Cam Newton rewards fantasy owners who trusted him with huge game
The quarterback struggled mightily a week ago, but bounced back with his best game of the season Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
US PRESSWIRE
A week after a disastrous game against the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton bounced back in a big way Sunday, accounting for four touchdowns as his team beat the Minnesota Vikings 35-10. Newton threw for three touchdowns and rushes for a fourth.
In Week 5, Newton threw for 308 yards, but had no scores and three interceptions. While he was held to 242 yards passing (on 20-for-26 throwing) Sunday, Newton's four touchdowns matched his season high, set in the Panther's Week 3 38-0 beatdown of the New York Giants.
Fantasy impact: Newton’s fantasy season has been tough to pinpoint so far. He has alternated good and bad games, with the season-opening game against Seattle and the Giants and Vikings matchups all having passer ratings of at least 97. On the other hand, Newton had only a 79.8 passer rating against Buffalo in Week 2, and he bottomed out at 47.8 last week against Arizona. No matter how you slice it, though, his 143.4 passer rating Sunday was dominant.
Two of Newton's passing touchdowns, as well as his rushing score, were all from within the ten-yard line. His fourth score came on a 79-yard pass to Brandon LaFell, with him Newton has connected for long touchdowns multiple times earlier this season.
With upcoming games against St. Louis (a generally poor defense) and Tampa Bay (typically a better unit, but one that gave up 31 points to Nick Foles and the Eagles on Sunday), it seems as likely as anything that Newton's good times will continue for at least a couple more games.
• Week 6 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
