Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 5

The spread-it-around attack of the New Orleans Saints was on full display in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making it more difficult than ever to determine the value for players such as running backs Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson.

By the start of the fourth quarter, Robinson seemed to remain the lead back with Mark Ingram inactive thanks to his 13 totes for 33 yards. Considering the Buccaneers entered giving up just the 12th-fewest points to backs, the miserable average was to be expected.   

The passing game is where things get tricky. Through three frames, Robinson was targeted just once, which resulted in eight yards. Thomas was more active in this regard, rushing twice for seven yards and catching three passes on four targets for 38 yards and a score.

Of course, it took one final frame to get Robinson back to acceptable fantasy numbers. His 18-yard touchdown to win the game in overtime surely made those who gambled on him this week happy. The final numbers tell the whole story:

	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD	TGTS	Fantasy Points
K. Robinson	21	89	4.2	1	1	8	0	2	14
P. Thomas	4	35	8.8	1	8	77	1	10	22

But again, things are a mess in New Orleans. The fourth back on the depth chart, Travaris Cadet, hawked passing production from Thomas in that same time span, catching a pair of passes on three targets and scoring a touchdown.

In short, Robinson—one week removed from scoring what was a season-high nine fantasy points—is a superb sell-high target with Ingram due back soon. Thomas himself remains a strong FLEX play each week as long as he continues to out-touch the effective Cadet.

Again, this crop of backs should be analyzed on a week-by-week basis. With that in mind, Robinson is one to unload as his role diminishes, while Thomas is his usual self, even upon the return of Ingram.

All scoring info courtesy of ESPN standard leagues, as is points-against info. Statistics courtesy of ESPN.