NFL Fantasy Football Spotlight: Cam Newton Of Carolina Panthers

Quarterbacks are among the biggest contributors to a successful NFL fantasy football campaign. While those like Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck get top billing at the moment, there is a major risk-reward factor going with the types like Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers. Quarterbacks who can throw but are just as dangerous when they run. The risk is exposing themselves to injury, but the reward is potentially combining air and ground production for maximum point value.

Russell Wilson proved that last season when he produced over 4,300 total yards and scored 26 touchdowns.

So is 2015 the season that league owners need to think about drafting Newton early? Here is an overview of the situation.

2014 Production:

3,127 yards passing
539 yards rushing
23 touchdowns
12 interceptions
248.98 fantasy points

Compared to prior years, last season was a modest one for Newton. It was his least prolific passing season for his career both in yards and touchdowns. Part of that may have something to do with the loss of wide receiver Steve Smith, but also the fact that Newton threw the fewest passes of his career as well.

That should change this coming season. He and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin enter their second year together and Benjamin shows all the signs of being a potential star who is a nightmare to cover in the red zone. Now throw in Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen and giant 6’7″ rookie 2nd round pick Devin Funchess and suddenly this offense is loaded with basketball-style targets who can box out defenders anywhere on the field.

Now you throw in the always dangerous Newton ability to run and a strong Panthers defense that figures to give him extra opportunities and it’s an ideal situation to find a top fantasy producer. He’s not quite 1st round material but owners need to start thinking about him sooner rather than later because all the signs point to a coming upswing.

Fantasy Points Projection: 315

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