Peyton Manning, Julius Thomas' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 8

Facing one of the most prolific quarterback-tight end tandems in NFL history, Peyton Manning looked to make his own statement with Julius Thomas. Unfortunately, Thomas simply wouldn't get in the game plan much against the San Diego Chargers.

Manning didn't target his tight end at the same volume as other receivers, but he still had another huge night. Emmanuel Sanders led the team with nine catches for 120 yards and three touchdowns while Demaryius Thomas registered eight grabs for 105 yards.

Player	Rec	Targets	Rec Yards	Rec. TDs	Fantasy Points
Julius Thomas	2	6	23	0	2.3

Player	Comp-Att	Pass Yds	TD-INT	Fantasy Points
Peyton Manning	25-35	286	3-0	23.44

A week after setting the all-time passing touchdown record, the Manning train continued to roll on Thursday Night Football. Manning had at least three touchdowns for the sixth time already this season through seven games.

But the consistency for Manning stretches back much further than this season. Robert Raiola of O'Connor Davies provides a look at Manning's total numbers with the Broncos:

Normally, those touchdowns go to Julius Thomas in volume. After compiling nine touchdowns through the first five weeks of the season, the tight end came up empty for a second straight week in the end zone.

The success between the two players remains strong, even if it hasn't been there over the last two weeks. Thomas remains one of the top tight ends in the league thanks to his size (6'5", 250 lbs) and athleticism, but he is in one of the best all-around offenses in the NFL.

Expect Thomas to get back in the game plan in the coming weeks against the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams. With another chance to shine against a dynamic tight end in Rob Gronkowski, Thomas will step up next Sunday.

Manning, on the other hand, just continues to impress owners. Both remain must-starts—Manning is more obvious—as they carry the Broncos and fantasy teams to glory moving forward.

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