Ian Thomas (TE, CAR) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 15% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Greg Olsen ruled the tight end roost in Carolina for almost a decade, but now it is Thomas’ time to shine since Olsen took his talents to the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason. Fantasy general managers have avoided Thomas during their drafts this month as he was only taken in one-third of leagues. This has more to do about what he did not do last season (16-136-1) with Olsen blocking his target opportunities and people writing him off. Thomas should not be shunned, though.

Thomas is entering his third season and his first as a starter, but he showed flashes of what he can do when he is the No. 1 TE during his rookie campaign in 2018. Filling in for an injured Olsen, Thomas racked up 25 receptions for 246 and two touchdowns over his final five games of the season. While his target total will be stunted because Christian McCaffrey hogs 8-10 per game, Thomas could carve out a solid spot in Carolina’s offense this year.

Coach Matt Rhule specified the Indiana product should be able to suit up in the Week 1 matchup against the Raiders. This bodes well for Thomas considering the Raiders allowed 54.8 yards per game to TEs last season and the fifth-most fantasy points overall. In a position sparse with lots of fantasy stars, you could do worse than start Thomas, a guy who figures to have a bigger role this year with Carolina.

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice