Pierre Thomas To Contribute In 2008?

July 14, 2008 at 9:39 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Pierre Thomas To Contribute In 2008? Our sources are extremely high on New Orleans Saints back-up running back Pierre Thomas heading into 2008. Even though Deuce McAllister appears likely to be healthy enough to regain the starting role heading into Week 1, and Reggie Bush has a fire lit like never before, find out why Thomas has a fantasy football future.

Now, for the record, we like Deuce McAllister to come back and have a solid year in 2008. However, in order to get through the season, he’ll need some help pounding the rock. Most people don’t realize it but Aaron Stecker is nearly 34 years old, and while he had a few good games towards the end of 2007, he’s nowhere near as physically capable as Thomas. The 5′11″, 210 lb. former undrafted free agent out of Illinois runs extremely hard, according to our sources, and can certainly handle a full game’s worth of carries. He racked up an extremely impressive 105 rushing yards on 20 carries against Chicago in Week 17, while also catching 12 balls for 121 yards and a TD. Thomas will not have a breakout fantasy season in 2008, but he is likely to be a prime breakout candidate in 2009. At that time, he’ll be heading into his third season at the age of 24, and our sources tell us he will have a serious shot at flat out beating out McAllister for the bulk of the power rushing load in Sean Payton’s offense. Based on this news, Pierre Thomas is worthy of a dynasty roster spot.

Bryant Johnson Is The Real Deal - We’ve absolutely been high on 26 year old 6′3″ WR Bryant Johnson since he signed with the San Francisco 49ers this off-season. Not only have the Niners needed serious help at WR since the departure of Terrell Owens in 2004, but they now have offensive coordinator Mike Martz leading the passing attack. Our sources tell us that the Niners believe Johnson is the real deal, and has the talent and ability to lead the team in receptions in 2008. You may see other fantasy pundits endorsing veteran Isaac Bruce for this role, but we have every reason to believe it’s Johnson all the way. Oh, and for the record, we’re also high on TE Vernon Davis, now that the word has leaked that Martz plans to use him at WR often.

Sidney Rice To Breakout In 2008 - Our sources tell us that the Minnestoa Vikings absolutely LOVE 21 year old WR Sidney Rice. The 6′4″ former South Carolina standout is heading into his second season in the NFL, after hauling in 31 balls for 394 yards and four TDs in a solid rookie season. Not only did Rice have absolutely no help at all at the WR position, he also had to deal with a nagging ankle injury that caused him to miss the final two games of the season. We hear that his ankle is fine, and he’s developed a phenomenal chemistry with Vikings starter Tarvaris Jackson this off-season. The team is not only high on Rice, but it’s also high on Jackson. The addition of WR Bernard Berrian via free agency is expected to help both players immensely. For the record, we believe Sidney Rice is a breakout WR candidate in 2008, due to his versatility and size.

Matt Schaub Quietly Approaches 2008 - Our sources tell us not to be deceived by the fact that the Houston Texans have been pretty quiet this off-season. OC Kyle Shanahan and offensive line coach Alex Gibbs have big things in store for their offense this season, and the indirect beneficiary will be Schaub. It starts up front with an improved offensive line, led by 2008 first round pick Duane Brown, and it extends to the running game, where Ahman Green, Chris Brown, Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton will duke it out for carries, but the guy who will really come into his own this season will be the man under center - QB Matt Schaub. Due to his injury situation last season, fantasy owners have a reason to be skeptical, but if he and Andre Johnson stay healthy this year, they’ll each post ungodly huge numbers. For the record, we like Schaub as a breakout fantasy QB in 2008.

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