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With Brees Back, Michael Thomas Given +300 Odds to Break Marvin Harrison’s Receptions Record

Lindsay Van Gyn

by Lindsay Van Gyn in NFL Football

Updated Mar 30, 2020 · 12:13 PM PDT

Michael Thomas
Michaal Thomas is looking to break Marvin Harrison's reception record. Photo by Dannie Walls/Icon Sportswire
  • Michael Thomas is on pace to break Marvin Harrison’s single-season receptions record
  • Thomas must secure an average of 8.88 receptions per game to break Harrison’s record
  • See the odds of Thomas breaking the record below

The hot-takes started in early September — Michael Thomas would surpass Marvin Harrison’s single-season reception record. Now, eight games in, the projection stands and the odds are at +300 in favor of Thomas stomping on Harrison’s (probably) beloved record.

With 89 targets and 73 receptions already, he is tracking for 146 so the “Over” is your bet.

Odds Michael Thomas Breaks Marvin Harrison’s Single-Season Reception Record

Result Odds
Yes +300
No -500

All odds taken Oct 30

Thomas on Pace to Surpass Record

Over the course of the Colts’ 2002 season, Peyton Manning stuck the landing with Harrison 143 times demolishing Herman Moore’s record of 123 set in 1995 and 17 years later, Michael Thomas is on pace to shatter it once again by three catches.

By his eighth game, Harrison had 69 total receptions and Thomas has 73 at the same point in the season. If the tides stay true with Brees (or Bridgewater), this is happening.

The Saints’ WR had a plan laid at his feet in September by Kyle Brandt (aka Phillip Kiriakis for all you Days of our Lives fans).

Since that Tweet, Thomas has done just that and has only dipped below nine receptions in two games. If he can continue this trend he may not only break the record but also put his name in the mouths of plenty of writers arguing that he should be considered for league MVP — except he won’t because Jerry Rice couldn’t even get the nod, no wide receiver ever has.

Michael Thomas vs Marvin Harrison

Thomas 2019
VS
Harrison 2002
73 Receptions through first eight games 69
9.1 Receptions per game 8.9
73 Total receptions for the season 143

What Impact Will Brees’ Comeback Have?

In game eight of the Saints’ season, we saw the return of the old man, Drew Brees. Even though Teddy Bridgewater helped keep Thomas on pace for 146, Brees’ return brought with it a remarkable stat: On Sunday, Thomas became the first player this year to catch every ball thrown his way when targeted more than 10 times in a game.

Quarterback Drew Brees threw the ball 11 times in the direction of Thomas, and he caught it every time — gaining 112 yards.

“Yeah, well, if he’s open then throw it to the big man, ya know,” said Brees, who helped Thomas set an NFL record with 321 catches in his first three seasons — including a franchise-record 125 last year.

YouTube video

The Saints are playing high-quality football and Brees is the type of player who knows what this record means. With perfectly articulated and exciting plays, Brees can help get this done. Bridgewater relied on Thomas in the five games he started and averaged 8.4  receptions per game. With Brees back, we thought he might spice it up and spread the love among the offense. This has not been the case and even though it’s been just the one game, Brees gifted the wideout 11 receptions.

On Sunday, Thomas became the first player this year to catch every ball thrown his way when targeted more than 10 times in a game. Quarterback Drew Brees threw the ball 11 times in the direction of Thomas, and he caught it every time — gaining 112 yards.

Over/Under Reception Odds for Michael Thomas in 2019

Total Receptions Odds
Over 120 Total Receptions -120
Under 120 Total Receptions -120

All of this to say, Michael Thomas is in good hands with his good hands. He has 70 receptions left to match Harrison and 73 to actualize the pace and predictions of the outside world. Bet on Thomas. He is one of the most reliable players for fantasy and is one of those dudes who just puts his head down and works.

He’s the Kawhi Leonard of football except for one thing but instead of the board, “ball man gets paid” and so will you.

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