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Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has been one of the top quarterbacks in football and led his team to the playoffs last season. Newton has also been one of the most dominant fantasy football QBs since he entered the league in 2011. This season however, Newton has serious bust potential and should be avoided in all fantasy football leagues.
Newton has been a dominant force fantasy wise because he scores points by running and passing the ball. This season, Newton will have a hard time doing both of those things. He won’t be able to pass the ball because he has no good receiving options. Steve Smith was Newton’s No. 1 target for years and he is now with the Baltimore Ravens. Newton now has the likes of Greg Olsen, Jerricho Cotchery and rookie Kelvin Benjamin to throw the ball to. All of those players should be locked down by other teams’ secondary.
Newton also won’t be able to run for much yardage because his offensive line is in complete shambles. Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton have retired and the Panthers have not made any significant moves to replace those players. Without that strong offensive line, Newton will not be able to go anywhere because he will constantly be getting pressured by the defense. The poor offensive line will also slow down the Panthers’ rushing attack, which will in turn hurt the passing attack.
Newton has been a dominant fantasy football player since 2011 and has had the surroundings to remain dominant. That has changed this season with a poor offensive line and receiving corps. He should still put up average fantasy football numbers this season, but unless young players emerge as top options on the outside or in the trenches, Newton will put up lower than usual fantasy numbers and be a bust for your fantasy squad.
Justin Broyles is a Pirates writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Tweets_ByJ, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
