Fantasy Football Week 3: QB Cam Newton Will Disappoint

Cam Newton Carolina Panthers Week 3 Fantasy Football

Getty Images

After returning from a rib injury that held him out of Week 1 action, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton showed very few signs of rust against the Detroit Lions. On the day, Newton completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 281 yards and one touchdown. Newton did not appear on the Week 3 injury report, meaning he is back to full health. Even with that being said, Newton will disappoint in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and fantasy owners should bench him if they have the option.

Surprisingly, Newton was called upon 34 times in Week 2 to throw the ball in his first week of action, a number that eclipsed nearly every game he appeared in last year. In a conservative offense with a limited amount of wide receiving options, look for that number to come down in Week 3. The Panthers will most likely lean upon their run game, with starting running back DeAngelo Williams expected to return to action on Sunday. The Steelers have given up 174.0 yards per game on the ground through two outings, ranking in the bottom three of the entire league.

The defensive matchup is also a concern for Newton, as the Steelers boast the seventh-best pass defense in the NFL through two games. Pittsburgh has given up only 182.0 passing yards per game in their first two matchups. The Panthers will have the advantage on the ground, so it should not be expected that Newton will need to air it out much.

Couple Newton’s matchup against a stout Pittsburgh pass defense and the conservative play calling of the Panthers, and signs point to Newton disappointing in Week 3. If owners can find another option at quarterback, they should seriously consider benching Newton against the Steelers.

Nicholas Sciria is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.


Share Tweet
Check out your favorite team's gear in the RantStore!

Around the Web

ZergNet