Week 9 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Cam Newton has been inconsistent all season, and he didn’t do much against the Bucs last week with only 154 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. Cam adds an average of 31.9 rushing yards to his total each week, however, which helps him overcome weeks when he has subpar passing numbers.
This week, Cam faces a Falcons defense that has been very average against the pass this season, ranking 14th in passing yards allowed per game and tied for 16th in passing touchdowns given up. Cam is too talented to sit, and in a decent matchup, expect him to rebound. We have him ranked inside our top-10 this week.
Week 8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cam Newton only had 211 yards and a pair of interceptions in a forgettable game against the Bears last week, but he added 50 yards on the ground, salvaging what could’ve been a disastrous fantasy outing.
The Bucs rank 24th in the league in scoring defense and are tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed this season, so Cam has an excellent matchup this week. Because of his ability to add rushing totals to whatever he gets through the air, he’s a valuable starter each week, but especially when facing a struggling defense.
Week 7 at Chicago Bears
Cam Newton had a rough game against the Eagles last week, throwing 3 interceptions and running for his life behind a shaky offensive line. He did salvage the day throwing a touchdown pass and by running for 71 yards and another touchdown, but he’ll need to take better care of the ball if he’s going to get back to his MVP form from two seasons ago.
This week, Cam faces a Bears defense ranked 25th in the league, allowing 24.7 points per game to opposing teams. Cam should be able to rebound from his interceptions last week and take advantage of a promising, but still young Chicago defense. Cam should be active in all leagues each week.
Week 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
After only two touchdowns and four interceptions through his first three games, Cam Newton has thrown for 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception in his last two outings, including 3 touchdowns against the Lions last week. Cam has 2 rushing touchdowns on the season, the Panthers are 4-1, and he’s looking healthier each week.
This week, Cam faces an Eagles defense that held the Cardinals to only seven points last week, but is allowing the fourth-most yards per game to opposing passers. With Cam looking sharp, and a nice matchup, he should be an excellent option in all leagues.
Week 5 at Detroit Lions
Cam Newton finally showed up this season against the Patriots last week, throwing for 3 touchdowns and rushing for another while pulling off the upset victory. Newton also threw for 316 yards and added 44 on the ground, harkening back his MVP days of two seasons ago.
This week, Newton has a tough matchup against a Lions defense tied for fourth in the league in points allowed per game and is second to only the Ravens with 7 forced interceptions. Still, Newton's ability to contribute in the running game makes him a viable starter in any week, regardless of matchup. We have him as a fringe starter in all league formats.
Week 4 at New England Patriots
Cam Newton has been terrible through three weeks, including a miserable 167-yard, 3-interception performance against the Saints defense last week. Cam did run in a touchdown last week, but the Panthers offense has struggled so much that it’s hard to trust him until the team gets back on track.
This week, Cam has some upside against the Patriots, who have allowed the most passing yards in the league so far this season. However, if you have the opportunity to stash him away on your bench for a few weeks while the offense tries to figure things out, that might be the better option.
Week 3 vs. New Orleans Saints
Cam Newton didn’t do much against the Bills last week, putting up 228 yards through the air and 27 yards on the ground, but failed to lead the offense to any touchdowns in a dull 9-3 victory. Cam is still looking to find an offensive rhythm after two weeks and will miss reliable TE Greg Olsen, who broke his foot on Sunday.
Cam should have an easier time this week versus a Saints defense that has given up 777 yards and 6 touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks through two games this season. The Saints made Sam Bradford look like a Hall of Fame quarterback in Week 1. Expect the Panthers offense to find room against the league’s worst pass defense this week, and for Cam to be a QB1 in all formats.
Week 2 vs. Buffalo Bills
Cam Newton started the season with 171 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, and an interception in a lopsided win over the 49ers last week. The Panthers ran the ball 38 times—including 6 rushes by Newton—and they threw the ball 25 times.
This week, Cam will face a Bills team that shut down the Jets offense last week, but who were tied for 16th in points allowed last year. The Panthers should shake off a bit of the rust this week, benefiting Newton. While he wasn’t effective running the ball in Week 1, gaining only three yards, he should continue to be a dual threat option throughout the season and a solid weekly starter at the quarterback position.
Week 1 at San Francisco 49ers
Cam Newton is coming off a down year, but he was banged up all last season and lacked consistent playmakers on offense. This season, he’ll have increased speed around him with the additions of rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel, he still has All-Pro tight end Greg Olsen, and the big and physical Kelvin Benjamin will be a big part of the offense on the outside. If he stays healthy, Newton should be in for a bounce back year.
This is a good week to start Newton. The 49ers gave up more points per game than any other team last season, and while they added some talent to their front-seven in the draft, it’s unlikely they’ll make an immediate jump to respectability. Cam appears to be ready to go after resting for much of the preseason. He should be active in all leagues this week.
Fantasy Upside
Cam Newton has the ability to be the top quarterback in all of fantasy football. He was amazing in 2015, and has always been a dual-threat option at the position. The Panthers added much-needed playmaking to the offense with rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel, who should open up the defense a little and allow Cam more room to operate. After a down season last year, top receiver Kelvin Benjamin will be two years removed from his torn left ACL injury that forced him to miss the entire 2015 season, and the Panthers return Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen. Cam will have more weapons to work with than ever before. Carolina’s offensive line is below-average but added Matt Kalil in the offseason. Expect the speed of the offense to help the protection this year.
Fantasy Downside
2016 was a rough season by Cam Newton standards. After a dominant 2015 season where he accounted for a total of 45 touchdowns, he had only 24 last season. He also threw 14 interceptions last season, most since his rookie year, and ran the ball less often and less effectively. Cam looked hurt most of the year and even missed a game. With his physical style of play, he’s always an injury risk. The coaching staff says they want to continue to limit his rushing attempts, which could hurt his fantasy value considerably.
2017 Bottom Line
Newton’s game may not age well, but he’s still in his prime at 28 years old. If he can stay healthy and find his shiny new playmakers, he should be in for a bounce-back year. While a limited role in the running game might keep his rushing totals more on par with 2016 than 2015, there’s reason to hope for more passing production in 2017. His ADP puts him in rounds six and seven in most leagues, where he should be a nice value.
