NFL Fantasy Football: Will Pierre Thomas Break Out in 2010?

Pierre Thomas combined for a modest 1,095 total yards (793 rushing) and eight TDs (six rushing) last year. He entered the season with high expectations, but the start of the season was derailed because of a knee injury. He came back with a vengeance piling up 126 yards and two TDs against Buffalo. He followed that game up with 132 total yards and scored against the jets.

From there it was a mixed bag, alternating between solid and sub-par performances. He only got 12 carries in the final three weeks and 31 in the final five with just one touchdown.

Along the way, Mike Bell vultured 654 yards and five TDs and Reggie Bush added 725 total yards (390 rushing) and eight TDs (five rushing). He had over 15 carries just once during the year (Week Four vs. Jets). He seemed to pick it up a bit in the playoffs, though, rushing for 143 yards and a TD on 36 carries with 12 catches for 111 yards and two TDs.

He again enters the season with optimism thanks to Mike Bell’s departure to Philadelphia. PT is going on average with the 27th pick (16th RB). I personally have him higher (click to see my RB ratings ). He is a perfect RB for the Saints' system and picks up yards in chunks. Last year he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Despite Reggie Bush’s presence, he still managed to catch 39 passes last year.

In the nine games last year in which he had 10+ carries, he averaged 93.7 total yards with seven TDs. In six double-figure carries games in 2008 he averaged 112.8 total yards with nine TDs. He doesn’t need 20+ carries to do serious damage. As long as he gets about 15-18 touches, he is capable of putting up RB1 numbers.

Without Mike Bell stealing his carries, PT is almost guaranteed to have that kind of usage. That, of course, is provided he stays healthy.

Prediction: 1,300 total yards (1,000 rushing), eight TDs (seven rushing), 35 receptions.

What do you expect from Pierre Thomas?

 

 

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Originally published at LestersLegends.com