Week 2: Thomas vs. Browns
Pierre Thomas rushed for 31 yards on seven carries and also caught six passes for 58 yards in the Saints' 37-34 loss to the Falcons in Week 1. Even though Mark Ingram has emerged as the team's No. 1 RB on early downs, Thomas remains the superior pass-catcher among the Saints' backs. He's a solid RB2 in PPR leagues and ranks as our No. 18 overall RB for Week 2 against the Browns.
Week 1: Thomas vs. Falcons
Pierre Thomas will continue to share time in the Saints' backfield with Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson, although he remains the elite PPR option among the trio. With a shootout expected this Sunday in Atlanta, Thomas should see plenty of touches out of New Orleans' backfield. He current ranks as our No. 29 RB in standard formats and our No. 20 RB in PPR leagues. Thus, view him as a solid RB2 in PPR formats but relegate him to a RB3 in standard leagues.
Fantasy Upside
Pierre Thomas only rushed for 549 yards with two touchdowns last year but he proved his worth both in Sean Payton’s offense and in PPR leagues by catching a career-high 77 passes for 513 yards with three touchdowns. Thomas remains the best PPR option out of the three primary Saints’ running backs, a group that also includes Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson. Even though Ingram has looked faster this preseason than at any point during his pro career, Thomas will remain an active part of the Saints’ passing game.
Fantasy Downside
The presence of Ingram and Robinson will continue to limit Thomas’ overall production. The three backs were used in a near-even timeshare in the Saints’ third preseason game, which indicated that that’s how Payton is going to use his backs in the regular season. Thus, there’s no reason to believe that Thomas will rack up more than the 549 rushing yards he churned out a year ago. His value is firmly tied to PPR leagues.
Bottom Line
Thomas is a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 in standard leagues but a solid option in PPR formats. He may not catch 77 passes again this year but he could come close. The fact that Ingram has ran well in preseason should have no bearing on fantasy owners. Payton is one of the best in the league and finding mismatches and playing to his players’ strengths. Thus, he’s going to use all three backs and Thomas remains the best option in the passing game out of the trio of backs. If you’re in a PPR league, Thomas is a solid value in the sixth or seventh round.
