting lineup.
Fantasy Upside
What a breakout season Julius Thomas had in ’13. After registering only one reception during his first three NFL seasons, the former college basketball player posted huge numbers – 65 grabs for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was targeted an average of over six times per contest. Julius’ versatility and athleticism allowed him to be a crucial weapon in the Broncos offense. And, being a 6’5” and 250 pound TE that can run (he had a 74-yard TD at San Diego), he’s a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.
Fantasy Downside
Julius did have a knee injury late in the season that caused him to miss two contests. With so many weapons on the Broncos roster, Thomas will still have to share in Peyton Manning’s pass distribution.
Bottom Line
With Eric Decker no longer on the roster, Thomas may see even more looks from Manning this season. The Broncos will try to utilize him more creatively now that he has a better understanding of the offense. If he can stay healthy, Julius has a chance at having an even bigger season, possibly eclipsing 1,000 yards. We have him as the No. 3 fantasy TE on the board and he should finish with over 900 yards, again posting double-digit TDs.
