Fantasy Upside
As a rookie in 2017, Michael Thomas recorded 92 catches for 1,137 yards and 9 touchdowns on a team-high 121 targets. He finished as fantasy's WR9 by total points last season and is poised to produce elite WR1 numbers again this year. The Saints are so confident Thomas can be their No. 1 receiver that they traded Brandin Cooks to the Patriots this offseason. Granted, the team added deep threat Ted Ginn Jr. to help replace Cooks, but Ginn will simply be a role player. Did we mention Thomas also benefits from playing in Sean Payton's explosive offense alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees?
Fantasy Downside
The only downside to Thomas is long term in that Brees may only have another year or two before his production falls off a cliff. Other than that, there's no downside to Thomas in 2017, provided he stays healthy.
2017 Bottom Line
Thomas is a bona fide WR1. He wound up being the perfect replacement for Marques Colston in the Saints offense and he quickly emerged as Brees' go-to target in the red zone. It's difficult to project touchdowns in fantasy, but neither Ginn nor Willie Snead have Thomas' size to work near the red zone. With Cooks now in Foxboro, look for Brees to feed Thomas all season long. That said, if you want Thomas this fall, you'll likely have to invest a second round pick on the sophomore. His current ADP in 10-team leagues is 2.05.
