Michael Thomas' Return is Great News For Saints' Win Total Bettors

It’s been over 550 days since Michael Thomas has played in an NFL football game. For a second, it looked like that streak might balloon this season with Thomas being placed on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) List. 

However, Thomas’s streak of 20 consecutive regular season games missed seems like it’s coming to an end; returning to practice and taken off the PUP list. That's great news for the Saints and also for New Orleans win total bettors. 

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the Saints’ win total at 8.5, with the OVER set at +105 and the UNDER at -125. Thomas’ presence – coupled with Jameis Winston’s return – may be just what the Saints’ offense needs coming into this year. 

The last time Thomas was healthy, he led the league in receptions and yards. Even with Chris Olave now there, Thomas is still the clear No. 1 option and should see well over 100 targets this season. Last year, the Saints had the worst passing offense in the league and still managed to get 9 wins. 

The Saints didn’t have a receiver catch at least 700 yards last season. Also, Marquez Callaway was the only receiver to start at least 10 games. Thomas gives their offense a Pro-Bowl production boost, which makes their plus-money OVER much more intriguing. 

Michael Thomas Helps Jameis Winston’s Stats

While Saints bettors will benefit from Thomas’ return, Jameis Winston is the direct beneficiary of him being back on the field. DraftKings currently has Winston’s season-long passing yards prop at 3,750 yards – with -110 odds on both sides. In the three years Winston has been healthy and played every game, he’s cleared that line. 

If Winston has an elite receiver like Thomas healthy and available, that number seems like a cake walk to clear. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.