Michael Thomas Fantasy Football Outlook (2023)

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Fri, Sep 1st 2023, 10:36am EDT

The limited three-game sample we got with Thomas returning to the field last year was promising. Unfortunately, his season was cut short by another injury, but at least he resembled shades of his former self. Thomas had a 19.6% target share and a 33.3% endzone target share. Thomas wasn't a full-time player, though, as he saw only a 77.3% route run rate which could also speak to his health. If he wasn't fully healthy at any time last year, it would make sense for the team to limit his snaps some trying to conserve him. Thomas managed a 22% target per route run rate and 1.73 yards per route run. Those aren't mind-blowing numbers, but they are solid. With a strong red zone role, he could still produce a WR3 season with those peripherals. Derek Carr should offer an upgrade in quarterback play and overall efficiency of the offense in Big Easy this year. Thomas could turn into a high-floor option, but crafting an upside or ceiling scenario for him in 2023 is difficult.