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Cam Newton Fantasy Impact
Play Cam Newton In His First Start?
Rob writes: “Is Cam Newton a smash start this week against [Washington] (most points allowed to QB’s), or do we need a little more time before we start to trust him in lineups?”
Previte: Yes, smash start.
Newton struggled last season, though he still finished as QB20 in fantasy through 16 weeks (14 starts). His struggles were somewhat tied to the lack of weapons in New England — a pain point that was a catalyst for Tom Brady to leave during free agency — and poor scheme fit.
Newton returned to Carolina this past week and looked fantastic in his season debut after being surprisingly activated for the team's Week 10 matchup against the Cardinals. He scored twice on his first two snaps and will likely be named the Week 11 starter over P.J. Walker, though no official determination has been made as of writing.
As you mentioned, Washington is horrendous against quarterbacks and will be without both Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Newton's rushing prowess gives him a high floor and high ceiling, as the Panthers will undoubtedly shoehorn some designed runs for him at the goal line.
Newton is an excellent streaming option in this matchup and should finish inside the top 12 at the position for the week.
Make Robby Anderson Great Again
Marc writes: “Will Cam Newton make Robby Anderson relevant again?”
Previte: No, I don’t think so. Anderson looked passable in Week 10, but he isn’t a reliable, and wasn’t even reliable when Sam Darnold was actually doing well early in the season.
D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey are the only Panthers I feel comfortable rostering and starting, aside from Newton. Anderson will have good weeks, but I’d rather he have them off my roster.
Fantasy Trade Questions
Trading For A.J. Brown
Dale writes: “Would you trade [Hunter] Renfrow and Javonte Williams for A.J. Brown?”
Previte: I would. I like this trade because you’re buying low on Brown, who has had an off two weeks. He should bounce back against the Texans this week.
Williams is an interesting case. Since Week 7, Melvin Gordon’s snap percentage has been 58%, 57%, 53% and 43%, while Williams has gone from 42%, 43%, 47% and 57%. Williams has just three finishes inside the top 24 in half PPR, so I doubt you’ve been starting him on a weekly basis if you’re in contention for the playoffs.
Renfrow is also interesting. I like his rest-of-season value with Henry Ruggs out of the picture. Renfrow has seen at least eight targets in five of the last six games and has exactly seven catches in each of the last three. He remains the alpha, though Bryan Edwards will also be involved, capping Renfrow's value as a low-end WR2.
So you’re trading a WR2 and a bench player for a WR1. Makes sense to me.
Fantasy Stock Questions
Is Khalil Herbert Worth A Roster Spot?
Kenzie writes: “Can I drop Khalil Herbert?”
Previte: I’m fine with you dropping Herbert.
He was a total dud in Week 9 before the Bears’ bye with David Montgomery back. Montgomery saw 13 carries for 63 yards — more than three times Herbert’s rushes — and caught two passes for 17 yards. Herbert was barely a factor and saw four carries for 13 yards.
He is worth rostering if you have a deep bench as Montgomery’s insurance policy, but Herbert offers near-zero upside with Montgomery active.
Justin Herbert Outlook
Jason writes: “At this point, is Justin Herbert just a bench streamer? Too good to drop to waivers, but too inconsistent to start each week?”
Previte: I am not giving up on Herbert, but your assessment is correct.
He's just one game removed from finishing as the QB2 for the week. He tossed three touchdowns and passed for 356 yards in that game. I understand the frustration that he hasn’t been a reliable play, however. He has more finishes outside the top 12 than he does inside it. He has a difficult schedule coming up against Pittsburgh and Denver.
His schedule softens from Weeks 14 through 16, as the Chargers face the Giants, Chiefs and Texans over that span.
I hate rostering two QBs, but he may be worth it.
