Week 15 vs. New Orleans Saints
Ian Thomas had a nice game last week against the Browns, catching nine passes for 77 yards and leading the team with 11 targets. Thomas should be added in all dynasty league formats with Greg Olsen’s future up in the air, and he’s a decent streaming option in deep, redraft leagues.
This week, Thomas will face a Saints defense that has actually allowed the fourth-least fantasy points per game to the tight end position this season. Thomas is risky as a rookie in a tough matchup, but in what could be a shootout, an increase in targets might make Thomas worth gambling on as a streaming option.
Week 14 at Cleveland Browns
Ian Thomas had five catches for 46 yards last week against the Buccaneers and he’ll be the starting tight end for the Panthers now that Greg Olsen is injured and set to miss the remainder of the season. Thomas has shown flashes, but failed to eclipse three catches and 38 yards in four games earlier this season with Olsen out, making it hard to trust him down the stretch. Thomas has some upside and is a good dynasty stash, but should probably be left on waivers in most redraft leagues.
Week 6 at Washington Redskins
Ian Thomas caught three passes for 38 yards against the Giants last week. There are rumors that Greg Olsen may suit up against Washington this week. Even if he doesn’t, Thomas has limited fantasy value. He’s yet to make much of an impact replacing Olsen in the starting lineup. While he still has value in dynasty league formats as the possible heir-apparent to Olsen, it’s clear he’s not yet ready to make a fantasy impact. Leave him on waivers.
Week 5 vs. New York Giants
Ian Thomas hasn’t been a major factor in the passing game for the Panthers, even with Greg Olsen sidelined with a foot injury. He caught only three passes for 20 yards in Week 3 against the Bengals, and there’s no reason to expect those numbers to increase this week after the bye. Thomas is a speculative dynasty add only, and he should remain on waivers in the vast majority of leagues.
Week 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ian Thomas didn’t get off to a great start against the Falcons last week, catching only two balls for 10 yards. It’s possible he improves as the season continues and his status as a solid dynasty pickup remains strong, but his week-to-week potential as a difference-maker in fantasy lineups is minimal. Until he shows it, he should remain on waivers.
Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons
With Greg Olsen sidelined with a fractured foot again, rookie Ian Thomas will have a chance to prove he has what it takes to be a starter. He only gained four yards last week against the Cowboys, but he caught both passes thrown his way and caught five touchdowns last season for Indiana. This week, Thomas has a chance to start against the Falcons, but as a rookie with very little experience facing a defense that held Zach Ertz to under 50 yards last week, fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with him and look to another streaming option.
